I have never had a problem getting seeds to germinate by just planting them in the soil. Water the soil heavily and soon the little ones come out. Nature's been doing it this way for a very long time and it's been working pretty good so far. lol

I guess I just don't see any benefit to the paper towl method. The only thing I see is the possibilty of damaging young roots by handling them after they've popped.

Anyway different strokes for different folks.

Laterz