Peas tolerate soaking overnight and can easily be sprouted before planting. This year I did not bother but just planted dry seed in early March. They did fine.

Here in the PNW my soil temperature may not reach 65 F until July so it is necessary to sprout beans for best results. Some of them will tolerate soaking overnight but many varieties find that a shock and the cotyledons crack. Most beans will tolerate 4 hours soaking followed by rinsing and draining several times a day.

Possibly the best way is to mix the seeds in potting mix in a tray or pot. If you use a pot, allow room for swelling - Dick

I checked the (this years date on the package) seeds in the ground & none have sprouted yet after nearly two weeks been in the 8o's & a 91 degree so soil is warm & I keep it moist after planting. Guess I will try again by planting directly nto the soil w/o soaking first to see.. Never had this happen before!