Ginko seeds?

I have some ginko seeds I ordered a while back they have a hard shell amost like a pistachio nut.
I have tried planting as instructed 1/2 in seed starting material didn't work.Then I tried nicking them with a small fine saw blade and planting the same way. Didn't work I kept them warm and moist. I tried soaking in warm water and now I am trying the damp paper towel in a plastic bag. Did I just get a bad batch of seeds. I recieved a bunch of seed from the same company and only a couple have germinated. I am also trying to start Tulip Poplar seeds. I also have some Red bud and Mimosa that I picked from my own trees and can't seem to get them started either.

For the Ginkgo seeds, I really think winter sowing is the best. Just sow them an inch or so deep in a gallon size or larger container and just leave them outside. My guess would be that the Tulip Poplar and Red Bud seeds would do best that way as well since here in my zone 5 yard they fall to the ground in the summer or late fall and then germinate in my flower beds in the spring.

You said "Then I tried nicking them with a small fine saw blade" you need to file down untill you see some white under the seed.

You might find this link useful

http://www.ottawahort.org/ginkgo.htm