Hi Mairenn, I think right now is a good time to start lots of the biennials. I just started some foxgloves (don't know why, I already have far too many of these). Mine are outside in the shade, just good quality potting soil in used food containers with holes in the bottom. Once they grow some, I'll either plant them or transfer them into pots until they get larger.

Last year around this time, I tried starting pansies and viola's and didn't have much luck. If anyone knows the trick for starting these and having them ready to plant by fall, I'd love to know about it.

Pansies take a very long time to flower from from seed, I think you need tos tart them several months in advance. I think it may be already a little late.