I'm planning on starting a 10 gal tropical tank for either guppies or platies. I want to try and build the tank using live plants. Does anyone know what steps are required to start a live plant tank and how to plant them. I see that they're sold in little cup/buckets. Do you take them out and stick them into gravel or what? Some need wood and things to grab onto. I would like to use a little java moss too. Any ideas or explanations would be helpful.

Thanks

One good place to start is Barron's MiniEncylopedia Aquarium Plants. This book provides a very good starter, easily understood explanation of the needs of a planted aquarium and includes lots of common live plant options.