You don't need to use the paper towel method.
Start with fresh seeds, good soilessmix (don't use dirt for now) bottom heat
For years I have had very high germination rates simply by using good soliless mix Like Pro MixBX . I like to moisten it with warm water to get it wet , not waterlogged. I fill up 4" round or square pots with the mix, lightly packed. Place like 6-15 seeds evenly spaced apart. Cover with a bit of the mix, tamp it down lightly. Label, and tent with a sandwich baggie. (I find tearing the baggie about an inch on each side helps it fit over the square pots) Then place on a heat mat or in a warm place. Makes a nice little greenhouse.
Once germinated, I sometimes lift off the baggie if it seems too wet of an environment. I keep em growing in the small container until they have theire1st set of true leaves. Then move them into individual pots