We have (hopefully) experienced our last spring freeze. It is safe to start sowing seed for the summer garden.
Most vegetables are started from seed that is sown directly in the garden. This method of planting is called “direct sowing” or “direct seeding.”
Direct sowing of seed is used for crops that germinate in just a few days and when they emerge quickly put on true leaves. Direct seeding is also the better way to start crops with tap roots. Delicate root systems establish stronger root systems when germinated in place.
Many growers prefer to start crops from seed because it gives them the chance to grow unusual varieties not typically found in grocery stores or seedlings from the nursery or garden center. Ordering seed from seed company catalogs or from on-line sources ensures the gardener has the variety they want.
A huge advantage of growing from seed rather than transplants is that a single packet of seed with 25 or more seed can often be purchased for the same price as one transplant.
Following are some summer vegetables in botanic families that establish more quickly from seed than transplants: Aizoaceae. New Zealand spinach Cucurbitaceae. Cantaloupe, cucumbers, squash, watermelon Chenopodiaceae. Swiss chard Fabaceae. Beans, peas Malvaceae. Okra Poaceae. Sweet corn Apiaceae. Carrot, parsley Soil prep. Till soil deeply and amend with organic matter. Wait to fertilize until Sowing depth. Sow seed at a depth of 1½ times the width of the seed. Seed planted too deeply takes longer to germinate but planted to shallow, will have insufficient soil to firmly take root.
Spacing. Refer to the seed packet for spacing within row and between rows. Larger plants need wider spacings.
Label. As plants are up and growing it is sometimes hard to remember what the varieties are.
Water. Plant into moisture, not dry soil. Place seed firmly into the soil and water gently. It is not necessary to deep water until after seeds have germinated but is important to moisten the top several inches. Never let the soil around the seed dry.
Ellen Peffley Harp, a retired professor of horticulture at Texas Tech University, writes about gardening for several Texas newspapers.
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