Sow seeds directly in the ground

Why sow directly in the ground?

Sowing directly in the ground allows plants to grow from the start in their final environment, without experiencing the stress of transplantation. Moreover, some plants do not appreciate being replanted. This direct contact with the soil promotes deep and stable rooting, ensuring more robust plants that are better adapted to local conditions, such as soil type or climate. This technique is also less demanding: it avoids the need to purchase pots, specific compost, or manage indoor sowing. Finally, it offers a direct connection with nature, where the gardener accompanies the plants in their development at the pace of the seasons.

However, this method requires particular attention to ensure the success of the sowing, especially in terms of soil preparation. The success of this type of sowing heavily depends on temperatures and humidity. A cold spring or a dry summer can compromise the germination and development of young shoots. The seeds and young plants are directly exposed to external hazards, such as birds, slugs, insects, or weeds, which can smother or devour them.

Which plants can be sown directly in the ground?

Sowing directly in the ground is ideal for robust plants that germinate quickly and withstand natural conditions. Among the vegetables, we find radishes, carrots, spinach, beans, and peas, which adapt well to this method. These crops, often low-maintenance, establish easily in well-prepared soil and provide generous harvests.

On the flower side, many annuals such as nasturtiums, zinnias, cosmos, poppies, and marigolds are perfectly suited for direct sowing. They add a splash of colour and lightness to the garden while requiring little care. For a wilder effect, mixtures for flowering meadows, composed of cornflowers or daisies, are an excellent option.

Herbs, such as parsley, coriander, or dill, can also be sown directly in the ground. They thrive easily in well-drained soils, provided their light requirements are met. However, some more delicate plants, such as tomatoes or peppers, prefer starting under cover to ensure successful germination.

When to sow directly in the ground?

The ideal time for sowing directly into the soil depends on the type of plant, local climate, and weather conditions. Generally speaking, sowing in the ground is done when the soil is warm enough and the risk of frost has passed.

Rely on the sowing dates recommended on seed packets and resist the urge to sow so-called semi-hardy flowers, which are sensitive to cold, at the first ray of sunshine in March, as a late frost could jeopardise your efforts.

If you are using leftover seeds from last year or a previous year, check the use-by date before sowing… otherwise, you may end up with nothing germinating!

How to properly prepare the soil?

Avoid turning the soil deeply

Contrary to what one might think, it is not necessary to turn the soil deeply before sowing. This disrupts the natural balance of the soil, particularly the micro-organisms and earthworms that contribute to its fertility. If your soil is light, a simple rake to remove stones, level the surface, and lightly loosen it will suffice. However, for more compact or clayey soil, it is better to use a broadfork or a garden fork to aerate it without turning it over. These tools help break up compacted layers while preserving the natural structure of the soil.

Create a fine and regular seedbed

Once the soil is loosened, it is important to refine the surface to welcome your seeds under optimal conditions. Use a rake to level the ground, break up clumps, and achieve a fine and homogeneous texture. This allows the seeds to be in direct contact with the soil, which promotes their germination. Don’t forget to carefully weed: even the smallest weeds can quickly compete with your young plants for water, light, and nutrients. If necessary, add a thin layer of potting soil or sifted compost to perfect the seedbed.

Add amendments if necessary

In most cases, properly prepared soil is sufficient to accommodate sowings of annuals or low-maintenance vegetables. These plants grow quickly and generally do not require prior enrichment. However, if your soil is particularly poor or sandy, a moderate addition of well-decomposed compost or organic fertiliser can be beneficial. Incorporate these amendments superficially to avoid disturbing the soil structure and do not overload with nutrients, as this could harm the germinating seeds.

Check the soil drainage

Poorly drained soil can lead to water stagnation, which risks rotting the seeds. To avoid this, ensure that the soil allows water to pass through well. If it does not, you can mix in some sand to lighten the soil or raise the sowing areas by forming small mounds. This precaution is particularly important for seeds sensitive to excessive moisture, such as those of carrots or lettuces.

How to sow?

The choice of sowing method depends on the location you have selected and the type of plants you wish to grow. The three main techniques are row sowing, broadcasting, or seed by seed. Here’s how to proceed with each of them.

Row sowing

Row sowing is ideal for plants you want to cultivate in an orderly manner, such as root vegetables (carrots, radishes) or cut flowers (zinnias, cosmos). This method also facilitates maintenance, particularly weeding and thinning.

To sow in rows, start by tracing a straight furrow about 1 cm deep using a stick or the handle of a tool. Sow the seeds as evenly and sparsely as possible to avoid excessive density. If necessary, mix your seeds with a little fine sand to distribute them more easily. Once the seeds are placed, close the furrow with a bit of fine soil, lightly press down with the palm of your hand or the back of a rake, and then water gently to moisten the soil without displacing the seeds.

Broadcasting

For a natural effect or a flowerbed corner where strict organisation is not essential, broadcasting is perfect. This method is often used for flowering meadows or to quickly cover an area.

Distribute the seeds evenly over the surface by throwing them by hand. If you want better control, you can mix your seeds with dry sand beforehand to prevent them from clumping together. Once the seeds are sown, lightly rake to cover them with a thin layer of soil while ensuring good contact with the soil. Then, press down with the back of the rake to stabilise the seeds, and water gently to maintain the necessary moisture for germination.

Seed by seed sowing

Seed by seed sowing is perfectly suited for large seeds, such as those of nasturtiums, sunflowers, beans, or sweet peas. This method is ideal for precise sowing, in a bed or at the base of a support, such as a trellis or stake.

For this method, make small holes (or clusters) spaced according to the plant’s needs, generally 20 to 30 cm for flowers or vegetables. Push each seed down to a depth of about twice its diameter, which is 1 to 2 cm for most large seeds. Cover each hole with a bit of fine soil, lightly press down with your fingers, and then water generously to thoroughly moisten the soil around the seeds.

How to monitor and maintain your sowing?

The work doesn’t stop once the seeds are sown. Regular maintenance is necessary to ensure good growth. The first days and weeks are crucial, as the young plants are vulnerable to climatic hazards, pests, and competition from weeds.

Keep the soil cool

The essential action is to keep the soil cool until the seeds have germinated, as the seedlings in germination are fragile. The soil should remain moist but never waterlogged to prevent the seeds from rotting. Use a watering can with a fine rose to water gently, preferably early in the morning or late in the day. If you are sowing during a dry period, water with a fine spray every day or every 2-3 days depending on the temperature. Subsequently, space out the waterings, but do not let the plants suffer from drought.

Protect seedlings from pests

Sometimes it is necessary to protect the seeds sown on the surface from visiting birds… place a net not directly on the soil (as they peck through!), but a little above, held up by small stakes.

Slugs and snails are often attracted to the fragile young shoots. To protect them, prefer natural solutions such as barriers of ash or crushed eggshells, or use organic pellets in case of significant infestation.

Weed regularly

Weeds can quickly invade your plot and compete with your seedlings for water, light, and nutrients. Weed as soon as possible, taking care not to disturb the young plants. A hoe or a weeder can help you remove the adventive plants around the rows, but be gentle to avoid disturbing the roots.

Thin the plants

Thinning is essential, except in the case of sowing seed by seed. After germination, if the young plants are too close together, they will hinder each other’s growth. As soon as the plants are developed enough to be handled, and the small stems reach 5-8 cm, gently pull out the excess plants to achieve the correct spacing, depending on the size of the plants, around 10-15 cm apart.

Of course, choose to keep the plants that are already showing the most vigor; these are the winners! Sometimes a second pass is needed to further thin the bushy plants.

Monitor the health of young plants

Examine your seedlings regularly for signs of disease or deficiencies. Yellowing leaves may indicate excess water or a lack of nutrients, while holes in the leaves signal the presence of pests. Adjust your care based on the identified problems, opting for natural solutions whenever possible.

Some tips

• Respect spacing: Too many seeds in the same spot can lead to excessive competition. Take the time to space your sowings, even if it means thinning later if necessary.
• If the soil is dry at the time of sowing, water the bottom of the furrow. The seeds will appreciate this moisture and will germinate more quickly.
• To sow very fine seeds, which inevitably fall in “clumps” on the soil, mix them with sand (river sand) to “dilute” them, sow on the surface, and simply press down lightly, without trying to bury them.
• Choose the right time: Preferably sow in calm and humid weather, to avoid the seeds being blown away by the wind or dried out by the sun.
• Label your sowings: Don’t forget to mark your rows or sowing areas with labels, to avoid trampling them or accidentally weeding them out!