Hello home gardeners!

This is my first year attempting to start my own vegetable seeds (primarily tomatoes and bell peppers) indoors to get a head start on spring. I have my seeds and my cheap shop light setup, but I am totally lost when it comes to the actual process.

I'm looking for a crystal-clear, easy-to-follow step-by-step guide—the "For Dummies" version—to ensure I don't kill my baby plants before they even see the sun!

Could you please provide a basic sequential list covering these stages?

1. Preparation (Soil & Containers): What exact materials should I use (e.g., specific seed starting mix vs. potting soil)? What's the best way to pre-moisten the soil before planting?
2. Planting & Initial Care: What is the general rule for how deep to plant a small seed? Once planted, do I cover the tray with plastic wrap, and when do I remove it? Where should the shop light be positioned (how many inches above the soil)?
3. The "Hardening Off" Process (Most Critical!): This step seems terrifying. Can someone give me a step-by-step schedule? For example:
4. Day 1: 1 hour outside in full shade.
5. Day 2: X hours in partial shade.
6. ...and so on, until they are ready for the garden bed.

I need a simple routine to follow to ensure my little seedlings make a successful transition to the great outdoors. Any reliable resources for finding local last frost dates would also be super helpful!

Thank you for helping this novice gardener!