The reason I tried plug plants was I imagined I would get an earlier
start. Any thoughts or advice for the future?

I buy plug plants every year Bill. I order in January from Gardening
Direct
This year I had 100 Geraniums ( Maverick Orange for a change) and dark
blue Lobellia as an edging.
They were delivered in mid-March and have done very well in the greenhouse
with the heater programmed to only come on to keep it frost free. I also
use fleece over the plants for a couple of weeks.
--
Jamps.

I have used Gardening Direct for plug plants and have always had 100%
success with them. just follow the instructions that come with the plants.It
helps if you have a greenhouse or anywhere that is frost free.

kate