Help/Advice on germinating Melons

[dingerbell]

Can anyone help me get my Minnesota Midget melon seeds to germinate. I just can't get them to start. I've tried blotting paper in a warm place, potting compost in the airing cupboard and the window sill. They just go black and mouldy. These are supposed to be an outdoor variety and I was hoping to grow them in my Geoff Hamilton style mini poly tunnel.
Thanks in advance....Dinger

[dingerbell]

[Tee Gee]

This is how I do mine and I generally have no problems germinating them; http://www.thegardenersalmanac.co.uk/Data/Melon/Melon.htm

Click on 'bold' sow seeds for slide show.

This my lot for this year as of a few days ago (30th)

[Eristic]

I've tried blotting paper in a warm place, potting compost in the airing cupboard and the window sill. They just go black and mouldy.

Have you tried just planting them in compost in a pot and leaving them in the polytunnel. I think more seeds die through all this faffing about than any other cause.

[sawfish]

I agree with eristic. I just stick them in compost and keep them warm. Then wait. Use tap water though so they dont go all mouldy.