Inside under lights. With bottom heat if you can manage it - tomatoes and peppers are basicly tropical plants and like warm germinating conditions. The top of the typical water heater gives enough warmth....

You could also check out the "Winter Sowing" forum. I used this method for tomatoes, cukes, pumpkins and peppers last year. Just waited until March. Be sure to check out the FAQs as they have so much great info. Happy gardening!
rosebush

I agree with the winter-sowing suggestion. Very easy and doesn't take up room in your house!

And... earlier sprouting does not necessarily mean earlier fruiting. No need to rush the warm season plants when those early tomatoes are gonna taste like mush.

I start a few of mine in mid February and the rest of them in mid March or later. I keep some of the seedlings as back up in case we have a freak May frost (I've seen it happen and I've only lived here for 6 years) or in case disease or whatever kills my early starts.

Plenty of people have noticed that if you plant some of them early and some of them late you get the best crop of fruit at the same time in early summer.

Once they germinate, though, you need to keep them in the sunniest location you can find, and on the cool side (if possible), until ready to plant outside.

This has all been very helpful--thank you so much! I think I have the big picture on how to manage this, any more helpful details will be appreciated as well! thanks again, Mary