There are certain things that need to happen to most seeds to coax them into germinating.

One is moist stratification. This is the process that seeds go through in the winter months. The moist freezing and thawing breaks the seeds dormancy and allows them to germinate.

The other is scarification. This is the process of scratching through the hard protective seed coat so they can germinate. Some seeds - in the bean family mostly - need scarification. This can be done by using two sanding blocks and rubbing the seed between them using medium grit sandpaper. For larger legume seeds you can also use a file to nick the seed coat.

The best way to moist stratify the seeds is by planting in the fall-winter-early spring (November thru March). Most species need about thirty days of cool temperatures (30 to 40 degrees) to break dormancy. Also by planting in the fall, when spring arrives the seeds germinate at their optimal soil temperature requirement. Some germinate in cool soil, others in warm soil.

If its spring and you missed out on planting in the fall or winter, you still can stratify the seeds artificially. Just mix them with some damp sand and place in your refrigerator. After 30 days you can plant them and they will germinate.

Seeds can be planted directly in pots, in a seeding bed, or directly where you want them to grow. Planting in pots or in a seeding bed are best because you will be able to distinguish the seedlings from weeds. Once the seedlings are large enough you can put them in their permanent location.

When planting, cover the seeds with up to 1/4 of an inch of soil. For very small seeds just plant on the surface. The freezing and thawing of winter will work them into the soil. If it's a very dry fall or winter, watering the seed bed occasionally may be necessary to promote stratification - normally this is not a requirement. If you have planted the seeds in pots, be sure to keep the pots outdoors and water when dry. Keep them in a shaded place so they don't dry out so easily.

If you are putting your plants into a new bed be sure the soil is bare (nothing growing in it). If you don't have an area that is bare, create one by using roundup to kill the grass and weeds. Or use something like black plastic to smother the grass and weeds. Be sure to water the seedlings after transplanting. Keep watering them until they are established - usually for a couple weeks. Mulching is helpful to keep weeds down and conserve moisture. Grass clippings are a good choice. Once the plants are well established they will shade most weeds out. Many plants will flower their first or second year from seed.

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