Planting seeds directly onto the final planting site requires less time
and effort, and produces satisfactory results in most cases if a few
guidelines are followed:

• Rake the area free of large clods of earth and rocks, and compress the soil slightly.
• Press the seed into the soil to a depth equal to its diameter, and cover it, preferably with sifted soil or sand; don't bury the seed too deeply. Small seed can be raked into the soil surface.
• Cover the soil with a thin layer of mulch, such as leaves, straw, or composted sawdust. This will soften the impact of raindrops and prevent the seeds from being splashed or washed away.
• Don't plant the seeds too close together. Try to space them so the plants will not compete with each other for sunlight and water. Be aware that some seed may be eaten by birds or rodents; you may find that certain species, such as beaked hazelnut, must be raised under some sort of protection and planted out as seedlings to prevent this.
• Keep the seed bed well-watered, but do not allow the water to puddle. If the planted area will receive occasional visitors and is near a convenient water source, consider marking your plot and posting a sign asking visitors to water it, while avoiding the area as a path or play area.