Best way to start seeds for hydroponic system

[fintuckyfarms]

This is my second year starting seeds for my hydroponic system. Last year I used the rapid roots system and did ok, but the lettuce got too wet. I can't remember the name for when it lays down. This year I started some herbs and spinach in some perlite and less then 50% came up. I also started about 18 seeds in a wet paper towel in a ziplock bag and only 1 sprouted. The seeds were purched only a few days before at a local store with this years seeds. Is there a better way to start them not in soil?

[DoubleDogFarm]

Is there a better way to start them not in soil?

Damping off

Why no soil? I would start them in 1020 open flats. When they are of proper size, lift and wash off the soil. Maybe this goes against the hydroponic elite, that is how I would do it.

Eric

[FaTRippz]

Well you said the way I would try. The wet paper towel does the trick almost everytime and every seed for me. Maybe the towel is too wet or too dry. but also try 1 part vermiculite and 3 parts perlite. ive been quite success germiating seed with this medium. I personally use 3 parts worm castings 3 parts perlite and 1 part vermiculite and .5 parts peatmoss. But the Perlite and Vermiculte works exceptionally well.

[fintuckyfarms]

Thanks for the ideas, I would really prefer not to use soil at all so I do not contaminate the system.