you can grow indoors anytime of the year.

2 cool bulbs are ok,you can also use metal halide or high pressure sodium as well

the type of light depends on its distance. for flouros you should keep your lights very close to your plants, an inch or 2 or up to 6 depending on heat. with the other 2 a foot is a good distance

i reccomend buying seeds from a local nursery or walmart

i reccomend lights on for 18 hours and off for 6.

doc,

what exactly are you intending to start indoors? That will really influence where you will buy your seeds, when you will start growing and even light requirements.

I started all my veggie from seed this year and had a blast. I wish you lots ofluck with your gardening adventures!

bluejean in ohio

I'm in my third year growing under lights. African violets were my original addiction. Now I start garden plants and tomatoes from seed for the outdoor garden in spring, just follow the seed package instructions on when to start. So much fun and very satisfying to "do it youself". I have a couple of 3 tier light stands that I bought cheap at yard sales. Just a thought...

I'm kind of new to growing under lights. This is going to be my second year starting indoors. If your goal is to start plants indoors and then move them outdoors (like getting a head start on a veggie garden) then the research I have done says to start them eight weeks before your last chance of frost. Starting them too soon can stunt them...at least that is what I have read.

~Yago