Germinating

Hi I'm new to the whole growing your own seeds. I got some seeds from a friend just experimenting since I am not experienced at all, I've had them in paper towels for 5 days now but nothing, should I give up? Where can I get some reputable seeds and I plan on growing outside

Thanks for any help

planting them in soil cups has worked for me. barely cover it with dirt in the middle of the cup then water carefully around the edge just a little water at first each time until it breaks through then start watering a little more.

Also on average do you know how long it will be before I have mature plants? I'm just trying to see how long it will be before I am able to have some marijuana since there are no dispensaries on oahu.

I soak my seeds in distilled water overnight, then in I put them in a moist paper towel inside a ziplock for 2-3 days, never fails. I usually veg for 4-6 weeks then put them into flower cycle, or in the case here, just put them outside

So the random seeds I tried to germinate definitely died P I don't think they were good but it was worth a shot. So now to order or buy some seeds, but before I do some questions. Do all strains smell? I have my card so I'm not worried about breaking any laws but still I don't really want my neighbors to know that I am growing. When I looked online I saw some seeds that said no smell.

I believe all strains have some kinda smell. some stronger then others but for the most part all strains smell a little. but IMO who cares what your neighbors think. if your legally growing your own meds then it aint any of there business. also if your growing outdoors, your plants can get pretty big depending on when you plant them. so if your wall or fence aint too tall, they will probably see it for sure.