How To Germinate Seeds, And What Soil To Use?

so i just got my the dope seeds from drgreenthumb today. last year i just threw my seeds in some damp paper towel in a warm dark place in a plastic bag, but half of my seeds didnt even sprout. so this year im not sure what to do, should i germinate my seeds the paper towel way or just go old school, stick em in a cup of water for a few hours let em soften up and throw em in some damp dirt?

the other question i had is what type of soil could i use? im in canada, ontario so i need something that i could possibly get from a local store and not of the internet.

if you guys could please leave a post with a little bit of info so i can actually get a good grow going on this year and have most of my seeds germinate i would be fairly greatful. thanks

home depot/lowes got seed starting mix it works great, I have found it developed better root balls of seedlings and was just airy and grew seeds consistently and well overall. I think its jiffy brand?

Anyway I have started seeds in regular potting soil as well, and that works fine really. But they do *seem* happier when I start them in the jiffy seedling mix.

plus the jiffy seedling mix regulates moisture well, seedling can get over watered very easily but the jiffy does a good job of releasing/holding moisture to the right consistency.

Yea any old seed starter mix will be good. They will all have good consistency, water retention and aeration and all and will be free of nutrients that would harm the little girls.

To start my seeds I just put them in a cup of water over night and throw them in soil and keep it moist. Two days and they've sprouted, nothing fancy with a paper towel and no time leaving the sprouts in open air and light.