Presoaking Beans for Growth

To help seeds germinate, many gardeners soak them in water, which gives them a chance to absorb water through their seed coats prior to planting. Beans, however, usually do not benefit from presoaking. According to the University of Illinois, you should not soak beans before planting them, because they become too moist and can crack easily. However, you can wet them and use an inoculant on them, which adds a good bacteria called rhizobia to the seeds that helps the plants draw nitrogen from the air to store in their roots. This process is optional, but may be helpful when you grow your beans.

Things You'll Need

• Container
• Water
• Inoculant (optional)

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Instructions

1. • 1

     Determine if your beans will benefit from an inoculant. If your soil is rich in organic matter, chances are you don't need the inoculant, since the bacteria rhizobia is already in your soil. Have your soil tested by a local laboratory, if desired. Your county extension office should have a list of nearby labs.

   • 2

     Fill a container with water. Pour the beans in it so they are covered in water. Drain the water.

   • 3

     Add an inoculant labeled for your specific beans, using the amount directed on the package.

   • 4

     Toss the beans and inoculant, so all the beans are coated with some of the inoculant. Plant the beans immediately.