Planting

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A hand settling a young seedling into dark garden soil

Planting game

Ready, set, sow!

A careful gardener does four things in order. Choose the move that comes next. If you pick too soon, try another card.

Which move comes first?

Planting begins before a seed touches soil. Match a crop to the available light, space, season length, and care; then read its current packet from beginning to end.

Some plants resent root disturbance and should be direct-sown. Others need an indoor head start in a short season. The best method depends on the species, not merely seed size.

For every planting, record the cultivar and date, use the packet's depth and spacing, keep the seed zone appropriately moist, and protect the bed without trapping heat. If treated seed, fertilizer, tools, electricity, or structures are involved, follow the adult-help guidance on that page.

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