Gerry,
I apologize for taking so long to answer you. We were out of town, and then my computer 'temporarily' crashed.....go figure.
I usually start my pepper seed in January. I have acquired a few seed trays from local nurseries which oftentimes simply throw them away. These have 300 compartments each, and are fantastic for starting nearly everything for the garden or market. Though the seeds will germinate on their own, I often will borrow a heating pad to warm the seeds to help give them a 'jump start'. Here is my progress thus far........