Quote Originally Posted by Mr. Clandestine
I think this might have to do with the viability of the seeds themselves. If the seeds don't crack and shoot out a taproot in the paper towel, then it's unlikely that it's going to do any differently in the soil.
cant argue with that. but generally it will break the soil surface within a week if its a good seed. at that point you can always add more. i personally overseed assuming that out of every 10 seeds, about half will fall victim to being either duds or males

ive had seeds not sprout in soil, and as a confirmation, unsuccesfully tried the towel method too.