Mary,

If you just set out a few of any particular veggie and are happy with the varieties commonly offered at garden centers, it probably is more cost-efficient to buy seedlings. If you want to plant a bunch of anything, starting your own plants ffrom seeds is more cost efficient. If you like to try different varieties, are interested in heirlooms, or have a preference for varieties that are not commonly available at garden centers, seeds are the way to go.

I would do it without a grow light ONLY if you have a sunny, southfacing window where you can place the seed-starting tray and can control somewhat for temperature. If the window is sunny but cool because of cold outside temps, things like tomatoes, peppers, and eggplant, which require warm soil temperatures to germinate and thrive won't do well. You will need to turn the tray 1/4 turn daily.   Without sufficient light, seedlings are weak and leggy.

Overhead lights are entirely insufficient, regardless of the type of light bulb or tube you use.    Grow lights usually are height-adjustable and should be positioned just a couple of inches above the plants to provide sufficient light. In addition, incandescent lights do not have a sufficient spectrum.   Although you can buy special spectrum lights for grow-light systems, regular florescent lights work plenty well enough, and are a little less expensive.

If you are going to buy a seed starting kit, I would suggest you consider Gardener's Supply
APS system. The up-front cost is a little higher, but the cells and trays are extremely durable and last for years. I've been using this system for 10 years and have never had to buy any replacement cells or trays. I don't fool with their seed-starting mix. It's nice, but not necessary. Any good quality potting soil will work just fine.

Janie