I would use paper ones if I had to, but mostly start seeds in plastic trays designed for seed starting. As the seedlings grow, they get up-potted into bigger pots (sometimes even 2x) and when warm enough, they go to garden beds (or large containers outdoors).

I wonder what zone are you in? What veggies do you want to grow? It is almost too late starting some veggie plants from seeds...

If you have a short growing season, as do folks living in the northern states and Canada, then, as Rina mentioned, it is likely too late to start most veggie crops from seed at this date.

Coffee filters would still require you to use plastic pots. The material is too flimsy to hold its shape without support.

Thanks for the replies. It's prob too late for this summer but I'm growing some stuff none-the-less. I think I'll stick to the plastic seed starter trays like you mentioned

I don't like the connected plug trays. I prefer to use separate 2.25" plug pots in a tray. That way if some seeds are slower coming up than others I don't have any problems separating them out.

Most vegies prefer being directly sown in the ground though. What are you planning on planting?

I'll take your advice on the separate plug pots, that's a good point. I plan on growing everything but being late this year I'll do whatever I can. I recently moved and my yard needs to be graded, so I'm going to have to find a suitable spot for a temp garden. I'm also planting what I can in containers. But because I have such a variety I ultimately want to plant (if not this summer then this fall or next spring), to answer your question maybe it's better I ask what advice you were going to give regarding certain veggies?

Seth

You didn't say what is your general location?

I started beans just recently, it is still unseasonably cold(-er) here. They grew almost 2' within few days (in individual starter pots). Same with cucumbers. Many of my tomatoes are in ground - I have few too many-as usual! - I started those in the connected plugs (I do not like them much either) because I started quite a few different types (space saver:). They start growing almost all at the same time.

I grow determinate and dwarf tomatoes in containers. I started some peppers more than month ago, they are still in containers - my beds are not quite ready, it is cooler than it should be and it has been raining a lot...so they are warm indoors. I usually grow few in ground and few in containers.

Peas, radishes and lettuces can be all sown direct - they prefer cooler temps. I have also kale, celery, spinach and Swiss chard in beds.

You could buy starts in stores - they are ready to be planted so you could have some harvest at proper time. And maybe still do some starts - to get more, and/or get handle of starting seeds. It will give you good idea how fast they grow. JMO...

really, two feet in a couple days? *must have incredible micro climate there*

bragu

few days, not couple :), and 'almost' 2'...And yes, it is warm inside of my tiny unheated sunroom - it gets warm on sunny days, just like a GH. These are pole beans not bush beans. I said 'same with cucumbers' - bit misleading, I meant that I also started them recently (They didn't grow that big as fast as beans did...) So I added that info in my previous post.

seth - If I were you, I would just go to the nursery; and buy a variety of Tomato plants that already have a lot of flowers (& possibly a few Tomatoes) on them, along w/ a few of what else you like.

I would grow your plants in containers this year; and spend your extra time working on your garden area, amending the soil etc... That way you won't be rushing the project, and it will be done right waiting for use next year.

Growing from seed - Sow your seeds 2-3 months before you plan on putting them outside. (Here I go again bragu lol) There are several different types of germination/propagation trays. I'm using a 32 cell insert tray w/ drainage holes (sized to hold 32, 3 inch square plastic pots),

I place the insert tray into a regular propagation tray w/o drain holes. That way the pots aren't sitting in water. You can also buy fitted lids for prop trays, I use the vented ones.

This set-up can be used year after year.

Rob