I like to think of myself as a fairly laissez-faire food grower. I see the prescribed sowing windows as guidance mostly, and have been known to bung a healthy seedling in a bed alongside a different plant family even if it goes against my crop plan. But when sowing seeds, I am all about control. I’m a devoted user of modular seed trays, preferring to keep my seeds compartmentalised so that I can monitor their germination and growth before choosing the ideal moment to plant them out.

Yet some crops lend themselves to being sown directly in the spot where they’ll grow until harvested. Quite a few crops can be sown outdoors now, in early summer’s generally friendly weather.

Direct-sown crops benefit from not having their roots disturbed later, whereas those grown in trays can suffer transplant shock. Direct sowing is less work, frees up space in your greenhouse or cold frame, and requires less in the way of materials such as seed compost.

The classic direct-sown crop is the carrot, and other crops that develop edible roots – including parsnips, turnips and radishes – do best when sown in situ. Beans, courgettes and cucumbers can be sown directly now, assuming the last frost has passed where you live and the soil is warm enough to prompt germination.

Both lettuce and rocket tend to have inconsistent germination as the temperature rises, meaning you will have better luck direct sowing than doing so under cover. If all goes to plan, these plants will emerge into summer’s ideal growing conditions.

For direct sowing, your soil needs to have a decent texture. It doesn’t have to be the same as seed compost but you need a “fine tilth” – a crumbly texture free from big clods, stones and weeds. I have found the best way to achieve this without too much soil disturbance is by regularly mulching with compost. (My solution to almost everything!)

Time your direct sowing carefully, as it is harder to control the conditions for seeds in the ground. For the crops you could sow now, you need to be confident that the weather is warm enough to ensure germination. Cool, wet weather can kill off tender young seedlings, or cause beans and courgette seeds to rot before they have a chance to germinate. And if a heatwave is imminent or in progress, wait until it has passed before sowing. To ensure optimal germination, once you have sown make sure the soil doesn’t dry out.

Lastly, seeds are valuable food for hungry animals, so you might want to consider protecting your beds with netting or strategically placed branches of holly.