mkr5000 said:
In the zone 5 when a plant goes to seed in late summer or fall I need to
know how best to get more plants to germinate from the seed.


Depends. Some seeds won't germinate without experiencing winter
conditions. So you would have to recreate those conditions with any
seed you gather (a process called stratification).

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stratification_(botany)

Take coneflower for instance.

Echinacea doesn't need stratification, seeds need darkness and germination
temperature range is 70-75 F.

Rudbeckia needs some statification, then light and temprature of 70-75 F.
So you would surface sow these onto moist potting soil and refridgerate
for two weeks (or put the seeds into a bag with a source of moisture for
the same amoung to time, then surface sow).

Best reference I know of for raising flowers from seed:

/From Seed to Bloom/ by Eileen Powell.

http://www.amazon.com/From-Seed-To-B.../dp/0882662597
--
Pat in Plymouth MI

"Yes, swooping is bad."

email valid but not regularly monitored