Should I Make My Bean Seeds Wet Before Planting?

Sprouting Bean Seeds

• Due to the speed with which they sprout, bean seeds have long been popular sources for science and nature experiments, especially with young children. Bean seeds can be planted in the dry state in which they are sold and often are, but many gardeners recommend soaking them in warm water so that they will sprout even faster. They can also be placed between layers of damp paper towels or newspaper, but the temperature of the damp paper must be kept consistently warm and the seeds must be carefully watched to be sure that they do not develop mold or fungus on their shells.

  To soak bean seeds, place them in warm water overnight. The warm water activates the enzymes, which generate growth, causing the seeds to sprout faster. To encourage faster, healthier growth, you can repeat this process, draining and replacing the warm water two or three times a day for three or four days. This process is called chitting and results in tiny roots emerging first from the bean seeds before they sprout fully. Once the roots have emerged, gently shake the seeds onto loose soil and cover lightly. The beans will sprout within a day or two and develop a stronger root system than seeds planted dry.

Chitting Seeds

• Chitting can also be used on other vegetable seeds. Any vegetable grown from a hard-shelled seed may sprout faster when chitted. Smaller seeds should be handled with care after chitting to ensure that their tiny roots are not harmed. Gardeners who chit their seeds claim that they see a much lower percentage of unsprouted seeds and that this process produces stronger plants and better vegetable yields.