Send in some seeds

Some years ago my "ex-gf" (now my better half) brought home some dates seeds from the Middle East. I was particularly curious about it and I wanted to try to propagate this plant here in the Philippines. I've seen some pictures of this wonderful palm-looking plant which Judd sent me via net. What looked like plantation, dates trees were standing all over in that particular tourist destination. Growing dates is just commonplace as many ordinary Arab farmers, despite regional political conflict,  would make it as source of income. It puzzled me how they're able to maintain production in such places where water is most wanted (do dates grow best in dry areas). Well, I guess these farming families  are just blessed with right climate for this kind of plant. And they are such an ingenious kind of hands. K. Back to my story. I prepared a  seed box for a few seeds of dates to germinate. Unfortunately, it was a failure. I still have to figure out why. My initial assessment was I gave too much water. Do dates dislike too much watering? Could be. Now I have received a new package of dates seeds. I hope I'd make it this time around. Planting is fun.