I've been reading about gardening since we bought our first house 5 years ago, and everything seemed so difficult until I came across this book. I LOVE it and I'm ready to take the plunge. We started our compost a couple weeks ago and now I'm starting to think about starting seeds inside. I know I'm a little premature, but I was thinking maybe I could ask for some of the supplies for Christmas from my husband and family.

We don't have a sunny house at all and with two kids under 3 and a cat and a dog, the little window light I do get will surely be in a place where someone will surely make a mess. So I'm planning on starting them in the basement. I've been reading a few things and I'm really worried about not getting strong plants, so I want to make sure I do this right. But the costs of heating pads and growing lamps seems to really be adding up. I did find this website though and it looks like a good frugal way to start seeds. Would this method work well? Any suggestions for improving it? (www.mysquarefootgarden.net/starting-seeds-indoors-update/)

Lastly, where is the best place to buy seeds and is there any reputable seed swaps?

Thanks!