direct sowing blog1

When and How to Direct Sow Seeds

Direct sowing means planting seeds directly into your garden bed — no trays, no transplants. In Saudi Arabia, this method is especially effective for heat-tolerant crops like cucumbers, okra, beans, radishes, and greens. Let’s look at how to do it right for maximum success.

Direct sowing vegetables Botanvia style

What Can You Direct Sow?

Many popular vegetables grow well when sown directly into warm garden soil:

  • Radishes, carrots, and beets
  • Cucumbers and squash
  • Leafy greens (arugula, lettuce, chard)
  • Beans and peas
  • Sunflowers and marigolds

 

When to Direct Sow in Saudi Arabia

For most of the Kingdom, the ideal sowing window is from september to early April, when soil is warm but not extreme. Always check the seed packet for temperature ranges — many seeds germinate best at 20–30°C soil temperature. Avoid the peak summer months for direct sowing.

Planting calendar Botanvia direct sowing

How to Prepare Your Garden Bed

A good seedbed is key:

  • Loosen soil to at least 15 cm depth
  • Remove rocks, clumps, and weeds
  • Mix in compost for nutrients and drainage
  • Level the surface with a rake

 

How to Direct Sow Seeds

  1. Follow packet instructions for depth and spacing
  2. Plant in rows or clusters depending on the crop
  3. Gently cover with soil and pat down
  4. Water with a soft shower to settle the soil
  5. Label each section to remember what you planted
Steps to direct sow seeds in Botanvia garden

How Many Seeds to Use

Plant more than you need — not all seeds will germinate, and some may get washed away or eaten. Once plants sprout and grow a few leaves, thin them out by snipping the weaker ones to give the strongest seedlings space to thrive.

Tips for Success

  • Water daily until seeds sprout, then reduce to every few days
  • Mulch lightly after germination to retain moisture
  • Protect young seedlings from wind and pests with netting or shade
Seedlings from direct sowing Botanvia garden

Final Thought

There’s something magical about direct sowing — placing a seed in the soil and watching it grow in its final home. It’s simple, rewarding, and ideal for Saudi Arabia’s long cool seasons. Start with the right varieties and your garden will thank you.

Green Starts Here.™