I just scattered them on the existing ground on my acreage and have not watered them. The ones in the post were from the garden, but others are growing on my land without "being planted" or watered, I just spread the seed.
Not sure about ground squirrels, but they may leave them alone.
Yeah these little buggers, they're like mini prairie dogs, they eat everything.
So you didn't even have to scuff up the land?? Awesome!