Just wondering if you treat seeds differently that say "needs darkness to germinate" or do you just cover the seeds to the depth that it states and still set your containers in the sun?

I just cover the seeds with soil to the depth it says on pkg.
I leave them in sun as they need the warmth.

Really a good question...
How about this idea?
I've read that in lieu of a heat mat, we could place our starting trays on top of freezer or refrigerator...
No sunlight there...

I have used top of frig for germination.
Warm and not much light.

Thank you both. The top of the fridge would work if it doesn't need cold stratification first. I'll have to look back through the seeds I've planted. I'm not very organized. lol

Top of frig works best for annuals that need warm starts.