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wildflower meadow tips:

This is an urban wildflower field created this year by member, Lucinda P. The process in pictures begins early May and show that progression from urban dirt to a habitat garden, now loved and enjoyed by wildlife as well as people. This project has invigorated the backyard environment: through additional shade on the soil, plants exchanging nutrients or providing shelter, and increased density of (oxygen-producing) plants will make for exponential improvement with regular attention.

Wildflower seeds are usually sown close to, if not on, the surface of the soil. Many wildflower seeds are very lightweight, and can blow away easily, but also want to be very close to the surface to germinate. Wildflowers can grow in shady or sunny spots, depending on the varieties. The trickier task is preparing the soil for best results, or selecting an area that will lightly protect the seeds from many elements. Poppies like being seeded in rocky patches and wildflowers can grow more densely if sown next to a protective wall.
Where would you like to have wildflowers?

To prepare an area, lightly break up the soil to create an 'inviting home' so roots can through. Use a light mulch of any kind (leaves or straw) if you have it available. This will provide more protection for your seeds.

When working with wildflower seeds, good success has been reported with sowing in fall. Actually, any time is fine, but when the weather is warm, frequent watering will be necessary to keep the surface damp. In spring, the winds take away seed. In winter, there may be other obstacles like snow but ultimately the birds (and ants, apparently) are your biggest obstacle by snacking on them. If seed is thrown September through November, it increases the chances of success as this mimics the natural cycle of a wildflower going to seed: drops off the plant when it is ready and waits for the winter freeze to best germinate the stronger seeds.

For a meadow project, consistency and patience pays off in low maintenance over the course of 1-2 years.
Annual varieties begin to self-seed, increasing numbers, also creating a microclimate effect where the wildflowers flourish together as a meadow that shades roots, prevents evaporation and improves soil!

Just remember, there is no such thing as 100%, particularly in nature! But the wildlife will love you!

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