Welcome, Smokey. I too was retired and a newbie, and since starting to winter sow in 2006, I have more plants than I have room for. I suggest you first go to Wintersown.org and read it all. You can also start collecting containers for your seedlings. Some use milk jugs, 2,6,and 8 - litre pop bottles, whatever you can come by. Try not to spend too much money on them. You can also try to stock up on your choice of growing medium which will probably be going on sale soon. I use a soilless seed-starting mix - PROMIX is very popular but I buy what is available. Then rather than buy seed you can get seed from the exchange forum. Many gardeners offer Newbie packs for postage. You can also find out from the Wintersown database what will grow well in your area. I urge you to 'start small' because it will become addictive and a bit overwhelming until you get your routine down. I have expanded into a lots of vegetables and herbs which I use in my kitchen. This forum is subscribed to many knowledgeable gardeners, so don't be shy to ask questions as you go along. As I used to say to my students, the only stupid question is an unasked one. Another thing to do is to 'search' the plants you plan to grow on this forum and you will probably find some valuable threads that answer your question. So get reading...and good luck!!

Perfect timing! I discovered GardenWeb in the fall--in time to collect seeds for my first winter sowing season (about 10 years ago). If you have friends & neighbors with gardens, ask if you can collect dead flowers from their plants. (See the 'seed saving' forum) Not all perennials will bloom their first year but many will. Also check the 'seed exchange' forum--some offer free if you send them return postage. Collected seeds do not always grow true to their variety--but sometimes the variety you get is more interesting. Even buying seeds is cheaper than plants--Google seed catalogs, many will send free catalogs--plus most are on the web. I like Park Seed for the info included and Thompson-Morgan for great variety.

Click the 'FAQ' at the top of this forum--tons of information! Scroll through the posts & learn lots. Happy gardening!