What kind of soil do i buy, like a bag of Miracle Grow from Wal-Mart? As others have stated, don't use Miracle Grow or any other mix that has fertilizer in it. Newly sprouted seedlings don't need extra food, and fertilizers will only encourage funguses to grow and they can kill your seedlings. Get something labeled "soilless seed starting mix" or something like that, and don't feed your seedlings until they've been up for some time and/or have started putting on their first true leaves. Also how often do i water the seeds? Keep them moist until they sprout. Then, let just the surface of the soil dry out to avoid funguses, but don't let them completely dry out (as in all the soil dry). Do i keep them inside or outside? You can start a lot of seeds outside. It's called winter sowing and there's an entire forum here on the Gardenweb dedicated to that method. But they'll sprout later than ones you keep inside. I have a sunroom that is not heated, would that be suitable? In cold or warm room? Your sunroom will probably work if it gets bright, all-day light. I don't know the minimum amount of hours of light seedlings need ~ anybody else know? More light the better though. If they get tall and skinny/lanky, you'll know they need more light. And if they're in a cold room, they'll grow slower, so start them eight or more weeks ahead of your last frost date to compensate. Just make sure the room doesn't get below freezing temps, and preferably not below 45 degrees or so ~ they won't necessarily die if they're that cold (-45), but they don't much like it. Also do seeds go bad? i would like to use them for a couple yrs. Tomato seeds can last four or five years without much lowering of viability provided you keep them in a cool, dry place without many fluctuations in temp and humidity. If you put them in a jar and in the fridge or freezer, they'll keep even better and longer. Just be sure to let the jar reach room temp before opening it so any moisture in the room air won't condense on the seeds. Moisture fluctuation one of the main killers of seeds ~ that and temp fluctuations. Good luck! If at first you don't succeed, figure out why and definitely try again.

Oh wow...I didn't expect so many responses so quickly, and so helpful too! Thank you All for your WS sowing 'rules of thumb'! They've given me a very good idea of how to begin and, more importantly, some confidence and support just when I needed it most. It's good to know that even if I over-sow, I'm still doing just fine and haven't done anything wrong. I'm glad for the replies in re the marigolds! I went (intentionally) marigold crazy this year and I'm now the proud owner of about 2000 marigold seeds of various colors, types, and kinds. I've given a few away, and still have some set aside for gifts to friends and family, but many - maybe even most - of the seeds will be planted all over my yard and in as many pots as I can spare this year. I kind of have a plan for them...or, well, the petals, which I plan to feed to my chickens next fall and winter. I've heard it helps enhance the color of the yolks and also provides some nutrients, too. It's something of an experiment, but considering how well they LOVED eating my flowers last year, I think I'm on to something...LOL! Thank you all for being so helpful! Really! Blue Btw: Anyone else grow food for their animals, specifically chickens?

See there. Learn something everyday. This proprietary jargon is getting ahead of me. Good deal. You are getting one fine system that should give you years of good service as well as comfort and savings compared to that oversized system you have now. A little knowledge goes a long way. IMO Here is a link that might be useful: Evolution Connex Controller

Does your husband want the same things in the kitchen as you do? If no then work that out ahead of time. If yes then, find out how the KD works. You can go in prepared do go either way. Some of us are more like what sedonamazer expected than experienced. No matter how a KD approaches a job they should be asking lots of questions. Good design solutions do not spring from the ether on their own, they require collaboration. If you are truly open to new ideas let them know; most people are not. One way of working is to start with multiple options that are not fully developed. Only some KD's work that way, some can be persuaded. The more likely it appears to a KD that they have (or will get) the job the more likely they will be willing to do multiples. If they are on retainer, you are a referral, it appears you are shopping design and service, then more likely. All who I know of either start on retainer OR ask for before fully developing a plan. (note that a a retainer up front does not guarantee multiple presentation options- always ask how they work) If they can't tell what your priorities are, your primarily shopping cabinets brands or price, you seem to need to see a fully developed plan and pretty pictures, or your just running around trying to "get ideas" then less don't expect to see multiple options offered. As Herblover points out- many style decisions are worked out as things develope. But certain style choices are best considered early- contemporary, few or no uppers, strong horizontals, modular layout, two tone, wall cabinets set lower than standard, stacked uppers, deep counters...but these are typically mentioned as a matter or course by the client. AND basic style, wood and finish choices are needed to get even ball park pricing. If you want them to meet a budget then tell them what it is. There is NO way to prepare solutions and options to meet a budget by guessing.