But, here goes: I just moved to the mountains in western NC. I have 3 acres with good sun. I just built a 12X12 greenhouse (unheated so far).

I am going to put in a 4000SF vegetable and flower garden (40X100) using 2X12 raised beds of different designs. I want it to be functional, yet aesthetically pretty.

I am wanting to start all my veggies and flowers from seed because the selection is just too good to pass up. The raised beds will be a good mixture of topsoil and compost. I will be sure the PH and nutrients are correct.

My questions basically revolve around growing from seed. I've never done this. If you were just starting out; how would you begin? I would like to say "money is no object", but it is. I can afford good materials, but resources are not unlimited.

I am looking at starting seeds in plug trays like these: https://www.teksupply.com/farm/supplies/ProductDisplay?catalogId=10053 &storeId=10001&productId=404384&langId=-1&division=TekSupply&pageId=It emDetail&isDoc=N (???). I hadn't planned on using a heated mat; but instead controlling temperature with shop lights (fluorescent). Should I get the humidity domes? If so, how do I know when to open/remove them? I was looking at these: https://www.teksupply.com/farm/supplies/ProductDisplay?catalogId=10053 &storeId=10001&productId=404378&langId=-1&division=TekSupply

I am sorry for rambling, but would love any/all suggestions. I figured many of you have experience and have said "if I could start over, I would do this". I would love to hear what you'd do.

Thanks in advance and I hope you will forgive me for such elementary questions.

bob

The most economical method is winter sowing. There is a GardenWeb forum specific to winter sowing where you can ask all the questions you like. They're a very friendly, helpful & supportive group of folks who grow from seed--annuals, perennials, herbs & veggies, including tomatoes & peppers, with phenomenal success. There's no cost for lights, there's no damping off disease and no hardening off required. It's all completely natural and according to Mother Nature's calendar.

As long as you're just beginning, you may as well get off to a fantastic start. I hope you'll at least consider there might be something other than "the way it's always been done." Since the cost is virtually ( ), I hope you're at least curious about it.