You can either way. I start the seed in rockwool so I don't stress them in the transfer.I get a very high germ rate, lucky I guess. Most newbies hurt the root when they put them into what ever they use. I use drip also. Make sure the drip line is not right on the stem or rockwool so they don't stay too wet. Most hate rockwool because it can cause root rot. I'm trying cloning without anything, areo and now bubbler. It's not working as good as the rockwool for me but that's what it's all about learning.