The larkspur, calendula, poppies and cornflowers sown in the fall are already up and taking off. When seeds absorb moisture they swell and germinate. The tiny seed leaves and root emerge. This is the most important time to keep them moist. It the soil is dry these tiny roots will shrivel and die.
Moisture is essential to all life and the tiny seeds are no exception.
Do not allow tiny seed rots to dry. On the other hand, mud will also kill them. Be sure the garden is well drained. It is really important to prepare the soil well. Be sure that all the weeds are gone before planting .