Not all seeds are created equal......some won't germinated; no matter what you do....:wtf:

I use the Miracle Grow seed starter potting soil or any brand like it...:thumbsup:..with 20% perlite added. 1/4 inch deep, kept in 78-85 degrees.
Don't let the soil compact on top after pre-flushing the soil. I pre-flush the soil; let it drain, then use a toothpick to fluff it up & drop in the seed. Since most of my seeds are 2-4 years old?...so..I soak them for 12-24 hours in a shot glass. I still have a problem with the seed shell not wanting to bust open easy. It's not usual for the stem to grow 2-3 inches and still have the hull on the top. Trying to help getting the hull off, is futile. They either make it or not. Some seeds send their tap root to the surface...their retarded seeds...:stoned:
I've been doing it like this since 2005.

In the past 6 months; I've had whole packs of seeds not germinate...and other packs of seeds, 100% germination...go figure?