Im new (really new to gardening) and it seems like i want to do it all at once! And i want to do it right! i research the internet finding the correct way to plant certain plants. On the seed packages you get at a retailer, it says just plant seeds in the ground. but on some websites it says to file a nick in the seed then soak it overnight. Is this necessary or suggested? what are the advantages of doing this? Id rather ask the experts or experienced gardners!!!
Thanks in advance

The correct treatment of seeds depends upon species. Some germinate easily for the gardener, others don't and need specific conditions to assist them. Some seeds have exceedingly tough outer parts, and the conditions that occur in the wild to enable these seeds to germinate are not replicated for the gardener without some artificial assistance. Some seeds the soaking, filing and nicking helps a bit, there are others that have no chance without it. There are even some seeds that people soak in acid to try and soften the coating. Remember, some seeds are designed to be eaten by an animal and come out the other end before germinating...