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Hydrophilic gels have been used as a water holding media for seeds and seedlings. Chemical and physical reactions have occurred with some gels. Physical properties of commercially produced, and naturally occurring gels were evaluated. Pourability, pH, surface tension, water activity and density were determined for several concentrations of each gel. The following gels were studied to determine the best gel for coating double-cropped soybeans: Super Slurper, Staley Starch, Viterra, Kelco, Dycol 4000FC, Finn A1000SA, Finn 1000A, Favor and Laponite 550. Double-cropped soybeans planted with a gel overlay had faster emergence times than seeds planted dry. The optimum pH for gel overlaying is 7 to 9. Surface tension, water activity, and density were consistent among all gels. Water applied at a rate of 2cc (0.067oz) per soybean seed improved emergence over dry seeds in a dry soil.