Stop Starting Everything Indoors! 8 Vegetables That Make More Sense to Direct Sow, by Food Garden Made Easy 1 on YouTube. 26 min 7 s.
- Video length
- 26 min 7 s
- Time to do it
- 1 hour
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 9
What you need
Steps
Check your seed packet and your local extension planting calendar for the right sowing window. Note the soil temperature each crop needs before you plant.
Choose crops with fast cycles or delicate roots for direct sowing: carrots, parsnips, radishes, turnips, peas, green beans, sweet corn and peanuts.
Clear weeds and loosen the top few inches of soil. Mix in compost so the bed drains well and the surface is fine and level.
Sow carrots and parsnips shallowly in rows, about a quarter inch deep. Keep the soil moist until seedlings appear, since slow germination is their main risk.
Sow radishes and turnips about half an inch deep and a few inches apart. They grow quickly, so sow small batches every couple of weeks for a steady supply.
Plant peas early while the soil is still cool. Sow green beans and sweet corn only once the soil has warmed, as cold soil rots the seed.
Water gently after sowing and keep the surface damp but not soaked. A fine spray avoids washing seeds away or crusting the soil.
Thin crowded seedlings once they have a few true leaves. Pull the weakest ones so the remaining plants have room for roots to develop.
In short seasons, start sweet corn or peanuts indoors a few weeks early. Harden them off and transplant carefully so the roots are not disturbed.
Tips and common mistakes
Carrots and parsnips fork or stunt if transplanted, so always sow them where they will grow.
Cover newly sown rows with a board or fleece to hold moisture and stop birds taking the seed.
Thin seedlings on a damp evening and water after, which helps the survivors settle.
Do not rush warm-season crops into cold soil, because the seed may rot before it sprouts.
Questions
Why not just start everything indoors?
Root crops and fast growers often do better sown in place because transplanting disturbs their roots or slows them down. Indoor starts mainly help crops that need a long season in a short climate.
How do I know the soil is warm enough?
Use a soil thermometer or follow your local extension guidance for each crop. Peas tolerate cool soil, while beans and corn need noticeably warmer conditions.
Can I direct sow in containers?
Yes, as long as the container is deep enough for the roots. Carrots need a deep pot, and all containers dry out faster, so check moisture often.
This guide was drafted from the video's details and general task knowledge. It has not been checked against the full video. Check the video and relevant product instructions before following a procedure. Report a correction.
