How to Plant Seeds Directly in Soil

Locate an outdoor growing area that is appropriate for the type of seed you are sowing. Most vegetables and flowers grow best in full sun, but some prefer shade. Refer to the seed packet for the proper planting location.

Put on gardening gloves and pull up all weeds and grass from the desired planting area.

Loosen the top 2 inches of soil with a metal-tined bow rake.

Spread an all-purpose, granular fertilizer, such as 10-10-10, onto the soil in the amounts specified on the fertilizer package. Work the fertilizer into the soil well using the bow rake.

Water the soil with a garden hose until it is thoroughly moist. Wait 24 hours after watering before you plant the seeds.

Dig out rows in the planting area that are between one-quarter and 1 inch deep, depending in the planting depth specified on the seed packet. Use either the bow rake or a hoe to create the rows.

Sprinkle the seeds into the bottom of the dug out row, spacing each seed approximately 3 to 4 inches apart. Rake the soil back into the top of the hole until the seeds are completely covered.

Screw on a sprayer attachment to the end of a garden hose and turn the hose on. Spray a fine mist over the surface of the soil to dampen it slightly.

Write the name of the seeds on plant markers using a pen and insert the markers into the soil near the corresponding seeds so that you can easily identify them later.