The paper towel method (also known as the baggie method) is also helpful for germinating seeds that require constant heat and moisture, such as hot peppers.
While our first instinct is to bury seeds in soil to get them to sprout, certain seeds actually need light to germinate.
The general rule of thumb is to plant a seed at a depth of two times the width (or diameter) of the seed.
The soak (sometimes called a presoak) will start to break down the seed coat and encourage the radicle to emerge.
To do so, gently scrape off a tiny part of the seed coat with a razor blade or nail clippers, or lightly rub it with a nail file or sandpaper.