I was told that soaking seeds in either water or a special formula will give the seed a better chance 2 sprout

Question

is that true if so do you know the formula i was told it contained salt. and the you can make it yourself

Answer 1

This would depend on the seed.

But in most cases the first few days a seed is in the ground, it is absorbing water to start the germination process.

Many hydro-seeders will soak grass seeds 1 to 3 days prior to installation to get better results in germination.

Most will use a water soluble fertilizer (Like miracle gro) mixed in the water. No salt!

Answer 2

Try covering with a real wet paper towel. Keep the paper towel wet until they sprout.

Answer 3

Salt? Well seeds with a heavy seed coat can benefit from an overnight soaking. Things like okra respond well as do beans. I grow sub tropical fruits and things like guava and cherimoya do better if pre soaked for up to several days. I don't know about any special home made solutions, just plain old water is fine, though I use distilled water in a sterilized jar. Some very heavy coated seeds are "scarified" by soaking in a weak sulfuric acid solution, but I wouldn't recommend that to the new gardener. Best to search each type of seed for recommendations on things like pre soaking, scarifying and innoculation.

Answer 4

A few hours is all that is needed unless the seeds were in pods.  If the soil is warm and moist, though, often soaking isn't necessary.  I've had equal luck growing snow peas soaked and unsoaked.