Robyn,

"...is it too early to start the seeds?"

Those lights probably aren't too bright, so you can't grow really big seedlings under them. So it depends on what seeds you are talking about and when your safe no-frost date is. When do you expect to transplant your seedlings into your garden and what are they?

MM

You should get bulbs that specify "full spectrum" for the best results.

I've started lots of seeds already. I separate all my seed packets into different containers and mark them with 1, 2, 3 or "outdoors" depending on when they should be started. The first seeds to be planted (in January/February) are those that are slow to germinate, whose seedlings are slow starters, and/or seed size is minute (which means the seedlings will be tiny and generally are among the slow starters). Examples of plants I've already sown:

- celery
- sedum
- coleus
- impatiens
- petunias
- monarda
- hyssop
- eggplant
- peppers

This is my first year for both indoor sowing under lights and winter sowing. Based on recommendations here I am using the shoplights from Home Depot that are 4' and hold 2 T12 or T8 fluorescent bulbs. I am using 2 T12's, 1 warm and 1 cool bulb.

So far, so good.

For 6 years I have used nothing over than regular old shop lights (one cool bulb and one warm bulb) and have had great results. Just make sure you keep the plants directly under the lights with maybe a 1-2" clearance.

It also helps to give them some strength if, once they get going, to have some air blowing on them (like a ceiling fan on low). It will help their stalks become stronger (as well as help deter damping off).

Cheryl

If you are zone 8 why do you bother with indoor seeds at all?
Check out winter sowing forum, start all your seeds otuside and forget about timers, damp off and rest of expensive equipment.
I have indoor set up with shop lights and old elecrical blanket and run lights/ regular T8 or T12/ for about 16 hrs a day. I grow shade loving plants so amount of sun they get is not a big deal for me. I start some seeds indoor mostly from boredom while waiting for spring and I do most of my seeds by winter soiwng.