Have you been to the Wisconsin University Extension website yet? If not here is a link. Lots of veggie and flower starting info.

Being a noobie can be daunting, but there is some good, local information out there to help get started.

If you post a list of what you plan on growing we can help you decide whether to start seeds inside or outside and approximately when.

You can also download a program (excel spreadsheet actually) from this site. Once you input your typical frost free date it will fill in the dates to start seed indoors and plant outdoors for you for most veggies. There is a link inside the spreadsheet to help you determine your frost free date if you don't know it already.

The method I am trying for the first time this year is called winter sowing, in which you sow your seeds outside in containers, like milk jugs. Go to the winter sowing FAQ if you want more info.

Winter sowing is a lot easier than starting seeds under lights. You don't need to worry about when to start them as you can toss them out there now and the seeds will decide for themselves when they're ready to grow. I lost some of my seedlings last year as I didn't keep them watered very well, but I had more than enough make it. This year I'm waiting until spring to do most of mine as they're annuals that don't need the winter cold to start growing.