What Is the Proper Way to Plant Seeds?

Time Frame

• Cool weather vegetable crops, like broccoli and peas, should be planted at least two weeks before the last frost date. The seeds are chill-proof and will germinate as long as the soil is moist. Crops requiring a long growing period should be started indoors in growing trays so plants are ready for direct planting when the weather gets warm.

  Annual flower seeds, like magnolias and zinnias, can be sown in the garden as soon as night temperatures stay above 60 degrees F.

Size

• Large seeds have a hard shell and you must either soak the seeds to soften the outer covering or scarify, or nick, the seed to allow germination. Large seeds should be planted at a depth of 1/8 to 1/4 inches. Small seeds, like begonia or petunia, require light to germinate. Instead of planting broadcast, or scatter, the seeds onto the surface of the soil. Pat the seeds firmly to set the seeds in place on the soil.

Misconceptions

• Planting seeds deep into the soil does not promote a stronger plant. Some plants will die before reaching the soil surface if they are planted too deeply. The proper depth for planting medium to large seeds is as deep as the seed is long. For instance, a seed that measures 3/4-inch long should be planted at a depth of 3/4 inches.

  Fertilizing the soil before the seeds germinate can kill the seedlings by making the soil too "hot" for the young plants. Wait until the seeds germinate and the seedlings are at least four or five days old before adding a weak fertilizer.

Moisture

• Keep seeds moist in the soil until they germinate or the embryo growing inside the seed will wither and die. The seed will not produce. The water acts as a stimulant to the seed, prompting it to grow and break out of the shell. Keep the soil moist but not wet or the seedlings may suffer from dampening off and die. Properly moistened soil should feel like a damp sponge; it will leave your hand moist but not wet.

Considerations

• Every seed package contains information on the proper way to plant the seeds inside the package. When you are in doubt about the proper way to plant seeds, read the back of the package. The information lists planting times, depths and light requirements. The package also lists whether you must scarify or stratify the seed before planting. You also can contact your local county extension office to determine the correct method of planting seeds in your area.