Well, for 1 smaller starter pots or cell trays can stay warmer easier. #2. Usually you start seeds in a light soil for seed starting then a stronger mix when its time to transplant. In other words, if you want to start seeds in a big pot, you wouldn't use simply seed starting mix because when the plant is 4 weeks old, it will need better soil and you can't start the seeds with to strong of a soil.

But then again, that contradicts starting seeds in the earth. Hmmm.

I like to start them in 16oz red plastic cups now.

Also it is easier and more efficient to keep seedlings under fluorescent lights when they are in small pots bunched together. You'd waste alot of useful space under your lights with one single plant in a 12 inch planter.

I never use seed starting mix. I use regular potting soil to start the seeds. I use Metro Mix 360.

I start seeds indoors early when it is freezing outdoors. and I want to get as many plants as possible under my lights.

then I put them into slightly larger pots and carry them outdoors in the mornings and indoors at night. I dont want to carry individual huge pots.

finally the time comes when it is warm. june 1. and I can put them permanently outdoors. then they go into the ground or into large containers for the summer.

if you are starting seed now. you can start them in the big pot. I would put them outside this summer. although you might bring mites and bugs back indoors but there are ways to fight this.

also it is easier to give your plant proper water in a smaller plant. larger pots with smaller plants lend themselves to staying too damp unless you are very careful. from what i have found anyway.

also starting 1 seed in a pot is kindof a gamble. you will have this large pot for one seed and wait for how long (1-6 wks) then what if it doesnt sprout... you see what i am getting at.

imo you can take from a cell or a 3'pot and put it into a large/finishing pot if you are carefull with watering.

Michael

--I like to start them in 16oz red plastic cups now.--

I thought of those but found some cheap 12 oz styrofoam cups; those were my intermediate containers. I have most of mine in windowboxes now, getting ready to go to big pots.

A couple bucks at Wal*Reich will get you a big set of those little dehydrated peat discs, and a plastic "greenhouse". Soak the peat, stick in the seeds, close the lid and leave it on top of your TV or computer monitor (whichever is on more, as they're both nice sources of mild warmth). I get fantastic germination rates on everything from tomatoes to parsley that way. No dampening off, no weeds.