Starting seeds in soil?

hey guys I'm considering putting my seeds into soil and I have a few qustions. How often and how much should I water them? How long does it take till I can notice the plant is growing? and how long does it usually take for a seed to sprout when directly put into soil?

thanks guys

well if your just using bagseeds you can definately use just place em in and try that way. Just recently I took some seeds and planted them right into the medium and it's been a week none sprouted. I think I kept them too moist or something. Anyways, anytime I use the paper towel method i never have any problems with viable seeds. Just put em in moist paper towels in a plastic bag or inbetween two plates in a warm place and within a few days you usually have roots, many of mine have came in less than 12 hours. Than put in the moist soil and under some cfl lighting and just spray some water on them to keep em moist for about 2 or 3 days and your done.

i like to water the pot before i put my seed in there so you don't have to worry about the seed moving from the watering which happens a lot.. i like to water till i see about ten or so percent coming out of the holes in the bottom of the pot.. i than just make a hole about 1/4 inch or so deep into the soil.. than i gently place the seed in the hole and just cover it with the soil and just slightly give it a lil push to make sure its seated well.. you should see the seedling pop up in around a week or ten days.. any longer than two weeks i would say you have a dud and would try again.. just water the plant when it seems like it needs it.. i check by putting a finger in it and if it feels dry around an inch or two down, it needs watering.. you don't want to overwater at this tender age as you can drown your seeds and they will die, and at the same time you don't want to under water as the tender roots can dry out.. i find a bigger pot helps some with this till you get a feel for it as it will hold more water for you and allow you to go longer inbetween waterings..

Sometimes I like taking a sponge from a hair curler & cut it in half & soak the sponge. I'll place the seed about a 1/4 in the sponge & place in the center of small pot that has soil in it. Works like a charm plus if you want to check to see if the tap root is showing you just open the sponge & look. The root will grow through the sponge. Sorta like a peat plug but using sponges. Great for germinating