Wildflower
Planting Instructions
Seeding:
After weed control, seeding may start. This
bed should be firm enough that walking on the site
will not allow sinking more than half an inch.
If the soil is too loose, waking or lightly tamping
the soil will achieve the required density.
Application of the seed can be accomplished by hand
or the sue of a hand-held or push-type spreader.
Mixing your seed with an inert compound such as
sand, cornmeal or sawdust will make even
distribution simpler and allow the small seeds to
feed through your spreader easier. After
application, lightly rake the seed into the soil.
Do not seed deeper than one eight to an absolute
maximum of one half inch. The seed must touch
the soil.
Post Planting Maintenance:
Your new flowers will need a moist seed bed to allow
proper germination. If rainfall is not
sufficient, water enough to keep the site moist by
not wet. Do not apply water in large amounts
initially as this may create a crust that the
germinating seedlings may find difficult to break
through. Avoid fertilizer applications as
well. High water and fertilizer will benefit
the competing weeds more than the flowers.
When the new growth on your site is large enough,
hand removal of weeds in beneficial. Be aware
that you new seedlings may resemble weeds
themselves.
A good way to identify weeds is to prepare your site
in order to plant in rows. Anything germinating
outside the row should be removed. Care should be
taken when removing weeds close to flower to not
damage the desired plant. If your seed mix
contains annuals, do not mow until the flowers have
finished blooming. If your mix contains only
perennials, mow at a height of six inches or more
throughout the first growing season. Care should be
taken to mow before the weeds set seed to prevent
future germination of these seeds. Keep in
mind that perennials take at least two years to
bloom and many take as long as three years to reach
full potential.
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