How to plant a successful wilflower garden

This article will explain step by step instructions on how to plant a successful wildflower garden using any type of wildflower seeds. Plant in hard to grow locations. Turn an unwanted area where weeds grow the most into something spectacular!

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Unwanted boring area
• Sod lifter
• Wildflower seeds of choice
• Hard rake
• Wheel burrow
• Sprinkler

1. Wildflower mix The first step is choosing your choice of wildflower seeds you want to use. I have found wall-mart carries a wildflower blend in a box for about $8.00 that covers a 2000 sq ft. area. I have had great success in using this box. Although there are many other brands by box or bag that are probably just as successful. Then decide if you wish to start your planting in the fall or spring, either works. I choose spring as my favorite planting time since it gives me a chance to enjoy the weather.
2. The second step is finding that perfect area you want to change from boring to spectacular. Under trees, heavy weed growing areas or even create a rock bed. Mark your area with a garden hose with the shape and design you choose. Then using a sod lifter, remove the sod down to the bare dirt. You can outline your bed with many types of material. I myself, like to use rock to outline my bed, but there are other materials, such as, plastic edging, metal edging or even brick and wood. You decide what looks best.
3. Once your bed is prepared to plant, take the hard rake and rake the area very well, this will allow the seeds to settle better and prepare the seeds for more successful germination. Then sprinkle the seed throughout the entire bed, I always add a little more seed than suggested in case some of the seeds dont survive. Then I water the area heavily until I see my seeds have started to sprout. Then you are on your way to enjoy a beautiful wildflower garden. They will year after year produce beautiful mixtures of flowers that spread and muliply year after year.

Tips & Warnings

• Removing the sod is very important. Not doing this will not provide you with success.
• Be sure to water the area heavily until seeds germinate.
• Using rock to outline the area looks very nice.
• Plant in heavy weed growing areas and enjoy wilflowers instead of weeds or the extra work of weeding.
• Wait until after the last frost if planting in the spring. May is usually a good time.
• If planting in the fall, use some type of mulch or even straw, for warmth through the winter, over your seed to help with successful germination come spring.
• And be sure to create a border that will help with confining your garden to your designated area.