I am in Alabama and looking to direct sow seeds into my vegetable garden. One problem - we are expecting 5-6.5 inches of rain over the next two weeks. While there are dry days in there that I could potentially sow, I am concerned about too much moisture rotting my seeds. How much rain is too much rain for newly sown seeds? If I wait until after this rainy spell, I am concerned that it might be getting too late in the season for certain vegetables. I could start the seeds indoors and transplant later but I would rather avoid transplanting if I can.
I would also be worried about the seeds being washed away. Your plants won't survive in standing water. If your beds are well draining, such as in raised beds, they may be OK, but there is still the issue of washing away. I think I would wait to plant or go ahead and start indoors.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/environmental/flood-damage-garden.htm
Is it best for me in zone 4a, to plant wildflower seed now or in the spring?
If you have your site prepared and you have had several hard frosts you can plant them now, provided they are hardy to zone 4. Any annuals I would wait till spring.
Here is more information:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/gardening-by-zone/zone-4/zone-4-seed-starting.htm