What to do if the process of stratification has passed the 12 weeks and the seeds have not germinated? Should I plant them?
They will not germinate during stratification. That will happen once they are introduced into growing conditions. Yes, you should plant them now.
I HAVE A SEED SPROUTING SETUP WITH A HEAT MAT AND DOME. I UNDERSTAND THAT THE HEAT IS NOT NEEDED AFTER SPROUTING BUT DO I NEED TO USE THE DOME AFTER SPROUTING?
I don't, normally, use a dome unless it is unusually dry in the area. Typically, if you do use one, you will remove it shortly after they sprout. The problem with this is that you will need to acclimate them slowly. Since they are started under such specific conditions, any quick change will likely kill them.
For the first few days, leave the dome so that air can get inside. If it has vents, then open them. If not, then set the top, crooked, so that the corners get air. After a few days, you should be able to take it off.
When starting without a dome, only the strongest seeds will survive, leaving you with a more hardy crop of plants. This will require careful monitoring of soil moisture, though.
This collection of articles will give you more information on seeds, and starting them:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/propagation/seeds
Some gardeners follow the lunar planting calendar.
There are a lot of variables, such as soil temperature, whether it's vegetables, fruits, or ornamentals, your climate. Plus, some are better sown in fall than spring. These articles should help:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/propagation/seeds/when-to-start-seeds.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/propagation/seeds/how-to-direct-sow-seeds.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/propagation/seeds/seed-packet-information.htm
I just received seeds from you that need hot water treatment, I have never done this before so how hot is the water to be and for how long do I soak...??? The seeds are Crotalaria cunninghamii..
We don't sell seeds, plants, or products so it didn't come from us. However, we have some information on hot water treatment:
https://apps.cals.arizona.edu/arboretum/taxon.aspx?id=806
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/propagation/seeds/soaking-seeds.htm
I live in mt. pleasant, mi in the middle of the mitten
It depends on what you are planting, whether it's cool season or warm season vegetables, or type of flowers. It is typically February to March.
Here is some guidance:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/propagation/seeds/when-to-start-seeds.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/gardening-by-zone/zone-5/zone-5-seed-starting.htm
SEEMS LIKE U SHOULD BE ABLE TO START THEM AND THEN TRANSPLANT??
Sure! Just keep an eye on crowding, since there is not a whole lot of room to work with in those cells.
I read that if you put cornstarch on tomato and/or bean seeds they will germinated faster. Is this for real? I have had troble germinating yellow bean seeds this year, they are in a large pot, any hints? Thank you
Make sure they are planted at the proper depth. The seed package will tell whether to plant 1/4 inch deep, 1 inch deep, etc., or just to scatter on top of the soil. This article below gives some good tips on seed germination. It says one way to speed up the process is to sprout the seeds before planting. It does offer a way to make a gel with cornstarch and water to keep seedlings moist.
https://extension.umaine.edu/gardening/manual/propagation/plant-propagation/
These articles may be of interest:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/propagation/seeds/planting-old-seeds.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/propagation/seeds/seed-starting-mistakes.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/propagation/seeds/soaking-seeds.htm