no you dont have to soak them just plant in moist ground :)

You can, it also helps if you soak them in white spirit to keep the mice away when growing outside.

i think as a general rule of thumb especialy in this warm weather its a good idea to soak or at least dip most plants you are putting in a bigger pot or in the ground . i think doc being the great plantsman will agree with me here.i hope im right lol please bail me out here doc lol .

I'll remember that tip doctorbob always have trouble with flippin mice pinching them in the greenhouse, just eaten all my sweetcorn, had to resow and put on windowsill till they get going,can you do the same with edible crops ?

I soak mine overnight, and get good germination rates. I know that some people 'nick' the hard coat with a knife, but knowing me, I'd cut myself - so soak it is!

I put them on kitchen paper folded over and wetted on a plate which works well. You have to remember to keep checking it and adding water. I had almost 100 per cent germination with this last year, only one did not germinate. However this was not for sowing in the ground.

All seeds when sown give off a smell which unwanted guests go for. Some seeds also make minute sounds when germinating which is also an introduction that supper is ready. Pre soaking is highly recommended but not with small seeds like Begonias. If you soak in white spirits or paraffin it can be toxic in foodstuffs. Making cuts in hard seeds with a nail file will not cut your fingers. All plants need moisture to start them growing well when being transplanted.