December 11, 2025 – Many gardeners like myself enjoy starting their vegetable garden plants with seed. A good seed soaking in late January ensures great germination ratees and allows for an early start instead of waiting to buy plants themselves in late April or early May. Starting seeds in starter soil is OK, but soaking seeds in water first for specified times (from 2-24 hours depending on the vegetable) increases the germination rate. I usually buy my seeds NLT early December and store in a refrigeration until I’m ready for the soaking process.
Seed germination begins when a seed absorbs water, and subsequent swelling breaks the outer shell. Oxygen availability is a major factor in germination and growth beginnings. Increased oxygen improves germination rates and reduces pathogen occurrences. So, how do we get more oxygen?
Actually, it’s very simple. Hydrogen peroxide (3% solution) contains extra oxygen which improves the seed’s ability to absorb water, and helps to eliminate resident pathogens that may be in the soil.
The procedure is simple. Take a small container that can hold the seeds in water. Now, fill the container with water and hydrogen peroxide on a ratio of 10 parts water to one part hydrogen peroxide. The ratio is important, because too much peroxide may damage the seeds and not enough won’t provide enough oxygen. Seeds need to be fully submerged. Use your own judgement, but if my seeds are still floating after an hour or two, I simply remove them. Soak only for the needed time. If you don’t know the time requirement, google soaking time for any particular vegetable. After soaking, rinse them thoroughly with fresh water.
After soaking, dry the seeds. Once dry, they need to be placed in starter soil in less than 24 hours (my preference) for the germination process to be completed.
