germinating in dirt isnt that reliable to me so i use paper towls just wrap the seed and water then drain the exess and you said you were growing in your yard
that is not very safe but you shouldnt have a problem growing under 100 dallars
if you go with miracle grow as a medium remember to mix half with peeat moss
and if your trying to find a light to start your seeds just by about 4 grow lights from walmart some say they dont work but they do you just need more than 2 of them