When it is cold and wintery outside.....this is a wonderful time to start your spring garden....from seed, inside.  I purchase Jiffy pots (Walmart or any garden center.....24 for about $5.00). When the last frost is past..... if started now or soon....you should have plants with about 4 leaves on them...they are ready to be put in the ground, garden or a large container. Place the plant and the pot in the soil because the pot decomposes. This does not disturb the tender roots like regular transplanting would. So when spring arrives...you will have plenty of good-sized plants. I have seen catalogs where you can purchase the plants......this way of starting your own plants from seed is a lot more cost effective!  You do not have to have "grow lights" to start the seeds. I just put mine by a South window. As with ALL seeds germinating make sure that the soil is kept moist (not soggy wet) AT ALL TIMES. It should not dry out....not even once or seeds will not grow.