Broadcast planting involves sowing seeds in a 7-10 cm (3-4 in) band, rather than in a single row, and is often used to sow lettuce, carrots, radishes and beetroot.

Rake the soil in one direction to produce a fine tilth, and then scatter the seeds thinly and evenly over the area. This may be done by hand or from the packet aiming them into the furrows made by the rake. Rake the seeds in lightly at right angles to the original rake marks so that they are disturbed as little as possible. Finish by watering thoroughly with a can fitted with a fine rose.