Congratulations to you Ellen and welcome to gardening. You can plant seeds directly into the soil now but only cool season crops like the ones you mentioned - warm season veggies like tomatoes, eggplants, and cucumbers cannot be planted until after all danger of frost has passed. I do not know what zone or growing area you are from so your best bet is to google your local Master Gardener association or county agent and learn about the specific growing and planting dates for your area. The salt hay can go on top of the newly planted seeds but just a thin amount. You can add thicker layer of salt hay when the veggies are taller and keep the hay along the sides so they shade and cool the roots and keep down the weeds once the weather heats up. I am not sure about the seed pods your friend gave you - are they fresh seed still in pods? Some type of planting method? Your best advice for planting all seeds is on the back of the seed packs. I think you will do fine - and every year grow into a better gardener. Starting out with raised beds is a great way to begin. Keep growing, Marianne Binetti