Sorry, tired here and read that wrong!
If you're worried about germination, plant 3 for every 1 you want. You probably could give away the extra plants. Hmm, I usually am starting my tomatoes now but this year I'm holding off. I don't plant out until earliest, mid April so if you started them mid Feb. you'd still be okay.
Maybe since you're new at starting seeds and you have been reluctant to do seeds, go ahead and get some of your stuff ready now. Do you know how you are going to start them? In the trays plants come in? A bunch in a small container with vermiculite? Individual pots? I would suggest one of the APS (Accelerated Propagation System) units that Gardner's Supply sells. Since you're probably going to do a lot of seeds, maybe the 40 unit one?
http://www.gardeners.com/APS-4...
Seedlings would have to be potted up before going out to the garden but I always do that anyway. I have been using these for years and I LOVE them! You can pick up the seed starting soil at Lowe's or Wal Mart OR, you can order right from Gardener's Supply.
http://www.gardeners.com/Organ...
When doing seeds it is REALLY IMPORTANT to have lights but you don't need a fancy set up. I use the long florescent shop lights hanging from a wire shelving unit, but then, I do a ton of seeds. I can't think right now how some people do for just a few seeds, sorry. Here's a tabletop one from GS that you could probably build a similar one easily with a few 2x4s. Are you handy with a hammer? Trade out some fresh tomatoes with a handy neighbor?
http://www.gardeners.com/Table...
If you decided to do seeds, you'll be hooked! So much nicer to pick what varieties you want to do instead of being at the mercy of the nurseries, even though it sounds like you have pretty good choices in your area.
