There are some plants that requirelight for germination & therefore we do not cover the seed with soil...... others require TOTAL darkness to germinate the plants you mentioned should be LIGHTLY covered & moisture & temperature needed for germination .....

I agree, those 3 need to be covered. Things like basil and other tiny herb seeds most often need to be surface-sown and kept misted til they sprout.

A pretty good guideline is the recommended planting depth. Seeds that are planted on or near the surface usually need light to germinate.

Thanks everyone.

Yeah I definately know to cover those seeds & at the right depth.

Based on the answers above, can I assume that the seeds i mentioned can then be sprouted without any light exposure (i.e. my growing medium can be in total darkness) as long as proper moisture & temperature is maintained?

also - i have read about not putting my growing medium in direct sun as it will "cook the seeds". but if the air temperature is 55-65 degrees F then does this still hold true? my seeds are in a combination of tiny seed starter pots (with makeshift plastic domes) and some in cardboard egg cartons. From what i've read, optimal temperature for sprouting these particular plants is 75-80 degrees.

Thanks!

Yes, it holds true. Plastic dome = greenhouse effect. Way too hot under there.