Really Stupid Question, Sorry...

[Bex]

I'm really sorry about this but I've received some seeds and on the pack it just shows the year split into seasons and the seasons split into three for the months and the sowing information is just a line in whatever month. What month is the first month of winter (cringes with embarrassment) in my head it is December.

[sewer rat]

Don't know why you are cringin' with embarrassment Bex - got me stumped too , but if I had to hazard a guess I'd say December as well. What seeds are we talking about here ?

[Bex]

I ordered some from the Italian Seed Company, Romaine Lettuce and various peppers. If I can peg when winter starts I can work out when to sow.

I just felt it was a really basic question but maybe it wasn't so daft afterall.

Thanks for your help

[Earthbabe]

I'm with Rat on this and will go for December as the first month of winter at September is first month of autumn and March first month of spring. Hey that just leaves June as first month of summer and it works!

I've got some seed that was brought back from Italy for me and I've had the same problem in the past. It does get a bit confusing when trying to think on the spot and being used to the nice clear month thing on english packets.

[Bex]

Thanks Earthbabe, December it is. My lettuce can be sown in December and my mouth is watering already, I love Romaine lettuce.

[Earthbabe]

Italian seed is great for our winter because the winter in northern italy is similar to ours (or so I am told) so you should have lots of luscious lettuce to see you through.

I love Romaine too. Would you like some mixed chicory (endive) seed to go with it?

[Bex]

Mmm, yes please Earthbabe

[Palustris]

Winter begins on December 21st.

[Bex]

Wow, thanks Palustris thats very precise.

[Mrs Dobby]

Winter starts officially on the Winter Solstice, or Yule, which is usually the 21st Dec, but can be a day later, depending on the position of the sun!

[JazzDuke]

Italian seed is great for our winter because the winter in northern italy is similar to ours (or so I am told) so you should have lots of luscious lettuce to see you through.

I love Romaine too. Would you like some mixed chicory (endive) seed to go with it?

On the other hand if the seed is from the always mild, south of Italy, where San Marzano is, in Puglia for example.....