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Sowing Seed Outdoors
On this page find descriptions and step-by-step demonstrations showing the three most common methods of planting seed in vegetable garden soils, beds, and plots, including:
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- When to start planting vegetables from seed in spring.
- How to prepare the soil in a vegetable garden for planting vegetable seeds.
- Three common methods of planting seeds for various types of vegetables.
- Step-by-step demonstrations of each vegetable planting method used for seeds.
- Practical essentials, tips, and hints for planting vegetables with seed.
Getting Started
Sow vegetable seed directly in garden soil once your vegetable garden’s soil warms in spring and hazard of frost ends, or after the heat of summer has passed for those gardeners located in mild-winter climates.
Depending on the vegetable you plant, you’ll use three basic seed-sowing techniques.
Choose to:
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- Scatter or “broadcast” seed over an area,
- Plant seed into a raised mound surrounded by a moat for easy irrigation, or
- Use a hoe to make raised rows and furrows for row plantings.
Follow the step-by-step instructions provided for directions in performing each of these easy seed-planting options.
Step-By-Step Instructions:
Seeding Areas in Beds
Plant leafy greens such as lettuce and radishes and carrots in areas. Scatter the seed evenly on the bed with your open palm, tossing the seed with a flinging motion of your wrist.
Sift topsoil or loose compost onto the bed to cover the seed to its recommended depth, firm the soil, then mist with water until the area is saturated.
Seeding Hills
Plant squash and pumpkin in hills. With your fingers, press 4 seed the recommended depth into the top of the hill, then cover with additional soil.
Firm the soil over the seed, then mist with water. Keep evenly moist until seedlings emerge, then apply water in the basin.
Seeding Rows
Plant bush peas and beans in rows. Press each seed into the soil to its recommended depth and spacing. Sift more soil over the seed until they are covered.
Firm the soil over the seed, then mist with water. Keep evenly moist until seedlings emerge, then water by filling the furrows beside the seedlings.
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