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