New to this

[Beth_B]

This was June 6 last year. Probably could have used more straw. The plants grow quickly, and straw compresses as the summer goes by.

 

[marlingardener]

About preparing the seeds--I soak bean, pea, and corn seed in tepid water for about 4-6 hours before planting. Hydrated seeds germinate faster, but this only applies to larger seeds. Smaller ones tend to clump up and are practically impossible to plant.
If you want to start any of your mentioned seeds inside, cantaloupe and watermelon are the only ones I'd recommend for early starting. All the others do better planted directly in the soil.