Today on the show I was talking about humidity trays. The ones I have are made of a solid material that will not let the water through. That is really the only requirement. Do not use clay as it is porous and the water will mark any surface. When creating a humidity tray be sure to fill the tray with pebbles. When you fill the tray with water you want the bottom of the plant on the stones, not sitting in water. If the bottom of the plant pot hits the water then you will wick the water into your plant and that is not the point. You want evaporation around the plant to create a more humid environment.

If you want to start seeds inside its a good idea to use a seed starting mat. These mats keep the soil warmer than the surrounding air and will help germination a tremendous amount.

http://www.burpee.com/jump.jsp?itemID=415&itemType=CONTENT_ARTICLE

http://www.rittenhouse.ca/asp/product.asp?PG=815

Finally, Get on a catalog list or two to be sure you get some garden catalogs. They are invaluable not only to get your seeds, but to get ideas and brighten the winter doldrums.