Because a seed naturally needs to begin imbibing moisture before it will sprout it helps to soak them in room temperature water overnight immediately before placing them in cold stratification . This is often sufficient for seeds with soft coats-however in many cases mere soaking in room temperature water is not quite enough for those seeds with really hard seed coats. One can also be a little more aggressive in the way one soaks seeds with extremely hard coats by slowly pouring very hot tap water over them a few times and letting them sit and cool in this over night before cold stratification. One can also soak them for a few hours in room temperature water just prior to planting if after undergoing the period of cold stratification the seeds have the appearance of not having swelled or split much. You should not sow too early as the ground is still cold and does not make for a happy pre-treated seed.
Seed germination is enhanced when the pre-treated seed is sown in a warm moist situation.
All seedlings, whether grown in pots or beds benefit from good air circulation which wards off fungus growth and promotes sturdy stems. Because these problems are much more likely to occur if air circulation is poor, letting your seeds and seedlings germinate and grow outdoors in the wind and sun warmed earth is better. Some partial, screened or light shade is beneficial for seedlings-they are susceptible when young to withering and damage from unremitting strong or direct midday sun. As they get a little older their sensitivity to direct sunlight is less. Keep a check on the seeds and push them back in if they do come up.