it IS important that you put a few drops of bleach into the water you are pre-soaking your seeds in, and the paper towel, if you are using that method ... chlorinated water does NOT hurt the seed, it will prevent fungi from getting a start on the germinating seed ... likewise, chlorine does not hurt the plant, either ... however, it does kill beneficial organisms in the soil, so it is best to allow it to evaporate for a couple days, before using ... :smokin: