One thing Maragret failed to mention in Kay's studies. Is she comparing direct seed start, to the 1" x 1 1/2" six pack trays where the plants are 3 in tall and the roots a hopelssly pot bound.? Then she is probably right esp with a fast growing variety. For those who must buy transplants, here is a little tip. Get them as soon as they are available, Transplant in to a least a 4" deep pot. You will have a bigger transplant. My personal method, is to seed start in speed tray's, as soon as the seedling is erect, I transplant into 3 1/2 dia by 4" deep newspaper pots. This gives me 12 to 16 in transplant, and by using newspaper I have no root trauma at transplanting. About a 45 day growth. My transplants seem to take hold in about 3 days, unless we get some bad weather. I don't think a new seed has a chance of catching up with this. Byron