Most seeds have an optimum germination temperature. Window areas are often the coolest place in the house, and often they are too cool for good germination. Most seeds do not need strong light for germination, so the window location has no advantages. After germination you do need strong light for the seedlings to grow, but you can then use a cooler temperature. In most cases it is to your advantage to move the seeded containers, as needed. Any ordinary thermometer inserted into your soil will help you find the best location, without your spending the money for heating pads. Al

Have you checked out all the how-to FAQs here? They cover most all the basics.

Dave

Here is a link that might be useful: Growing from Seed FAQs

calistoga,
Thank you for the information! I'm thinking I will just use the bay windows for grown African violets I have and for rooting African violet leaves(it may take longer but that's fine :)) I definitely think I will try a flat or two of seeds indoors but I think I'm gonna mainly focus on winter-sowing this year with milk jugs and also purchasing a patio greenhouse to start things in winter too. Has anyone had experience with those shelf patio greenhouses? It basically is the same as the milk jug method I assume. its a mini greenhouse which I can afford! lol also trying to find various containers to plant seeds in to save some moola for other new gardening gadgets this year!
and digdirt, not really but thanks for the link so I can! I printed lots of info on winter-sowing out yesterday and which seeds to winter-sow during the months so now I have more reading material! love learning! Thank You!
~Michael

"I notice even at my bay windows, a lot of the plants already seem cold when I touch the soil"

If your soil were to feel warm to the touch it would be too warm for most seeds.

I have heat mats but only use them for some flower seeds that require consistent 75-80F temperatures, and I use them with a thermostat.

There are TWO issues here: (1) Germinating seeds and (2) Growing from seeds (Indoor):

1) To germinate MOST seeds, you don't need light, but need HEAT. How hot, depends on what you want to germinate. For example, most cool crops seeds will germinate at 50 to 65F or in most indoor conditions. BUT some plants like Peppers, eggplants , ... require much higher (SOIL) temperatures. I think peppers, tomatoes will do best around 75 -85F. When the soil temperature is lower than optimum(say 65 instead 85F) it will take much longer for the seeds to wake up and germinate.

Growing:
Once the seeds have germinated , they need light to start photosynthesis to grow. The soil temperature then is a lesser issue. Most indoor temperatures , 60F+, will be fine. BUT the seedlings will need good amount of sung.

visit "GROWING UNDER LIGHT" forum to read more about it.

Michael,
The patio greenhouses can work wonderfully. I used them to get a head start on tomatoes, peppers and tender annual flowers. You need to be vigilant about opening the greenhouse when there is much sun/warm temps, since they can turn into an oven and cook seedlings, even when the weather is still relatively cool. It's useful to have a thermometer inside the greenhouse to keep track of temps.

Martha