Quote Originally Posted by Rusty Trichome
I used the paper towel method for a couple of years, but results were spotty, and you can smell the chlorine in some brands of paper.

Lately I've taken to adding some seedling soil (about a half inch, to retain moisture) to one of those small (2" wide x 4" long x 3" deep, or so) Ziplock storage containers. I place my seeds to the top, and spray till soil is fairly damp (not soaking) with ph'd water. Cover, and place on top of the fridge. Open daily for fresh air and to check the moisture. Great success rate, and no worries about chlorine or other chemicals from the paper.

When seeds crack-open, (barely a taproot, 2 to 4 days) I use tweezers to transfer to it's pot. I bury it between one and two times the size of the seed. (1/8 inch deep, or so) Always have. None of the problems mentioned in above posts from doing it this way, which makes me doubt the website claim.
Seems to me that the common variable here, is moisture.
If a seed is too shallow, it can stick it's head up and have that film" dry and harden before it tears.
If it's planted deep enough, it stays moist and tearable while the cotyledons swell enough to tear it.

There was a great grow book in the '60s that drew diagrams of cannabis seeds and insisted that it made a big difference whether one planted then pointed end up, or down.
When they sprout, the tap root always comes out the same end of the seed and always make a U-turn.
If the tap root pokes out the top of the seed, it makes a U-turn and starts drilling down.
Then the bent stem pulls at the seed shell with the split facing up and soil friction helps pop it open and off. Then all is well.

If the taproot pokes out the bottom of the seed, it makes an S-turn. (Curves up then curves back down. )
That eats most of it's stored energy and usually stunts the plant. It also kills the leverage needed for lifting it's head and setting itself free.

Just a penny or two of thoughts on planting seeds in soil.

Trouble is, I can never remember which end is supposed to point down.

Aloha
Weezard