Seed beds or trays are used to start the growing session, they should be warm, watered and are best made indoors; but if this is not possible they can be done outside in a separate area of well tilled soil. For outdoor seedbeds firstly start by hoeing or lightly forking the ground to a ...
With seed testing, the easiest way is to wet some kitchen paper and leave it on a saucer in a warm place. Keep the paper damp for a week to 10 days (cover with cling film preventing evaporation). Certain bigger seeds e.g. beans need to be sown in compost.