Hello. I'm laying out a game plan to grow some japanese maples from seed. I have acquired seeds and am planning the following based on advice I've been given and some reading I've been doing. Any additional tips or tricks are appreciated.

Late-November
1. Soak the seeds in warm water for about 24 hours.
2. I have prepared bonsai soil that is 1/3 lava rock, 1/3 turface, and 1/3 pine bark fines (picture below)
3. Fill container with soil. Seed Containers
4. After soaking the seeds, place each seed approximately 1/4" below the top of the soil line.
5. Water.
6. Put outside.
7. Leave alone We live in NJ, USA and get freezing temps from mid-December through March.

Here are a few things I'm not sure about and would love advice on:
1. Should I use the lids on the seed containers or should I leave them off? We get snow, which I'm told will be fine for the seeds.
2. Should I add soil to the bonsai mix? Should I just use soil to start them? Someone said I could start them in bonsai soil but I have a concern.
3. We won't quite be to freezing temperatures until December. Should I wait until then to plant the seeds to make sure they don't get fooled into germinating before then?
4. Should I keep the soil moist through the winter or just let nature do it's thing (snow melt) until spring?

Thank you for your help.