I started gardening a few years ago and I've had good luck germinating seeds using a combination of methods. I usually soak the seeds in water for 24 hours to give them a head start, then I plant them in soil, about a quarter inch deep. You can also use a paper towel to germinate seeds, just make sure to keep it moist. I've found that using a warm location, like a sunny windowsill, and keeping the soil consistently moist helps with germination. It's also a good idea to read the specific instructions on the seed packet, as some seeds have unique requirements.