In article , Charlie wrote:

On Thu, 26 Feb 2009 18:43:31 -0700, "SteveB"
wrote:

Would it
be better to just plant these seeds directly in prepared ground, or get some
peat pots and give them a head start in a protected area.

The jury may be out on this still. Tomatoes that come up volunteer
seem to do as well as transplants, for me. Same for some herbs.

I wonder why? Perhaps transplant shock is a variable. Then there is
rotation of the plant for sun light. I mark plants for transplant so
the light is the same. Then there is the earth and nurturing or rotting
about that says grow amongst all the dead and decaying. Surely gardening
is a mystery. Plant a seed and it rots but may revolt and go for the
light.

Bill

The big advantage to starting seedlings is being able to do something
when you really want to be outside playing in the soil! ;-)

Watching and nurturing your babies in peat pots is satisfying and a
learning experience as you are daliy watching their early development.

--
Garden in shade zone 5 S Jersey USA