I've never heard of the "chilled water approach". Soaking seeds, regardless of the temp, may do you some good, but I doubt that the temp has anything to do with it. I agree that if you see a larger "bump" you have a greater chance of germination. No "bump" = no germ = non-viable seed. I've seen plant fixtures locally that have 4 24" flourescent plant bulbs, so if this is what you are looking for, they do exist.

About that grow light. My former neighbor was a development engineering liason to a fluorescent light manufacturer and said that there is no appreciable advantage using grow lights over standard fluorescent lights in winter gardening under lights. He himself did not use grow lights.

I have heard that too! (Smile)

Peter Kelley
St. Paul, MN USA