Wildflowers make the most beautiful accents to any home gardens,
with their sweet scents and effervescent beauty. They also attract
an array of wildlife from birds to colorful butterflies.
Tools and Materials
· Compost
· Mower or Clippers
· Garden Rake
· Water Source
· Clear (Two to Four Mil Plastic)
· Rotary Tiller
· Garden Fork
· Wildflower Seed Mix
· Broadcast Spreader
Remove Grass and Weeds:
The first step is to mow existing vegetation that is close to the
ground. After mowing the vegetation, till soil, water thoroughly
and cover soil with sheets of clear two to four mil plastic, sealing
the edges with stones or soil. The sunlight gleams through the plastic
and heats the soil. After the plastic is removed, rake the area
and wait two weeks for any remaining weed seeds to germinate. When
the weed seeds begin to germinate, cultivate the area. Keep repeating
the process until few weeds germinate, up to six weeks.
Prepare the Soil:
After you have determined the soil to be basically weed free, spread
one to two inches of compost over the cleared area, wet a little
bit and fork in into the top three to six inches of soil. Wait about
a week, till or hoe to kill any germinating weeds, then rake smoothly.
Select the Right Seed Assortment For Your Garden:
If your garden receives less than six hours of sunlight per day,
you may want to choose an assortment that requires partial sun and
shade. When buying a bag of wildflower seeds, reseeding the first
couple of years may be needed until the plants generate enough seeds
to become self-sustaining.
Sow the Seeds:
Sowing in the mid-to-late summer will eliminate several of the sprouting
weeds that tend to spoil spring's blooming season. If your mix contains
several annuals, plant in early spring. Sow seeds at the recommended
rate for the mix, using a broadcast spreader, then rake gently into
the top one-inch of soil. Keeping the soil evenly moistened will
allow the plants to become well established for the first growing
season.
Quick Tip: To create the most low-maintenance and natural-looking
garden, plant a combination of wildflowers and grasses that are
native to your area.
