8 Game-Changing Steps for Direct Sowing Seeds (Beginner-Friendly!)

Some crops are easier to direct sow than others. It's a little more common with cool season gardening, but these 8 steps apply to the warm season just as well.

1. CULTIVATE

You want to work the soil by breaking up the surface. This doesn't mean tilling! It's just a quick way to break up the top layer. This will let air and moisture into the soil more easily. This goes right into the second step.

2. WEEDING

Removing existing plants from your growing area doesn't just mean stubborn grasses. This can also be crops from the previous season that dropped seeds and are starting to grow. It's essential to remove other plants because those will choke out your new baby seedlings.

3. FURROW

Creating a shallow furrow is a great way to help your seeds stay moist. This will help retain moisture where you want it which can be tricky sometimes if your water is pooling or running off.

4. WATER

Seeds need moisture to germinate. This means you want to water a day or two before you plant even! All of the surrounding soil needs to be thoroughly moist. If you just sprinkle a little water right when you plant, all of that moisture is going to get sucked up by the dry soil in the area.

5. SOWING

I prefer to just place seeds right on top of the soil in most cases. This will keep things much more consistent than me poking holes with my finger and much faster than individually digging holes.

6. COVER

I set the seeds right on the surface of the soil, but I'm not a psychopath! It's time to cover them up. I use finely sifted soil so there won't be any sticks or rocks sitting on top of seeds. Even if you put a little too much on, your seeds will be alright.

7. INSECT PROTECTION

Something like Sluggo Plus will help protect your seedlings against common critters that can demolish a plant overnight. The goal is to get your plants large enough so they can withstand some pest damage.

8. ROW COVER

Row cover is great for sun protection, but it also helps retain moisture while protecting against cough cough toddlers and cats. Heck, it even keeps ME from stepping on seeds and seedlings.

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