Pea and Wheatgrass Soaking Guide
Peas and wheatgrass are two varieties where soaking is non-negotiable. Under-soak them and germination drops sharply. Here's exactly how to do it.
Why These Two Need Soaking
Both pea and wheatgrass have thick, starchy seed coats. Soaking softens the coat and gets germination going, so the seeds sprout faster and far more evenly than if sown dry.
Pea Shoot Soaking
- Duration: 8–12 hours (overnight is perfect)
- Seed per 10×10 tray: 50–70 g
- Water: Room temperature — cold slows activation
- Container: Large bowl — peas swell to about twice their size
- After sowing: 3 days dark period, harvest in 8–12 days
Full growing instructions in the pea shoot guide.
Wheatgrass Soaking
- Duration: 8–12 hours
- Seed per 10×10 tray: 60–80 g
- Rinse: Rinse every 4 hours during soaking to prevent fermentation
- After sowing: 2 days dark period, harvest in 8–10 days
Full growing instructions in the wheatgrass guide. Sunflower, coriander and spinach also soak 8–12 hours — see the full soaking guide.
After Soaking — Sow Immediately
Drain, rinse once, spread on cocopeat. If seeds smell sour or fermented, discard — they were soaked too long. After sowing, move straight into the dark period. If germination is still poor, see germination issues.