Is it a Good Idea to Soak Seeds Before Planting?

Soaking seeds ends their dormant period and starts the process of plant growth. Soaking enables thorough water penetration of the seed hull, before soil has the opportunity to wick water away from the plant germ.

Soaking seeds helps them sprout quickly.

Function

Soaking seeds, especially in warm water, before planting in soil helps speed germination. Soaked seeds sprout more quickly when planted in soil, behaving as if they were planted days or weeks earlier.

How Much Water

Soak seeds in two to three times as much water as there are seeds. They should have as much water as they can store. Seeds absorb only the amount of water that they can hold, not the amount of water they are soaked in.

Considerations

Seeds cannot be soaked in too much water, but they can be soaked for too long. Seed packets should have guidelines for soaking. Generally, soak seeds for 8 to 12 hours. Soak large seeds overnight.

Hydration vs. Nutrition

Soaking seeds provides them with hydration. Seeds absorb nutrients from the soil after they are planted, so they need to be transferred from water to soil to develop.

Planting

Soaked seeds must be kept hydrated after planting. Keep soil moist to prevent the seeds from drying out. Do not over water.

References

• Pre-soaking Your Seeds
• Go Organic Gardening
• Amishland Garden Tips