Beginner - getting ready to start

[tam91]

And hoping for beginners luck too!

Well my peppers are started, germinated by baggie/paper towel method. Almost 100% germination, so Jalapeno M and Serrano are in the dirt, and cooking on the DirecTV box. That went fast - I just started them wednesday.

I want to make sure I do everything right with the tomatoes - the time is getting close. Here's what I'm planning:

I have wire shelving, got the full-spectrum T12 bulbs at a good price. So 2 fixtures (4 bulbs) per shelf.

The nursery sold me Sunshine Professional Growers mix or some such - they called it Metro-Mix 200, and said it's what they use to start all their seeds.

I have well water with a lot of iron, a water softener, and then a RO filter. So I was going to use the water from the RO for the seedlings. It isn't good enough for a Aerogarden, but seems to be just fine for houseplants. If anyone thinks this will be a big problem, please let me know.

So moisten the mix, put in the seeds, sprinkle more mix over the top and mist. Cover with plastic wrap/domes until most germinate.

I know to soak some of the older seeds. I might even try the paper towel method with a few, as insurance. Or is just sowing the better?

Basil, Chard, etc. I'll do the same.

I think I'll be doing this in my basement - it's a little cooler than the house, but not much really - probably upper 60s.

Any thoughts welcome