Is this fungus or tiny roots on my kale seedlings in the first photo? And is this fungus on the seed starting soil in second photo? Should I dab this and the soil with a solution or just let the air and sun handle? I've read about using baking soda and soap, or milk and water, or peroxide and water.
Here is an article that will help you.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/seeds/fungus-control-in-seed-trays.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/seeds/preventing-white-fluffy-fungus-on-seed-starting-soil.htm
Can you sprout seeds from flowers that are almost a year old? They have been kept in a plastic sandwich bag. I have been sprouting seeds in my house under a grow light and using the Jiffy Greenhouses. This is my 1st time trying to grow a garden. I think I shouldn't have waited till I retired to start learning this.
Yes, properly stored your seeds will remain viable for future planting.
Here is a link with more information.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/seeds/storing-seeds.htm
I received great gunnera seeds I bought online and it says to do a cold stratification in my freezer for 45 days. Does this sound correct?
From my research it is best to sow the seeds as soon as they have ripened on the plants.
The seeds do not store well and lose viability.
Germination is best in 75 to 85 degree F with moist planting medium.
Germination can be slow and erratic, so prick out the seedlings when they can be handled and place in individual pots.
You will need to keep in a greenhouse or similar setting until the following spring.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/foliage/gunnera/growing-gunnera-plants.htm
How do I get my Cleome and Butterfly flower seeds to germinate?
Here are links that will help you with both of these ornamental plants.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/cleome/growing-cleomes.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/butterfly-bush/propagating-butterfly-bush.htm
We planted corn, squash and cucumbers and they did not come up. The soil was not disturbed, but when we dug up some seeds to see if they had germinated, the corn seeds were gone and squash seeds were empty husks. This was newly purchased seed, dated for this year's planting. Beets, lettuce and carrots are doing well, and only about 1/3 of the peas came up. What's happening?
Even though the soil is not disturbed, I still suspect that some small animal is taking it, possibly from below. Possibilities include voles or chipmunks. This article will help:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/chipmunk-control-eliminating-chipmunks-from-your-garden.htm
I am doing an experiment for a noxious weed class. Can puncturevine seeds be stored in the fridge or freezer for later planting without damaging the seed quality?
I would not refrigerate the seeds.
Here is a link with information on seed storage.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/vines/morning-glory/collecting-morning-glory-seeds.htm
I have ordered seeds from China. I want to know how to germinate them.
Though germination usually requires soil, water and warm temperatures this can vary from the seed type.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/seeds/cheap-seed-starting-how-to-germinate-seeds-at-home.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/seeds/seed-germination-terms.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/seeds/when-to-start-seeds.htm