Strawberries

Never tried from seed however my neighbour did. From memory I think that you would not get a crop this year as they would be too small. I would say that the plants would be big enough next autumn.

As I say I haven't tried and this is from what I recall of my neighbour growing them from seed.

i'm reading differing things about strawberries. if i buy strawberry seed  for an autumn cropper and sow it now could i be harvesting strawberries this autumn?

Highly unlikely. By the time the seed germinates and puts on some growth, the daylight hours would have changed enough to not let it flower despite it being an autumn cropper. Next year it will be ready. 

I would imagine you will have no problems getting "runners" but think it is probably still a bit early as this year's are not yet rooted. (mine aren't anyway)

Have a chat with others around you.... someone is bound to have more than they need for next year....so put in an advance request and maybe you could offer something in return to seal the deal? 

Planting out rooted runners in late summer should see you with a start for next year. 2 yr old plants give a better crop but it'll be a start. Growing from seed is so very slow.