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You Probably Aren't Soaking Your Seeds Long Enough. Here's The Truth
By KENNA O'ROURKE
Many gardening experts recommend soaking your seeds prior to sowing to improve the germination rate, and while not all seeds need it, it might reduce the chances of some failing.
Soaking seeds in water breaks down their protective outer shell, letting moisture reach the embryos faster. This speeds up germination and increases the number of successful seeds.
TikToker @gardenfrenzy posted a quick seed-soaking guideline per vegetable type, with some seeds needing a soak for a short two to four hours but others requiring 24 to 36 hours.
However, online seed vendors don't agree on which seeds need soaking, and when soaking is recommended, most sources suggest a broad time frame of anywhere from six to 24 hours.
Larger seeds with tough or wrinkled shells, like cucumber, beet, or squash, may benefit from soaking, as well as seeds to be planted in soils that don’t retain moisture well.
Nevertheless, while you should refer to seed packet instructions, most seeds should germinate well on their own without pre-soaking if given the right environmental conditions.
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