• Seeds bring diversity to a garden.seeds image by Jane from Fotolia.com
  
  Learning the basics of planting seeds is not only educational, but it is also enjoyable. Growing plants from seed gives gardeners a chance to grow things that are not available locally, such as heirloom flowers or vegetables. It is an excellent way to save money, grow more of the same type of plant and give the grower something to take pride in that she can share with others, according to the University of Illinois Extension.
  
  

Germination

• A germinated seed, known as a seedling.Germination image by Paty Cullen Wingrove from Fotolia.com
  
  Germination is the process of a tiny seedling emerging from a seed, according to Washington State University. Good seeds, known as viable seeds, with a high germination rate are essential to seed planting success. Test seeds by wrapping them in a damp paper towel. Put the damp paper towel in a plastic bag so it does not dry up. Within a few days, the seed should sprout and small roots or green leaves are visible.
  
  

Stratification

• Use sandpaper to gently scratch hard seed coats.sandpapier image by Thomas Aumann from Fotolia.com
  
  Some seeds require stratification to germinate. Seed stratification is the process of mechanically altering the seed coat by breaking, scratching or subjecting the seed to temperature extremes, according to North Carolina State University.
  
  

Soil Temperature

• Use a soil thermometer to check soil temperatures.thermometer image by timur1970 from Fotolia.com
  
  All seeds prefer certain temperatures to germinate. Once you have tested several of the same variety of seeds for viability, the next step is to figure out what the best temperature for successful germination is. Seeds planted in soil that is too cold may not germinate, may have a delayed germination time or may not develop properly, according to the University of Maine Cooperative Extension.
  
  

Light Requirements

• Seedlings that do not receive enough light grow tall and spindly.seedling image by Wojciech Gajda from Fotolia.com
  
  Some seeds require light to germinate, and others, such as foxglove (digitalis), require darkness to germinate. Once the seed has germinated, however, light is required to keep the seedlings from becoming thin and dying. Natural light is best; however, if there is not enough natural light available, use grow lights 14 to 16 hours per day as a light supplement, according to the University of Illinois Extension.
  
  

Watering Techniques

• Water pressure from a hose may disturb seeds and young roots.water or garden hose image by Katrina Miller from Fotolia.com
  
  Moisture is essential to seed planting success, according to the Ohio State University Extension. Water seeds sown indoors or in containers from below, so the soil can take up the correct amount of water. A soaker hose or mister is a better choice than a hose for watering seeds that were directly sown in the ground. Seeds and young seedlings require careful watering to keep from disturbing their roots.