Put my seeds out too early - now what?

Mrs Manners

I sowed seeds directly in my raised beds for carrots, spinach, beets and chard. I apparently put them out too early and can't have a cold frame where the bed is located. The seeds have done nothing. When it warms up a bit, will I need to resow or will they just hang out in the ground until it's warm enough and then germinate?

Can you tell I'm a complete novice?

mrsbooboo

What are the temps like?

How long has it been? I know that carrots can take up to 2 weeks to germinate.

Mrs Manners

Temps have been completely erratic. Last week it snowed 3" on Wednesday and was 60 degrees on Thursday. This past weekend it was 70 degrees but now it's getting down into the low 30's at night. Right this minute it's 53 degrees and raining.

I think I also planted them too deep.

ETA: It's been 3 or 4 weeks since I planted.

mrsbooboo

OK...that is erratic for the temps.

This is what I would do: I think the seeds that you put in are a lost cause now.

I would start the spinach and lettuce indoors.

As far as the carrots go, you can get seed tapes at Home Depot or Lowes. You dig a shallow trench and put the tape in, then cover with about 1/2" of soil. That way, you know exactly where the seeds are and if it starts snowing and the seeds don't germinate again, you just pull the tape out. Also, this way you can sow the seeds in weekly intervals, so you don't get the carrots all at once. This would also prevent the "I think I planted it too deep"" problem. I had really good luck with the seed tapes.

They also have radishes, spinach, green onions, and lettuce and you can you as much or as little of the tape as you like.

firesnrugby

They should come up fine, after the weather warms up. Once they come up, be sure to cover them where there is a chance for frost, to keep them alive and growing.

Mashara

They might still come up, but there's a good chance they'll just rot with the ground staying wet and cold. I would resow whenever is best for your zone.