Cold stratification of seeds takes place after the seed has been sown in media and watered in. The process is a cool and moist period that some perennial seeds need to go through for at least a couple of months - 10 to 14 weeks of 35 to 45 degrees F would be ideal. Fluctuating the temperature helps perennial seeds that require stratification to germinate. Most annuals do not need stratification but some germinate and grow better at cooler temps, under 70 degrees.

Storing seeds that are dry in the fridge is only storing them, the stratification process needs moisture to be successful and only begins after the seed is sown, watered in and kept at cool temperatures. The easiest way to stratify perennial seeds is to sow them in the autumn in a protected cold frame outdoors and they will germinate when they are ready in the springtime.

Hot hint: any seeds which need cold stratification that you were planning to direct sow in the garden - you can just direct sow them now (or earlier in the winter, fall) and let nature do its thing. Cold stratification methods inside are usually just trying to mimic that natural process in a controlled environment.

i fo direct sow some but my success rate is so low I like to try some under controlled conditions.

I would like to mention the importance of hanging onto your pots. It is entirely feasible that hardy perennials sown now will not get enough chilling hours to break dormancy...but the little seeds will simply tuck in and wait until conditions are right...which can mean going through another entire winter. And that's before we even consider plants which require several cycles of warm and cold to break dormancy. Or hypogeal germination (paeonies and some lilies). Or just take fecking forever (clematis).

I have a stash of ancient, frequently labelless, old pots, filled with unpromising potting mix, which may or may not burst into green life, months or even years after being sown. My habit of re-using potting mix also offers up some mysterious NOIDS, coming up in my tomatoes or sweet peas. Life is very tenacious and seeds really do want to survive and thrive.