Most seeds do not need to be buried deeply, 1/8 in (3mm) is quite sufficient. Larger seeds can in at a depth of twice their diameter. Seeds can be sown in rows, in individual positions or stations, or broadcast over a larger.

Sowing in rows- Seed is sown in a shallow trench, created with the corner of a hoe or a stick. The seeds may be sprinkled along the row, for later thinning, or placed at the final spacing required. Water the bottom of the trench before placing sowing seeds, rake back the soil to cover the seeds

Station Sowing- Seed is sown in individual stations at the final spacing required. 2 or 3 seeds can be sown at each station if necessary and thinned later, Station sow along a row, or dig individual holes. Station sowing can cut down on the amount of seed you use, and are especially useful for planting widely spaced crops such as pumpkins or cucumbers.

Broadcasting Sowing- Seed is scattered over the soil and gently racked in. This method is used for sowing grass, green manures, and other small to medium size seed that have to be evenly distributed over an area. Using this method may require some protection against birds from eating the seeds sown. Row covers are particularly effective/

Gel Sowing- is a useful method of speeding germination indoors and sowing the germinating seed outdoors without damaging the delicate roots. Seedlings can germinate 2 to 3 weeks sooner than with dry sown seeds. Gel sowing has shown to give higher yields to slow germinating crops such as early carrots, parsnips and onions.

Thinning- Once seedlings have emerged, they will usually need thinning. Competition for light, moisture and nutrients is intense and if you do not remove the excess seedlings, you will end up with a mass of stunted plants/ First remove the weak, spindly and slow-germinating seedlings, simply by pinching them out of the ground. Continue if necessary until no seedlings are touching each other. You may need to thin once or twice more may be necessary to achieve the ideal spacing for the particular plant you are growing.

Pest Problems- Even though a seed germinates, a seedling may not emerge. Slugs, bean seed fly, mice, and millipedes may destroy it before it sees the light of day. Covers, traps and barriers keep some pests at bay, increasing the seed germination success rate.