We just started seeds under lights, and I am going the route advocated
in previous posts - direct sow the greens, and start the longer-to-
fruit plants indoors. I'm in a 5B zone, so still have about 2 months
until last frost, but we do have our peppers, several perennial
ornamentals, and our early season broccoli going under lights. As for
the slugs, have you tried natural/organic deterrents - like getting a
bunch of coffee grounds and spreading them in a thick perimeter around
your veggie beds, or water in the morning to keep the beds dry at
night.

Tis the season!!