Propagation: Newbee to seeds needs help please!, 1 by Debbie2007

Debbie2007 wrote:
This will be my first try at planting seeds for some of my annuals and perennials. Is it easier to start off with seeds that I sow directly into ground (we are the rain capital of the world :) or should I start some indoors. It has been raining here for 4 days and is forecasted to rain everyday until next Friday. Hmm.. wouldn't my seeds wash away? Of course we are just coming out of a drought, so who can tell about the weather if it is going to rain or not.

I have been doing some extensive research and reading, but all the info is getting a bit much for me.

My zone is southern 8/b 9/a (I'm right on the line) It is very warm here most of the time, with the exception of a few freezing days in Feb/March, I think. My last predicted frost is March 18th.

I have a shop that is right off the back of my house.(Actually an enclosed porch) It is air conditioned/heated , just like the rest of the house. Usually stays around 75 degrees. It has 6 flush mount fluorescent ceiling lights. Each one is 4ft x 2ft.

Also about 6 sets of shelving. The shelves are about 4ft wide x 2ft.deep. There are four shelves on each, about 24" apart. The shelves have holes in them and are pvc, so watering directly on them would not be a problem. (Similar photo of them at the bottom of post.) They can be separated if I would need to suspend them under the ceiling lights from chains. Or I think there is enough room between them to hang individual shop lights if necessary.

The shop also has 6, 4ft wide x 3 ft tall windows. 2 of them are facing west and 4 of them are facing north. I can also add shelves under the windows to sit the trays on when or if necessary.

I also have a shade house(tent) outside with black shade screen and a tan vinyl roof if that could be of any use. With the screening it prevents bugs from bothering them and with the tan top during sunny days it has good light glow in it.

So now here are my questions LOL if you could help me.

If you were new to seeds, how many would you try to start with (varieties). Should I sow outdoor seeds? Should I start some inside?

So many seeds, ,,,,,,,

Thank you in advance for any and all suggestions.

Debbie