Sowing veg seed - pots or directly into the soil?

i would like any advice or tips on growing veg for the first time.
I�m just not sure with the root veg how to start with the planting, been told Carrots, Swede and Beetroot can be hard to grow and could have loads of problems with root split/tap root and root rot
:

Roxy

 

Question looks familiar, Roxy! I know you've seen the other answers, though.... :D

In case there are more answers in there, here's a link to go to it....

http://www.gardenerscorner.co.uk/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=31;t=000248;p=2#000018

 

I have no problems growing veg.at first its a matter of trial and error.

 

Never had a problem with any of those root crops, but don't put them on freshly manured ground as that causes root fanging.
With carrots I get carrot fly round here so you can either grow fly resistant varieties or grow them under fleece. I would not sow too early - beetroot in particular likes to germinate in warmish soil so I start April.
Swede is in brassica section so lime - helps ward off clubroot. I also used to grow a variety called Marion that was more disease resistant. Actually thought that these three were amongst the easiest of veg to grow and have never had a crop failure from them.