I don't recommend soaking bean seeds. I've never done it and it is my understanding that it is not good to do it. I believe that even planting in soil which is too wet can harm the seeds. The soil should be just damp.

Jim

I agree with Jimster; pre-soaking is not necessary, and might actually increase the chances of failure. Only a few very "hard" beans benefit from pre-soaking, such as hyacinth beans & winged beans.

Mach,
It has been my experience in the past that pre-soaking beans has cuased them to actually pop open therefore making them useless. And Jimster is corect, you only want to keep your soil slightly damp, not soaking wet until you see the sprouts emerge. To wet of a soil will also cause them to pop or rot. But then again this is what has happened to my in the past. Hope this helps.

Mark