straight to moist, well aerated ceed starting appropriate soil, or if you absolutely must, soak for 24 hours in dechlor. h2o then into moist, well aerated ceed starting appropriate soil. in my opinion, you actually delay your veg period by sprouting in paper towel. it's essentially the first transplant of the plant's life and you're doing it a day or two into that life. not worth the potential stress. if the bean is bad, then it won't sprout either way--not a waste of your time or container, just dig out the top 1/4" where you planted, replace with a litle more soil, and try a new bean.
be easy,
