Do you have trouble keeping your seeds (and soil) moist enough after sowing?

Do you find it tricky to get the timing just right when planting peas and other cool-weather crops—crops that prefer to grow in spring conditions, but sometimes take a long time to germinate in cooler soil?

If so, you should think about using this little trick: presoaking.

With this method, you can shave a few days to even a week or more off the germination time!

Faster germination outside means your seeds are less likely to rot in the ground when it's still cool and wet, and presoaked seeds are also more forgiving if you accidentally skip a day or two with watering (since they've already gotten a head start on breaking through their seed coats).

​Here's how to soak your seeds to speed up germination—how long to do it, what kinds of seeds to soak, and what to do about floaters.​

Seasonal Tips

Germinating Seeds In Paper Towels: A Quick and Easy Way to Start Seeds Without Soil Read more

When to Sow Seeds vs. When to Transplant Seedlings Read more

7 Simple Fixes for Leggy Seedlings: How to Help Your Plants Grow Stronger Read more

The Best Seeds to Plant in Spring for Instant Gratification Read more

13 Fruits and Vegetables That Help You Fall Asleep Faster and Stay Asleep Longer Read more

Are You Growing These Powerhouse Vegetables? Read more

P.S. Presoak your seeds to give them a head start on the growing season. Here's how.​

P.P.S. Are you starting a new garden this year? Or want to streamline what you've already got?

My flagship course, Lazy Gardening Academy, can help you plan, build, grow, and maintain a beautiful, productive vegetable garden—with less digging, less watering, and less weeding.