Certain wildflower species may have different sunlight needs. Always check with the instructions on your seed pack or ask an employee at the nursery.
Different soil testing kits may have different procedures. Always follow the instructions on the product you use. If this spot shows nutrient deficiencies, you can still plant here. Just plan on fertilizing the area before planting the seeds.
If your local nursery doesn’t have the seed mixture you want, then look online for different blends. If you prefer, you can also mix your own seed pack. Purchase 3-5 different seed types that are suited to your area and mix them together to create your own unique blend.
If there was tall grass in the area, mow it on the lowest setting before rototilling. Use an aerator rake if you don’t have a gas-powered rototiller. Press hard to rip up grass and weeds. You may have to pass over the area more than once with a manual aerator.
If you have a compost pile on your property, put these remnants there to recycle them. Aerate again if you find grass and weeds still stuck in the soil while raking. These can start weed growths that might overtake your flowers.
For general application, spread 2–3 pounds (0. 91–1. 36 kg) of fertilizer per 100 square feet (9. 3 m2) of garden. Adjust your application if the product gives different directions. [8] X Research source If your fertilizer gives a range for the amount to apply, choose the lower end of that recommendation. For example, if the suggested range is 3–5 pounds (1. 4–2. 3 kg), choose 3. [9] X Research source
For larger areas, seed at a rate of 10 lb (4. 5 kg) per acre. To calculate area, measure the garden’s length and width. Then multiply those 2 numbers together to get the total area. Keep your measurements consistent. If you measured in feet on one side, don’t use inches for the other. This is a general recommendation for the amount of seed to spread. Check with the product recommendation or nursery employee to see if there is an alternate density you should use.
You can also mix the ingredients into a bucket and spread the seeds by hand. Use the same amount of sand as you would if you were using a spreader.
Spread until you’re out of seeds. If you reach the end of the garden and still have some leftover, repeat the process until you’re out of seed.
Don’t drown the seeds. Only apply enough water to keep the soil moist. Don’t water on days when it rains.
Popular low-tech methods include putting up a scarecrow, hanging reflective tape around the garden, and covering the seeds with nets. For a more technological approach, motion-activated sprinklers will scare birds away. If the birds to get to your seeds, spread some more to replace them.
If you use weed killer or herbicide, always make sure that it’s safe to use on your flowers.
Even if the flowers you plant are perennials, mow them down to 4–6 inches (10–15 cm) to help them go into hibernation and return next year.
