I'm in Zone 9a and expecting 3 inches of rain spread over about 24 hours. I want to plant some cold season crops like cilantro, dill, kale, radish, violas, and favas. Should I plant the seeds right before the rain starts, or would it be better to wait until after the rain has passed? I'm especially concerned about whether the rain might wash away my seeds. Also, I'm directly sowing these in planter boxes.
4 Answers
If you're in a region expecting a severe weather warning, like the Bay Area, I'd lean towards waiting until after the rain. It can really displace seeds, and you want to avoid any washed out patches in your planter boxes. Just some food for thought!
I think it's best to plant after the rain. Heavy rainfall can wash away the soil and seeds, which could leave you with uneven distribution in your planters. Letting the rain do some work for you, like prepping the beds, is a good idea!
Honestly, I'd recommend sowing seeds right before the rain hits. It saves you the hassle of watering afterward, and the rain will help your seeds settle in. Just keep an eye on how heavy the rain is – if it's torrential, you might want to rethink that!
Planting after the rain can be a smart move. It prevents washing away of seeds and can actually give your bed a natural watering boost, preparing it perfectly for when you plant.