start seeds in flat or in pot?

Why do most directions say to start seeds first in a flat and then transplant to larger single pots? Doesn't this transplanting set the plants back? Wouldn't it be better to start two or three seeds in the individual pot in the beginning? This has always mystified me. I tried it their way this year and have transplanted the tiny seedlings into larger pots but for two or three weeks they just sit there before getting started growing again. Which way is better?

Welcome to DG Lolo!

The reason I start seeds in trays is because it doesn't waste the soil if the germination is poor. It also means I can sow a greater number of seeds in a fairly small space. It's when I pot on that I end up with a carpet covered in pots of plants.

Neither way is better on the whole, it all depends on what method you prefer.

I think that transplanting stimulates some seedlings ~ Like petunias. They always seem to grow better after I transplant them. Many seedlings I start in sell packs rather than a community flat to avoid the transplanting step.

well here is what I do. I plant my seeds 2 at a time into moulded modules but only the extra deep ones. the plants can stay in these until they are quite big. I'll take some photos tomorrow.

Mark