The term direct sowing describes sowing (planting) seeds direct into the garden or container, rather than starting them indoors for transplanting at a later date. Many types of seeds would simply not benefit from staring indoors, while for others it's absolutely necessary. Carrot seeds are direct sown in spring through mid-summer. Tomato seeds are not direct sown, but started indoors to transplant out once the weather warms up in early summer.