Planning tool

Seed Depth Planner

Use catalog sowing-depth data to separate tiny shallow-sown seeds from larger deep-sown seeds before preparing rows, trays, or raised beds; source notes below explain the vegetable and indoor-start guidance behind the checks.

Inputs

Catalog sowing depth
Each catalog entry stores a sowDepthIn value so depth can be checked beside spacing, row spacing, germination temperature, and start method.
Seed size and start method
Small seeds, indoor starts, and direct-sown rows need different handling even when the same crop can be started more than one way.
Soil texture and seedbed
Adjust field depth only after preparing a fine seedbed, moistening the row, and considering whether the bed is sandy, clayey, crusting, or dry.
Spacing context
Depth is only one part of stand establishment; pair it with in-row spacing, row spacing, thinning, soil temperature, and irrigation.

What it returns

Planning guidance

Seedbed first
Prepare a fine seedbed before sowing so shallow seed is not buried under clods and deeper seed has firm seed-to-soil contact.
Texture adjustment
UMN notes that sandy soils a little deeper than clay soils can be appropriate, but the catalog depth should stay the starting point.
Uniform rows
Open furrows and close them carefully so seed is covered at a uniform depth instead of disappearing into uneven ridges.
Indoor-start rule
For indoor trays, UMD recommends covering seed at about twice the diameter of the seed, with small or medium seed rows about 1/8 to 1/4 inch deep.
Chart context
Use Planting Depth chart values as vegetable-depth context with spacing, row spacing, thinning, and germination temperature rather than treating depth as the only establishment rule for every catalog category.
Moisture caveat
Keep shallow seed evenly moist without washing it out; deeper seed still fails when planted into cold, compacted, or waterlogged soil.

Shallow-sown candidates

Deep-sown candidates

Supporting planning paths

Source basis