Sowing in Drills

Sowing in drills (rows) is the most common way to plant vegetable seeds, whether sowing in situ or into a separate seed bed. Drills may be made by marking out a row with a string line and using the corner of a hoe or a trowel to make furrows along the line to the required depth.

Shake some of the seeds out into the palm of your hand or onto a small piece of paper and then scatter them along the base of the drill. They may either be scattered evenly, or in groups of three or four seeds that may be thinned out later. If sowing in this way, space the groups so that they have a gap of half the distance required between mature plants.

To prevent the adjacent soil from becoming compacted, stand on a plank positioned alongside each row as you sow the seed.

After sowing, use a hoe, rake or trowel to push the soil gently from the sides of the drill to cover the seeds. Firm the covering soil lightly with your hands or the end of the hoe. Finish by watering the row with a can fitted with a fine rose.

Wide Drills

Some vegetables, such as peas and early carrots, are grown closely together, and should be sown in a wide drill. This can be made by drawing a hoe through the soil with the blade flat to make a 15-23 cm (6-9 in) wide drill. The seeds should then be sown the required distance apart and covered with soil.

Most vegetable seeds will need protection against birds or animals. After sowing and watering, spread wire mesh or netting across the seed drills and peg down firmly.

Sowing in Wet Conditions

If your soil drains slowly, or wet conditions cannot be avoided, spread a layer of dry, light material such as sand or vermiculite in the base of the drill before you sow the seeds.

Sowing in Dry Conditions

In dry conditions, water the base of the drill prior to sowing the seeds. Lightly press them in before covering with dry soil. This will help to reduce the rate of evaporation so that the seeds will remain moist until germination.

Sowing Guidelines Broadcast Sowing

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