Are you planning on direct seed sowing this year? For the last few years, I’ve made it a point to direct sow as many seeds as I possibly can. Here are my tried and true “dos and dont’s” of direct seed sowing, seed starting, and seed starting indoors.
DO:
-Start with loose, weed free and level soil. Gardeners should make it a point to work the soil as best as possible to ensure that it’s weed and rock free. Make sure the surface is level across all areas of your garden.
-Always follow the directions on the back of the seed packets. Some seeds do better when buried, and others do better when scattered on top of the soil. You’ll have the best possible garden yield when you follow the grow instructions.
-Just as the soil is perfectly level throughout your garden, it should be evenly watered as well! Take care when watering your plants by using a slow but even stream of water.
– Make sure you use plant markers! It’s easy to forget where you planted things, and many vegetables need different kinds of care. Plus, don’t carrot seedlings kind of look like weeds? Marking your garden will keep you from accidentally pulling up one of your vegetables!
– To go hand in had with the last tip, make sure you are aware of what your seed sprouts will look like. This will also keep you from accidentally pulling out a seedling.
-Make sure you get the adequate supplies! I recommend that beginner gardeners have a pair of gloves, a shovel, a hand rake, and a watering can.
DON’T:
-Don’t use the same care routine for each one of your vegetables. Different varieties will need different kinds of care, and caring for them correctly is what will provide you with a high yield vegetable garden.
–Don’t start your seeds too early! Just because it’s finally warm outside, doesn’t mean that it is the best time to start your seeds. Again, follow the directions on the back of the seed packet for the optimal planting time.
-Don’t forget to moisten soil prior to planting, depending on the seed! Small seeds can get lost and knocked out of place when watering the sown seeds for the first time. Water the soil before to dampen it before planting to prevent seed displacement.
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