It's too soon to do anything outside, but seedstarting can begin on plants needing eight to ten weeks before planting out. May 15 is the expected last frost date. Hold off until April for plants requiring only four to six weeks, and make sure you have adequate space under grow lights to accommodate seedlings.
All seedstarting materials should be immaculately clean to prevent the transmission of disease, particularly the dreaded 'damping off' fungus that causes seedlings to suddenly wilt and die. Start with fresh seedstarting mix that is disease and weed-free. All propagating materials, such as plastic pots, tools, mixing trays and propagators should be soaked in a 10% bleach solution, rinsed thoroughly and dried before use. Need suggestions for new varieties? Check out this month's Picks and Pans page.