To soak or not to soak

Discussion in 'Seed Starting / Propagation' started by marlingardener, Apr 11, 2019.

  1. marlingardener

    marlingardener Happy

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    I usually soak larger seeds like beans, cucumbers, squash overnight in tepid rain water. I have this crazy idea that it helps them germinate quicker once planted in the garden.
    Do you soak larger seeds, or just pop them into the soil and wait for results?
    Does soaking really help?
     
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  3. carolyn

    carolyn Strong Ash

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    I think that is fine, I think if you soak them longer you might kill them instead of just softening the shell. I soak my pepper seeds sometimes.
     
  4. Dirtmechanic

    Dirtmechanic Young Pine

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    Soaking recipes, yes recipes, are an interesting area I have not really learned about other to know that some recipes describe antifungal ideas and some are for hormones to prompt growth of roots. I am sure there are other thoughts.
     
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  5. Sjoerd

    Sjoerd Mighty Oak

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    I think that soaking will help a little...but after trials, I was not convinced that it was worth the time. I have not pre-soaked my seeds for several years now.
     
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  6. Emduff

    Emduff New Seed

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    I have read that soaking tree seed and shrub seeds is a good idea. Maybe they are generally larger than flower or vegetable seeds?
     
  7. Netty

    Netty Chaotic Gardener Plants Contributor

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    I soak my beans and pea seeds for a few hours before planting. I've always just found that if I don't soak them, it takes a really long time for them to germinate.
     
  8. marlingardener

    marlingardener Happy

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    Like Netty, I soak larger seeds (including corn) in tepid water for six to eight hours before planting, then also water the rows well. It does seem to speed up germination.
     
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