Abstract: A method for improving the survival and viability of microorganism inoculants on the seeds, comprising the step of coating seeds with a mixture comprising a carbohydrate, a sugar alcohol and microorganisms. Also described are the mixture used in the foregoing method, a kit comprised of an aqueous mixture of a carbohydrate and a sugar alcohol and an aqueous mixture of microorganisms as well as planting seeds with such coating applied. This invention is directed to all types of planting seed and a wide range of microorganism inoculants. Preparation of sterile liquid formulation of the novel mixture is described. The mixture is also biodegradable, which is environmentally advantageous.