The simplest and most direct way of raising many plants is to sow seed outdoors. The key to success is to ensure that you sow when the soil conditions, moisture content and temperature are just right.

Preparing the soil- should be done a few weeks before the anticipated sowing date. It is important to prepare the soil to suit the plants you will be growing. When practical, apply leaf mold mulch to the sowing areas the previous autumn. This will improve the structure of the soil surface, where germinating seeds need it. If you do not have leaf mold, freshly fall leaves will be a benefit to the garden.

Do not work the soil if it is too wet; this will destroy the soil structure which will cause poor germination and growth rates. The soil condition known as crusting, also weather related will hinder seed germination and growth rates

Making a seed bed- Rake the surface to create a fine tilth. Compacting a seed bed is sometimes recommended, but it is better to allow the soil to settle for a few weeks rather than risk damaging the soil structure. Disturbing the soil stimulates weed seeds near the surface to germinate.

Weeds tend to germinate quickly and vigorously and can easily young seedlings. To prevent this leave a prepared seedbed empty for a few weeks, how off weeds that germinate, and sow immediately. This will give seedlings a head start on the next batch of weeds to appear.

Soil Temperature- Avoid the temptation to sow seeds too early in the spring. If soil temperatures are below 45F(7C), the majority of seeds will germinate very slowly or not at all. The longer seeds remain in cold, wet soil soil, the more likely they are to rot, or be attacked by pests. A Dial Soil Thermometer is an invaluable tool, giving an idea how quickly your soil is warming up. In cooler climates you can speed up the process by covering the soil with a cloche or black plastic for a month before you are ready to sow seeds.