Adding a wildflower meadow to your garden can transform it into a thriving natural habitat.Hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies can be attracted by certain types of wildflowers.It is possible to break away from the planned beds in a wildflower garden, but it requires some planning, time, and maintenance.
Step 1: There are places where wildflowers can thrive.
Good drainage, low soil nutrients, and high sun exposure are needed by wildflowers.Pick an area of your yard that doesn't flood with rain and get plenty of sun throughout the day.Wildflowers grow better in poorer soil than other flowers.It is important that your spot has easy access to a garden hose or irrigation system, as you will need to water it regularly.
Step 2: In harsher winter climates, plant in the middle to late spring.
Wait until the risk of frost is over.This will be in April or May.The warm soil will allow your seeds to start germinating.
Step 3: In warmer regions, plant in late fall.
Wait until the first frost is over.You want the soil to be cold enough to keep your seeds from growing.In October or November, this planting will occur.Fall planting is appropriate for areas that don't have overly cold winters.
Step 4: Decide which flowers to plant.
There are different types of blends.If you want to find out more about your choices and which plants grow well in your area, go to a local flower nursery or nature preserve.Factor in the sun exposure of your plot to begin.You can choose what colors you want.There are many wildflower gardens.If you choose to add a native grass to your seeding, make sure it is not an aggressive type that will choke out your flowers.
Step 5: Measure the spot you want to buy seeds from.
You need to calculate the square area of your plot to know how much seed to buy.This will let you know how many seed packets you need.When you have your number, divide it by the amount of square area one packet can cover.Measure the length and width of your space and divide by two.There is a plot with a length of 15 feet.The width is 10 feet.Your calculation will be: 15 feet.150 sq. is 10 ft.ft.Measure half the length of the circle and then divide it by 3.14 to get the number.If you have a plot with a radius of 15 ft., your calculation will be: 15 feet.15 feet (4 m) is the measurement.706.5 sq. is x 3.14ft.m
Step 6: The area should be clear.
All weeds, grass, and debris must be removed from the plot.If your area is not too dense with weeds or grass, you may be able to rake and weed it.You can smother the weeds and vegetation by covering them with a black plastic sheet or tarp, a piece of plywood, or heavy leaves.It may be easier to remove the vegetation once it has died.
Step 7: Plots.
It will be easier to till the soil in places with dense vegetation.If you want to remove the old roots of grasses and weeds, it's best to mow deep.If you have a lot of weeds, you may need to use a pesticide.If you want to plant, begin rototilling 6 weeks before you do.3 weeks before planting, spray the weeds.This will give you 3 weeks during which the weeds will die and the chemical will wash out of the soil.Raking at the end of the process will remove the weeds.
Step 8: The soil should be turned and firm.
After your area is cleared, use a rake to rotate the soil.Make sure to smooth out any loose soil.A seedbed free of clumps will help retain water and prevent seeds from being planted too deep.
Step 9: Water the soil.
Your soil needs to be moist enough to provide a good seedbed for your plants.If your soil is loose, you need to give it a bit more water before seeding.
Step 10: You should sow your seeds.
You should separate your plot into two parts.The first half should be seed with one half of your seed and the second half with the other half.You will be able to lay down an even amount of seed.If you mix the seeds with sand or sawdust, you'll be able to evenly lay them down.A ratio of one part seed to ten part sand or sawdust is used.You can either use an automatic crank or hand seed the plot.The spreader may be a better option for larger areas.If you want instant flowers and you don't worry about your budget, you can lay down pre-sown sod.It is easy to plant wildflower sod on top of bare soil.
Step 11: Take the seeds and put them in the soil.
The best depth for wildflower seeds is 12 inches.If you drag your rake through the soil, you can get the seeds to this depth.
Step 12: The soil should be packed.
You can re-firm the soil by pressing it down with your hands or feet.It will reestablish your seedbed and keep your seeds at their proper depth.When walking over it, you don't want the soil to sink more than 12 inch.
Step 13: You should protect your plot from wildlife.
Birds and other animals can eat your seeds.It is important that the local creatures do not eat your garden before it has a chance to grow.If you can't keep the animals away, you might want to put down some fencing.
Step 14: For 3-6 weeks, water the seedbed once a day.
The soil should be moist during the process.You won't need to water if your area gets regular rain.If you are experiencing a dry spell, you should water your seeds just enough to get them wet for six weeks.When you see plant growth, avoid over- watering the plot.If you oversaturate the soil with water, it will prevent your seedlings from getting enough oxygen.
Step 15: Water when needed.
Your wildflowers will need less water once they start to grow.The plants should be checked for signs of stress.Unless you have a particularly hot or dry spell, you shouldn't have to water more than once a week.
Step 16: Aggressive weeds need to be removed.
If your flowers are being overtaken by weeds, you may need to trim them.The weeds should be sprayed with a weed killer.Before they spread seeds, you can trim or pull weeds.
Step 17: During the bloom season.
Deadhead flowers can be clipped off to extend their bloom cycle.The bloom should be able to replace the dead one.
Step 18: The plants should be allowed to dry out.
Your garden will start to dry out once the bloom is over.This isn't the prettiest sight, but resist the urge to mow.You have to wait a few weeks to give the wildflowers time to fully dry out and then release their seeds back into the garden.
Step 19: Put the plot down.
You can mow the area after the plants have had time to reseed.You should do this by late fall.This will make your garden ready for next year.When mowing be sure to leave clippings in place as they may still have seeds to release.
Step 20: Remove the bare spots.
You will be able to identify spots in the garden where no wildflowers have fully grown after mowing.You can lay seed in those areas.In order to reseed properly, follow the steps in part one and two.