Planting seeds in situ literally means “in place” or “on site”. That is, in the ground directly rather than starting elsewhere and then transplanting into the garden.
The characteristics of a plant dictate which method is best. Many plants suffer from transplanting: vegetable roots may become misshapen or a taproot may be damaged. Poppies are flowers that like sowing in situ, and grow best with that method. In situ planting is often the easiest way to grow a large number of plants, with care given to proper spacing.
Transplanting always produces a bit of a shock and a temporary setback for a plant. Avoid setbacks with direct sowing.
Which Plants Prosper with In Situ Seeding?
Plants which do best with this method:
Vegetable Garden Plants
Most cool season crops are direct sown.
- beans
- red beets
- cabbage
- carrots
- chives,
- lettuce
- onions
- parsley
- radishes
- turnips
- thyme
Flower Garden
Many of these flowers grow best in cooler ( but not frosty) temperatures.
- calendula
- chrysanthemum
- clarkia
- colocynths
- coreopsis
- cosmos
- cup-and-saucer vines
- eschscholzia
- flax
- tagete marigolds (French)
- four-oclock
- gaillardia,
- gypsophila
- larkspurs
- morning glory
- nasturtiums
- poppies
- portulaca
- rudbeckia
- sunflowers
- sweet peas
Remember These Points When Planting In Situ
Season of Planting
Especially remember to plant after recommended frost dates. Many seed packets have helpful climate map and dates for planting.
If yours do not, a handy resource book which lists recommended times for your chosen seeds gives this information.
Encyclopedia of Organic Gardening
Soil Tilth
Well cultivated ground without clumps or lumps is best for seedlings to start. Good loam or amended soils which are raked smooth provided a good seedbed for direct sowing.
Moisture Conditions
Germination rates are governed by soil moisture and temperatures. Generally, soils which are too wet or too cold will not produce successfully; the seeds will rot rather than grow.
Depth of Planting
Seeds may need light to germinate, or they may need enough depth to keep them moist, some even require relative darkness to sprout. Know you plant requirements for best results. (Although, well prepared, well drained soil is marvelously suited for most plants to sprout and grow).
How to Find Your Frost Dates and Hardiness Zone
- Frost Dates Calculator | This calculator at Almanac.com is simple to use. Enter your city and state or province to find your first and last frost dates and number of frost-free days.
- Plant Hardiness Zone | United States and Canada
