So I am leaning towards starting stuff in a cold frame....

Here is a link that might be useful: Hudson Vally seeds HOW to start seed

I printed out a seed starting guide for my area. You plug in your last frost date at Johnny's Seeds. It includes flowers as well as vegetables.
DH is supposed to build a seed starting light stand any day now. The ground is still frozen but I've been wondering when I can plant some sugar snap seeds outdoors. Last year my husband made a nice row tunnel for me. It was covered with Agribon fabric and the hoops were tall enough so it could stay on the row for quite a while. I'm convinced the extra warmth made it possible for my bush beans to germinate and do well when the weather was cold and rainy. I'm away for 11 days in the middle of May so I like to get some things planted before I leave.