If you’re planting a garden this spring season, there are a few rules to remember when putting in seeds. Make the hole or trench four times the diameter of the seed, so bigger seeds are planted a little deeper. It’s best to plant rows running north to south, with taller plants on the north end. This helps all the plants get maximum sunlight. Use stakes and string to get perfectly straight rows. Then use a rake handle to make a trench for small seeds. Use the corner of a hoe. Cover the seeds; then be sure to firm the soil before you water the seedbed. You can do that by using the flat blade of a hoe to tamp down the earth so there’s good contact. Seeds need close contact with the soil and plenty of moisture to sprout and grow. Firming the soil also holds seeds in place and keeps them from washing away in a heavy rain.
