I direct sow my seeds in pots in the spring (planting them today and tomorrow) in pots and transplant in late August into the ground. I do not soak mine or stratify in water and I have about 90% germination rate. My seeds have been in the fridge all winter in cold storage. Tets seem more difficult. This year I am taking a suggestion I read on another plant site and that is to take the tet seeds and rub them a bit with some sandpaper to take off some of the black seed coating before I plant them. I want to experiment and see if this helps them to germinate sooner. I will report back and report what the results were.
