Mother Knows Best: Plant Wildflower Seed in the Fall

Fall is the perfect time to plant wildflower seed. Mother Nature knows best. She plants her wildflower seed in the fall when it drops from spent blooms. Fall planting can have a bloom time up to two weeks earlier than spring plantings. The wildflowers get a chance to settle in and are ready to burst into action when spring arrives.

• Fall Planting Time - The perfect time to plant is when you set out fall bulbs. Typically after the first frost but before a hard freeze.

• Pick a Site - Most wildflowers generally need full to partial sun so pick a sunny spot. A hard to mow slope or a border between a lawn and timber are good spots for a easy care wildflower meadow.

• Clear the Area - For small areas you can simply turn the soil with a spade, larger areas will need roto-tilled. Remove all sod and plant material and turn the soil to a depth of about 2 inches. Rake smooth. You can plant your wildflower immediately or wait until the time is right. If you wait, be sure to cultivate periodically to remove any emerging weeds.

• Plant your Seed - Broadcast your seed evenly over the soil. Mixing your seed mixture with white builders sand will help you see where you have been and keep it evenly distributed. Press the seed into the soil but don't cover with more dirt. To press down in smaller areas simply pat with hands or walk on. Larger areas may be pressed with a piece of plywood. Do not water. Control any weeds that pop up before winter dormancy.

• Add Perennials - If you desire, a few perennial wildflower plants may be added to your wildflower meadow either in the spring or fall. If you are impatient, this may be the way to go for quicker results. Simply add a few perennial plants or bulbs to your wildflower meadow. Some good choices of native perennials to add are butterfly bush, false indigo, native daylily, wild geranium and coneflower.

Mother Nature has the right idea. Cooler temperatures, less weeds, and earlier blooms make fall a great time to plant your own wildflower meadow.

Also by this author:

Top 5 Yellow Wildflowers for Green Gardening

5 Blue Wildflowers for Green Gardening in the Midwest

Growing Native Plants in the Illinois Landscape

Resources:

Wildflower Planting - http://www.dnr.state.mi.us/

Fall Planting is Best - http://www.americanmeadows.com/fall-planting-is-best