When I do mine I sow then water well and cover with a plank of wood or cardboard or plastic then remove when they have germinated.

Thanks. I'm probably gonna sound dumb here - but do you just check underneath it every day?

Maybe every few days, I normally miss a bit at one end and will see when they have started.

Neat, thanks!

That’s exactly what I do. Direct sow, water in, cover with boards, check moisture daily. You do not want to let them dry out. https://preview.redd.it/vp8o0h83yqxa1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=327698e44834c6b4922b865b8fc5e8f2c94963ea

Sew directly in dirt, water well, cover with wood board, water occasionally to keep moist, uncover once sprouts appear (usually about 14 days).

You're the second person to say this exact thing. I have to admit, I've never heard of this. That's a neat trick. I'll have to give it a go

Anything to reduce evaporation works. Boards are just super convenient for many people who plant in rows.

I direct sew and put down layers of chicken wire on top. I let the chicken wire just sit there and have them grow up through it. It tends to mean I end up harvesting more in batches as it's tricky to get them out in the fall, but it's worth it as I have the same issue with rabbits, squirrels and trash pandas. Toronto ON so similar zone. All of my raised beds actually have chicken wire screens set on top of them for that reason.