direct sowing blog3

Quick Guide: How to Direct Sow Seeds

Direct sowing is one of the easiest ways to start your garden — especially here in Saudi Arabia, where our cooler months offer perfect conditions. Whether you’re planting radishes, cucumbers, greens, or herbs, this quick guide walks you through the basics step by step. No transplanting required — just seeds, soil, and sunshine!

Step 1: Prepare Your Garden Bed

Start by loosening the top 10–15 cm of soil. Remove rocks, debris, and weeds. Mix in compost to boost nutrients and create a smooth, fine texture. Raised beds or containers work well too — just make sure the soil drains properly and gets 6+ hours of sun.

Step 2: Dig a Shallow Trench

Use the instructions on your seed packet as your guide. For most vegetable seeds, this means a shallow trench that’s 2–4x the size of the seed in depth. Use a stick or rake handle to make a straight groove in the soil for uniform planting.

Step 3: Sow and Cover

Place seeds at the spacing recommended on the packet. Some — like lettuce — can be close together. Others, like cucumbers, need more room. Gently cover with soil and pat down lightly so seeds have good contact with moisture.

Step 4: Mark the Rows

Use plant labels or garden markers to remember where each crop is planted. This helps with spacing, watering, and thinning later on. Don’t skip this step — it’ll save you confusion as seedlings begin to sprout.

Step 5: Water Gently

Use a watering can or hose with a soft shower nozzle to gently moisten the soil. Avoid heavy streams that may wash seeds away. For the first 1–2 weeks, keep the top layer consistently moist until you see sprouts.

🌿 Ready to Grow?

Direct sowing is ideal for Saudi Arabia’s September–April growing window. Try this method with Botanvia’s most popular seeds like:

• Cherry Belle Radish
• Detroit Beet
• Marketmore 70 Cucumber
• Genovese Basil
• Golden Zucchini

Plant. Grow. Thrive. Green Starts Here.™