Do all seeds benefit from pre-soaking prior to planting?

I am trying to grow a little herb garden of basil, parsley and spearmint. I often have problems getting my seeds to germinate (I don't have a green thumb, at least not yet). When I read the instructions for the parsley, it recommended that I pre-soak the seeds for best results, so I'm doing that. I was wondering if I should also do this for the basil and spearmint as well, even though it doesn't say anything about it in their instructions. Is pre-soaking good for all seeds, or only certain kinds?

Do all seeds benefit from pre-soaking prior to planting?
Sure you can try it! Nothing wrong with experimenting!


Just do it with a few seeds so that you don't ruin the whole lot. This is a great way to check if your seeds are viable -by pre-soaking. If your seeds germinate, then you know your seeds are ok.


Here's something I did do with tomato seeds and worked great:


First -I misted w/ sprayer a 2" long strip of papertowel till it was wet -but not soaking.


Second - placed seeds in middle of strip, spaced in a single line like you would do if you were planting in the ground.


Third, carefully folded the strip and placed in a ziplock, put it a warm place (not more than 70 degrees) for 24 hours.


After 24 hours, Check the seeds and remove any seeds that didn't germinate. Put the pre-soaked strips of seeds, paper and all, in prepared soil. (Put two germinated seeds w/ paper per hole.)


Good luck!





Here's a site to give you all sorts of info on starting seeds indoors: http://www.humeseeds.com/indoor.htm





(UPDATE- Don't use Miracle-Gro on seeds!


It will burn them! If you can get rainwater, that is best on seeds and plants - as city water has chemicals like chlorine that can kill plants. If you must use fertilizer use fish emulsion -and only then wait until you have true 2nd or 3rd leaves and plant is well established in the ground!)
Reply:Actually it is a good idea to presoak in Miracle Gro
Reply:it helps a lot
Reply:No. All seeds require different things to germinate. Follow the instructions on the package. Be sure that you keep the growing medium moist (I like a mister) but not soggy.

elaine