Growing vegetables from seed is great way to plant a large garden. Not only is it more economical than buying transplants from your local garden center, you can choose from an incredible variety that simply isn’t available as seedlings. You can find all kinds of seed out there – from heirloom to rare or unusual varieties to pest- or disease-resistant strains – as well as those varieties that are well-adapted to your local growing conditions.
You save money and have many more options when you plant your vegetables from seed.
Photo Credit: ©2002 Dolezal Publishing/John M. Rickard
Large seeds like pumpkin typically sprout in 8-10 days from the time of planting, producing two round “seed leaves.” The next leaves they sprout will be miniatures with the shape and feature characteristics typical of their species.
Photo Credit: ©2002 Dolezal Publishing/John M. Rickard
Thinning your plants is necessary to avoid crowding.
Photo Credit: ©2002 Dolezal Publishing/John M. Rickard
Start by choosing quality seed dated for planting with a packing date indicating the current year. Make your decisions of the plant varieties that you wish to grow while choices are plentiful, then store your seed in sealable, moisture-proof plastic bags, and place them in the vegetable keeper of your household refrigerator. (The fridge’s low temperature will keep the seed dormant until the weather warms and soil is ready for planting – or for up to a year or more, depending on the vegetable variety.)
It’s important to plant seed correctly, referring to the packet directions or grower recommendations to determine the proper depth and spacing you’ll require. Because germination is uncertain, avoid gaps in your plantings by sowing two or three seeds in each location, and then thin the seedlings as needed. For vegetables with tiny seed such as carrot, lettuce and radish, the depth of planting may be a quarter-inch or less. Cover such seed with fine sandy loam or loose compost by sifting it over the seed, then gently firm the area surrounding the planting to assure that the soil is in close contact with the seed. (But do not compact the soil!) Large, starchy-seeded vegetables such as pea, pumpkin or sunflower can be planted more deeply, either in a furrow or in holes made with a dibber, a hoe handle or just your finger. Again, gently firm the soil over the seed after planting.
Complete your planting by gently misting the surface of the soil over the seed with a fine spray, either with an adjustable nozzle on a garden hose or by using a watering can fitted with a diffusing rose on its spout. Be careful to avoid washing away the newly planted seed from the soil, and keep the area evenly moist until the seed germinates and sends up sprouts.
Most vegetables are planted as seed in raised hills or as rows. When the hazard of frost has passed (or in mild-winter climates, when the heat of summer has ended) and the soil has warmed sufficiently for planting, follow the easy instructions shown in the following pictures and described in their captions. Then with proper care as your seedlings grow, it won’t be long before you’re enjoying a bounty of homegrown goodness!
Seeding Beds
Seeding Beds - Step 1
To seed leafy greens such as lettuce, as well as radishes and carrots in beds, scatter the seed evenly with your open palm, gently tossing the seed with a flinging motion of your wrist.
Photo Credit: ©2002 Dolezal Publishing/John M. Rickard
Seeding Beds - Step 2
Once the seeds are spread, cover them with topsoil or loose compost to the recommended depth. Then firm the soil (but don’t compact it), and mist the area with water until the area is saturated.
Photo Credit: ©2002 Dolezal Publishing/John M. Rickard
Seeding Hills
Seeding Hills - Step 1
Some veggies, like squash and pumpkin, need to be planted in hills. With your fingers, press 4 seeds the recommended depth (according to the seed packet) into the top of the hill, then cover with additional soil.
Photo Credit: ©2002 Dolezal Publishing/John M. Rickard
Seeding Hills - Step 2
Firm the soil over the seeds, then mist the hill with water. Keep the planting evenly moist until seedlings emerge, then apply water in the basin around your hill.
Photo Credit: ©2002 Dolezal Publishing/John M. Rickard
Seeding Rows
Seeding Rows - Step 1
Plant bush peas and beans in rows. Press each seed into the soil to its recommended depth and spacing. Sift more soil over the seeds until they’re covered.
Photo Credit: ©2002 Dolezal Publishing/John M. Rickard
Seeding Rows - Step 2
Once covered, mist with water. Keep the planting evenly moist until seedlings emerge, and then water by filling the furrows made beside the seedlings.
Photo Credit: ©2002 Dolezal Publishing/John M. Rickard
