Here is a professionally produced short video (48 seconds) that reveals interesting information to help you germinate seeds successfully.
First, you should work very cleanly. Wear gloves when working with seeds, and make sure your container is spotless, too.
Second, soak the seeds for 24 to 48 hours in clean water in a clean glass bowl before planting.
Third, when you have planted the seeds in seed sowing compost in a seed tray container (cover the seeds gently with a little soil), and watered the tray lightly, you should cover the container with clingfilm.
Fourth, keep checking that the soil is moist but not waterlogged.
Fifth, only once the seedlings have appeared, should you remove the clingfilm and place the tray in a sunny area.
