Question
I live in northern Wisconsin and would like to propagate a sugar maple tree.  I took some of the seeds from the tree last year and put them in a pot.  They did sprout.  I left the pot outside over the winter and it appears they did not make it.  I would like to have them grow in a pot for quite a while as I would like to give them to my children and siblings after they have been established.  The tree was planted by my father about 40 years ago and has a great deal of sentimental value.  Any suggestion on growing maple sugar from seed would be greatly appreciated.

Answer
Hi Jean,
Thanx for your question.  Please note that if your father's tree is a hybrid, the seedlings will not come true to the parent plant due to hybridization.  With that said, I would go ahead and do what you did last year.  Sprout your seeds and as they become larger, separate them to separate pots.  When winter comes and they start going dormant, keep the pots in the garage.  Even though the garage may be cold, it will not be as harsh as the outdoor Wisconsin winter.  Keep the pots watered because they will not have access to rain or snow being inside.  They must also not be allowed to warm up before spring.  This should protect the seedlings until next spring.  By the second fall, they should be hardy enough to plant outdoors or leave outdoors in pots.  Just remember to put the pots somewhere where they are protected from the harsh north winds.  I hope this helps.
Tom