Read this website. It has a lot of info you are looking for. Also, if you do a search for "dates before last frost to start seeds", you will come up with lots of info. That's how I got this link.
http://www.rareseeds.com/resources/planting-guide/

Here is a link that might be useful: planting guide

1) For the things you list, yes.

2) That is your only choice when you use one of those kits - cutting them apart. That's why using individual containers for each variety is what is recommended.

3) There is no set formula or schedule since there are too many variables. You water as each plant needs it. In those small cells need will vary greatly. Once they are transplanted into proper containers, less watering is required.

4) It's ok but growth will be slower As mentioned to you before, most enclose the seed starting area in some fashion - many easy ways to do it - as gives you much better control over air temps and humidity than trying to maintain the whole garage.

5) No other option but more lights. I recall it was mentioned before that is a well documented problem with using only 2' set-up like this.

6) Definitely. Which is another reason why those kits are not recommended. Those small cells are for germination only, not growing in. Any plant will quickly become rootbound in them. All of them will need to be transplanted at least once and some more than once.

Dave

Dave,

Once again, thanks for your attentive responses. Everyday I am learning something new. I really do appreciate it and would buy you a drink if I could.

1) What's the worse that will happen because I planted too soon? Won't I just start with larger than normal transplants in the garden?

2) What types of containers would you have recommended instead of those kits? Obviously that would mean I would plant fewer items so they could all fit under the same 2-foot growing light. My garage space is limited so expanding my makeshift nursery at this point is not something I am considering (maybe next year depending on the yield I get this year)

3) Understood, but would a good rule of thumb be basically whenever the top of the soil appears dry?

4) So in my case, the cool temps in my garage work out in my favor since I planted a bit too early, right? Or are you implying long-term growth will be stunted?

5) I guess I'll cross that bridge if I ever get to it. I'll regularly post pics in this forum to show my progress.

6) When do you know its time? And is transplanting as simple as using a larger container with the same soil? Why do garden centers sell ready-to-plant seedlings in the same size 6-pack containers that I am using?

SusanZone5, thanks for the link to that guide. I will check it out.