starting seeds

hi all, in the gardening books it says down in the south areas(where i live) we can start to grow seeds now for an early crop in the year, my questions are:- can i grow them in the ground with covers over then, or would it be better in a propagater/windowsill, then transplant them out,into a coldframe/growing area with covers, or do i wait untill march time when its warner and hopefully allow for a better germination.
thanks windy,

 

It depends what you are thinking of sowing. You can sow cabbage now in cells in a cold greenhouse for planting out when it warms up a bit outdoors, and salad greens or rocket in the greenhouse border if you have one. I have sprinkled a few carrot seeds in the g/border as well in hopes of a few early carrots, have'nt tried this before so will see how it goes.
The main trouble with sowing many things early is the low light levels at this time of year, tends to make plants pale and spindly.
I would wait until February for most early seed sowing in the greenhouse. Toms, peppers and cucumbers need a propagator.