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Direct Sow

/dih-REKT SOH/
🧑‍🌾 Cultivation Basic

Also known as: direct seed, direct seeding, outdoor sowing

The practice of sowing seeds directly into garden soil rather than starting them in containers indoors and transplanting later. Many plants, particularly those with taproots or sensitive root systems, perform better when direct-sown. Root vegetables (carrots, parsnips), beans, peas, corn, and many wildflowers are typically direct-sown. Timing depends on soil temperature and frost dates.

Etymology

Latin directus (straight) + Old English sāwan (to sow)

Example

Carrots should always be direct-sown because their taproots do not transplant well.