How to sow vegetable seeds outdoors
The warmth of late spring makes the ideal conditions to sow vegetable seeds outside in your garden. The soil temperature should be high enough for quick germination, meaning you can grow and enjoy a tasty supply of varied vegetables throughout the year
This guide on how to sow vegetable seeds outside is here to help you plan your own vegetable patch and get growing as soon as possible – start sowing now and soon you can enjoy tasty homegrown produce in all your favourite recipes, from crispy summer salads to comforting autumnal soups
Our gardening expert's Top tip:
March to September is the perfect time to start sowing your seeds outside depending on your weather conditions. Just make sure you sow outside after the last frost and before the first frost of the year
To sow seeds, you will need:
Your choice of vegetable seeds
Step by step guide: how to sow vegetable seeds outdoors
Prepare your soil by raking it to create a fine, crumbly surface structure (known as tilth)
Make a shallow groove in the soil using the end of a trowel. Try to make the groove in a straight line for ease when harvesting. Remember the smaller the seed you’re sowing, the shallower your ditch should be – follow the planting instructions on your seed packet, as different seeds will have different planting requirements
Sow your seeds along the length of the groove, again using the planting instructions on the packet to find
Cover the seeds with soil and gently firm
Water lightly using a watering can. Keep the soil moist as your seeds germinate and establish, making sure to remove any weeds as the pop up
What can I sow now?
Here are some of the best vegetables to sow outside at this time of year
Swede
Spinach
Radishes
Marrows
Lettuce
Kale
Carrots
Beetroot
Beans
Many of these varieties are tailor-made for outdoor dining. Fast-growing lettuce and crunchy radishes will provide a constant supply of fresh leaves and texture for burger toppings, while marrows and beetroot can be sliced up, brushed with olive oil, and placed straight onto the BBQ grates for a delicious caramelised finish.