Squash, cucs, beans, must not be planted too early or too cold. The trick is to always start them inside in a dish in a towel (wash cloth) this does two things; the seed is started at a proper temperature, the seed is germinated(eliminating the ones that are dead) .Find a place in the garder/tub/flower bed.(several strange places for pumpkins where they won't be in the way) Then assume that you don't have the skill and / or time to water it properly and but a cheep, battery powered watering timer. (and squirty and pipe to make it work) Until it gets its forth leaf - NEVER let the soil get dry.(Make sure its well drained or the roots will die ) After its very definitely growing well ,change to a soaker and/or drip system (on the timer) -- if you've planted too early it will simply refuse to grow and look unhealthy - if so start another seed and for a period of many weeks keep planting one seed each week (learn to cull out the ones that are not perfect). You will learn two things: one the feel of getting it to start and then , two will the climate allow the seed to prosper.It may take several years, but you will finally enjoy your gardening.
David
. I have never been able to grow things from seed.