The term 'planted, as seed' can be expressed in two ways: 'SOWED' (5 letters) and 'SOWN' (4 letters). Sowing is the process of planting seeds into the soil. It is a common agricultural practice that has been used for centuries to grow crops. The act of sowing involves scattering the seeds over the soil surface and then covering them with a thin layer of soil. This helps to ensure that the seeds are properly distributed and have the best chance of germinating.