The seeds needed to start farming can be found while [[botanizing]] or from harvesting the crops. Harvested [[cotton]], [[wemp]] and [[pumpkin]] must be picked/crushed to recover seeds for replanting.
Crops can be harvested at any time after the first growth level, but harvesting too early or too late results in a bad crop. Level 15 farmers can determine the optimal height by examining a field with a rake or scythe activated. It is also possible to use a [[small barrel]]. When a field reaches optimal height it will be the same height as the small barrel, or a little taller. The color of the field is also possible marker, as it changes to a yellowish-green when ripe. Not recommended in the dark. {{smiley}}
The [[maximum slope]] on which you can sow seeds is 8; attempting to sow seeds on a greater slope results in a message "The ground is not flat enough for crops to grow. You need to flatten it first". The slope does not appear to effect growth speed or crop quality.