gardening question: Do you soak your seeds first?

[kla37]

I was wondering is anyone soaks their seeds before planting them, either outside or when starting them inside. I know some you have to soak first, but things like peas, tomato seeds, pepper seeds, etc. Who soaks what and does it improve germination rates and speed up sprouting?

 

[elizabethbinary]

Some I do some I don't.

Does: Beans, peas, harder shelled things like that. Also tomatoes I put in seed trays first because I like to separate them sooner rather than later. Tree seeds I soak as well. Avocados are a soaking MUST. D:

Don'ts: Quick grows like lettuces and radishes. Leeks, onions, root veggies of any kind really...grapes. All small seeds I don't.

I find it only really does improve germination on the harder/larger seeds. Smaller seeds I just accidentally rot them instead, haha.

 

[kla37]

Thanks! Anyone soak corn?

 

[elizabethbinary]

Quote:
Corn is a good one to soak too.

I don't think it increases my germination perse, but more or less lets me know WHICH ones germinated so I can separate the good ones from the bad ones easier before planting.

 

[NanaKat]

Soak okra overnight in buttermilk to improve germination.

Corn, beans and peas are soaked in tepid water for 12 hours then dust with an innoculant.

I put beets seeds between paper towels and lightly roll over them with a rolling pen to break up the clusters.

 

[Stevenson]

Quote:
Agree. If I am concerned about germination rates I will soak them (mostly heirloom vegetebles when I don't have a lot of seeds or giant pumpkins when some seeds are very valuable). Most seeds I do not soak.

 

[WoodlandWoman]

I never soak my seeds, but I do keep the ground slightly moist, until the seeds germinate and the seedlings get a good start. That seems to get everything off to a faster start. I should try soaking some of the large seeds this year.

 

[classicsredone]

Quote:
Agree. If I am concerned about germination rates I will soak them (mostly heirloom vegetebles when I don't have a lot of seeds or giant pumpkins when some seeds are very valuable). Most seeds I do not soak.

That is pretty much my thing, too. If I have a limited quality, the seeds were expensive, etc. I'll soak them first. Otherwise it is direct sow.

 

[kla37]

Quote:
Good tip about Okra! Those seeds are so hard! I had someone tell me once to soak them in straight bleach for 3 minutes, than rinse them several times. Haven't been brave enough to try that though. I'd rather spill buttermilk on myself!

 

[dmccann]

yes