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To prove his theory, Wuest designed two experiments at ARS' Columbia Plateau Conservation Research Center, Pendleton, Oregon.

In one experiment, he placed a layer of fiberglass cloth between the seeds and the soil to prevent the seeds' contact with water. Despite the cloth barrier, the seeds still sprouted!

In the other experiment, Wuest hung seeds in the air above water. He determined that contact between rising water vapor and the seeds was enough to make them sprout. So, don't worry next time you're in the garden and can't remember where you've planted the seeds for your favorite veggie. As long as water is close by the seeds, you'll see them sprouting sooner or later.