Some varieties of vegetable and flower seeds can be started outdoors, while we recommend some seed starting occur indoors. Preparation is an important factor in successful outdoor seed starting. The seed starting site should be in a suitable condition; the soil should be free of weeds, large stones, and debris and be broken down as finely as possible to a fine tilth. This can be achieved by forking over the top few inches of soil, then raking it to as crumbly texture as possible.
For many vegetable seeds, and even some hardy annuals, a special seed bed should be prepared in an open but sheltered position. The seed can be sown thinly in drills made to the recommended sowing depth for that particular variety.
The most important thing is that the seed should be in good contact with the soil. In dry conditions, it is advisable to moisten the drill thoroughly before sowing, and most gardeners believe that lining the drill with moist peat is an aid to even germination.
After planting the seed, rake soil over the drill or cover with peat and firm it with the flat face of the rake. The final touch is to mark the drill with a plant label giving the type of seed variety and date sown.
Annual flower seeds can, of course, be sown directly into those parts of the garden where they will flower. For best results choose sunny areas that are well-drained. At sowing time the soil should be moist and at a minimum temperature of 50F (10C). Annuals don’t need nutrient-rich soil, so dressings of artificial fertilizer aren’t necessary. All soils and plants benefit, however, from organic matter that has been dug into the top few inches of the soil early in the year.
To make a more natural setting, the most effective technique when sowing a range of annuals is to sow the seed in patches, rather than in straight lines. It’s helpful to draw a plan of your intentions, placing the varieties according to their height, spread and color scheme you are aiming for.
Prepare the soil as described above, and then sow the seed by sprinkling it as evenly as possible. Annuals need only a light covering of soil which can either be sieved over the seed or the soil can be raked gently after sowing then firmed with the flat face of the rake.
Once the seed has germinated, it will be necessary to thin out any seedlings that are overcrowded. Do this as soon as possible after emergence, but a further thinning out might be needed when the plants have developed several pairs of true leaves.
Remember to keep weeds under control!