Direct-Sowing Seeds in 5 Easy Steps

That moment when you can bring the seedlings you've tended indoors outside and lovingly plant them in their carefully laid-out beds is sweet. But the seed starting doesn't end when you've moved those seedlings outdoors! There are lots of veggies and flowers that prefer to be sown directly into your garden beds.

Direct-sowing seeds is so rewarding, and easy. All it takes is a bit of patience and close attention.

1. Get the timing right. The most important thing to consider when direct-sowing seeds is timing. For most crops, wait until all danger of frost has passed in your area.

2. Prepare the soil. Choose the spot where you'll be sowing your seeds, considering sun exposure, soil, and the ultimate size of the plant. Turn the soil over with a spade or fork, breaking up large clumps and removing any stones. Smooth the soil and tamp it gently.

3. Sow the seeds. Read the seed packet carefully, noting spacing and planting depth. Follow the instructions carefully. Cover the seeds with soil and tamp the area firmly.

4. Water regularly. Keep the seeded area uniformly moist until the seedlings emerge. Water gently to avoid dislodging the seeds and young seedlings from the soil.

5. Thin the seedlings. Once the seedlings have emerged and have at least a couple of sets of leaves, pluck out any extras until the strongest remaining seedlings are at their recommended spacing.

Seeds to Direct-Sow Outside

Many of these varieties can be be direct-sown into the garden after your spring Last Frost Date, though cool-weather crops marked with an asterisk (*) can be sown outdoors as soon as the soil can be worked in early spring.

Vegetables & Herbs

Flowers

Direct-Sowing Seeds in 5 Easy Steps

Seeds to Direct-Sow Outside

Vegetables & Herbs

Flowers

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