The seed bed must be prepared that drains without runoff. Direct sowing is more than just scattering the seeds. Al

Some grass seed catalogs sell a "binder". One prepares the surface, seeds the area, cover with the powdered binder and put some protective material on top then wet the whole area. The binder binds the soil, seed and the protective material. I've no idea what the protective material is however.

You might be a little over-worried on this score. Barring torrential rains or prepared beds in the path of downspouts, etc. directly sown seeds correctly planted in a properly prepared bed can and most often do stay in place without the additional intervention of binders and covers.

If you're buying seed packs, the depth to plant is on the back of the package... and a quarter inch depth (or whatever) is usually sufficient to keep a seed in place. Simply broadcasting them on the ground invites birds and seed eating critters to make off with them.

If someone has given or traded you seeds without planting instructions, you may have to Google them independently for the recommended seed depth.

Thanks duluthinbloomz4. I would have to search more info about how to plant them then.

You're welcome. In general it's not rocket science with most annuals - although some might argue... and have you lay out each kind of seed on a flat surface and measure the seed to calculate it's optimum planting depth. Too much trouble and I don't have an instrument that measures nanometers.

I admit to not doing a lot of direct seed sowing, but for Zinnias, nasturtiums, cosmos, bells of Ireland, and assorted other common annuals - 1/4" deep works pretty well and most seeds are forgiving. I just make a furrow or poke a hole with a chopstick, put in the seed, pat them down, water and that's that.

do you cover the hole again with light soil?

Yes, just pat the soil back over to cover up the holes or furrows. When you're poking a little hole, or whatever, you're merely pushing the soil aside anyway. After dropping the seed in, just push the soil back. When seeds germinate and send out their first root, that root assists in anchoring the plant and pulling itself down to the level it wants to be.

Probably a little earlier for you in Ill., but the ground temperature should be 50 degrees or so before planting seeds outdoors. Up here it's usually Memorial Day or shortly after before much can safely be put outdoors.