[Joy]

Sorry for the BTB---

I can't remember who was planning on starting their own seeds, but I have done that for years and here are a few tips that work for me.
I think the two important things for being successful at starting your own seeds are light and heat.
My Dh made me a shelf many years ago (similar to metal shelving you can buy) that I have in the basement. He hung 4 ft long shop lights ( I use regular florescent lights, not special grow lights) on adjustable chains above each shelf so I could change the height of the light as the plants grow. I found keeping the light low to the plants help prevent leggy plants that are stretching to light. I also had heat pads (mine were leftovers from the farrowing house, but I have seen similar ones in gardening catalogs) on every shelf to help give the necessary heat needed for seedlings to grow. I think that heat pads are worth the investment as I had few problems with damping off and better germination rates using them.
I start seeds in larger containers and then transplant seedling after they have their first two sets of true leaves into individual pots. I place the pots in trays and then do all of my water from the bottom. This encourages good root growth and seems to help prevent damping off also.
Check your seed packages for their recommendations as to how early you need to start plants inside (also is it good to know how early your climate allows you to plant outside). Do not start plants too early. I have found that a small healthy seedling will take off and grow faster than an overgrown one that was in the house too long.
If you do have problems with damping off (when healthy seedling seem to wither and die over night) I have used a weak brew of chamomile tea to water with. I would start using the tea at the first sign of trouble and continue it for a few days. It did seem to work for me. I also believe that water seedling from the bottom makes a big difference in their over all health.
Another tip for re-using pots from year to year. I always wash all pots and trays every year with a weak solution of water and bleach. Knock off any remaing dirt in the pots and then place them in a sink or large container containing the bleach water. I usually let the pots soak for a bit before washing, rinsing and letting them air dry. This step is well worth the healthier plants you will have.