I've been struggling with germination rate the last two years. I'm only getting about 50% germination rate overall and I appear completely unable to get any melons to germinate. I'm hoping some one can help me out.

I've been germinating in my unfished basement. It's about 60-65 degrees down there constantly. I have an HPS light that I keep on my seeds for heat. I've been using Jiffy Pellets. I may tend to overwater. I do have some problems with mold, but even ones without mold seems to have issues.

I use quality seeds (mostly from Baker Creek). Is there anything I can do to increase my germination rate? Is using a seed starting mix in place of the Jiffy Pellets perferable? I always used the pellets so I could transfer with no root shock.