Good questions.....we've done the nick on the shoulders of the seeds, we've filed those shoulders, and we've planted them just as they come out of the seed packet.
Some folks soak the seeds overnight in vinegar and some folks soak them in very warm water. Still others wrap them in a wet paper towel and wait for them to sprout before planting.

I think we should take a poll here on the gourd forum to see what everyone else does. As far as I know, there is no right or wrong answer, its just what works for the individual.
As for when to plant.....wait for the soil to warm up, maybe by the end of May. Of course, the way our winter weather has been acting, who knows when conditions will be right.
I've been seeing robins in the yard all day today...

Jan

What does "nick the seeds" mean?

"nick the seeds" is when you will cut a teeny-tiny corner off on the smaller end of the gourd seed.

For the polling part of what one soes to their seeds, I just let them soak over night before planting.

S.

I soak & nick, I dont want too leave any stone unturned. I probably dont have any better growing luck than anyone else.

never 'nicked' but do soak some in warm water or towel. Sometimes I plant when sprouted, mostly just plant after a day or two.
Happy garden plannin'! :>)
Loren

for the poll...I usually just plant the seeds directly in the ground and water them thoroughly. I have tried starting them in peat pots, but I don't find that it accelerates the process any, and it just ends up being more work. I may try the soaking this year, though, now that I'm in the desert.