It is traditional to soak some seeds before sowing. Soaking in water can speed up germination and increase the percentage of seeds that germinate successfully.
A protective shell is formed around the embryo so that the embryo can survive in some way. The covering protects the seed until it finds a suitable place to grow a new plant. The seed coat, which protects the embryo from the inside, remains intact even when conditions such as temperature, light, and humidity are suitable for germination. The seeds are dry and need water to initiate germination. Water can soften and break the seed coat and remove germination inhibitors.
Water is usually present in the soil where the seed has fallen, and when it is sufficiently absorbed by the seed coat, germination begins. However, soaking the seeds before planting can help initiate germination, especially in sandy soils where water drains quickly, or in heavy clay soils where water does not easily penetrate dry soils.
What are the benefits of soaking seeds before planting?
Almost all seeds can be pre-soaked, but larger seeds, thick-shelled seeds, and wrinkled seeds will benefit the most. Small seeds are less profitable and difficult to work with when wet.
Examples of soaked seeds include peas, beets, cucumbers, corn, squash, pumpkins, and beans.
How to soak your seeds
Cover the seeds in a bowl with warm water and leave for 6-24 hours. Small seeds and seeds with thin layers will take longer, and larger seeds with thick layers will take longer.
Some seeds will naturally float and some will stay on the surface. Don’t worry about the floaters. As the seeds absorb water, they will swell.
Sow the seeds immediately in the soil or in a seed mix. Pre-soaking will speed up germination by days to weeks.