So, let’s discuss those direct sows a bit more. There’s some significant differences between how we treat direct sows compared to how we’ve been raising seeds indoors.
The most significant change is with our watering. It’s important to leverage top watering techniques, typically from a spray hose, at least until those plants get initially established. If you have an irrigation system, like we do, it’s usually best to hold off on using this until the plants have more established roots.
The frequency of watering also changes, we generally have to water somewhat more frequently, at least initially. Outdoor conditions, like wind and intense sun, tend to dry out the top of the soil more quickly than we see indoors. Remember, our objective is still “moist” to get those seeds to pop! Of course, if you get a nice bout of rainfall, let it do this task for you!
Just like we see indoors, we can also experience germination failure outdoors as well. We generally handle this by coming in with a second and third sowing after the majority of our direct sows germinate. (You can also oversow and use thinning techniques, too.) Typically, we’re addressing this for the first several weeks of the growing season, until we have relatively complete germination across our beds.
The nice thing about direct sows is there are no special techniques like hardening off to worry about. These plants are accustomed to the bright sun and outdoor conditions from day one! They are pretty much set and forget, aside from your watering requirements (and maybe fertilization) throughout the season.
You need to give some things some time, too. Seeds like carrots can take up to a few weeks to germinate. Whereas radish rip out of the ground, ready to go. Be patient with those direct sows, we see variability in germination time just like we do indoors.
I’m sure we’ve forgotten a thing or ten, but this isn’t the last time we’ll mention direct sows either! We’re looking forward to our first “true outdoor” plants coming up, these direct sows are a huge part of our harvest and preservation efforts throughout the entire season!
