8doubles, I find that chitting the seed first greatly improves germination.
Get a clear plastic container with a lid, fold a paper towel to a size that will fit into the bottom of the container. Dampen that paper towel, drain off any free water.
Soak the seeds for 2 to 3 hours in lukewarm water. For a squash, I would start no more than 25% more seeds than you intend to grow (if you want 10 plants, start 12 or 13 seeds). After the soak, put the seeds in the container on the paper towel, close the lid. Place out of the direct sun, but someplace that gets some light. Check every couple of days for sprouting seeds, move each sprouted seed to a small pot with soil, or if warm enough, plant directly in the ground. Seedlings in pots can be transplanted into the ground after it is warm enough.
