Some annuals germinate and grow so quickly that it is better to sow them directly in a bed. Seeds grown outdoors do well if
they are sown in loose, moist and relatively warm (minimum 7°C) soil. Some seeds, including castor bean, morning glories,
scarlet runner beans and sweet peas, need to be soaked for 24 hours in tepid water before being sown outdoors.Seeding outdoors
- Loosen the soil to a depth of 15 cm and add compost if you did not amend the soil in early spring.
- Mark off the planting area and scatter the seeds on the soil surface. You can also make a series of shallow
furrows and place the seeds in them. The latter method makes weeding the bed easier once the seeds have sprouted.
- Cover the seeds and tamp the soil down lightly to ensure good contact between the seeds and the soil. Some
species require light in order to germinate, however, and must not be covered.
- Water gently without disturbing the seeds. Keep the soil moist, but not soaked, until the seeds germinate.
The emerging seedlings need water and should be watered regularly until they have formed several leaves.
- Thin the seedlings once they have several leaves, to maintain the recommended distance between each plant.
