No-digging solution for sowing wildflowers on soil w/weed seeds?
njbiology
9 years ago
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Yardvaark
9 years agomad_gallica (z5 Eastern NY)
9 years agoRelated Discussions
Sowing seed in snow
Comments (8)I have tried various methods myself. My problem with sowing in situ is weeds. I can't always tell what's what. So far, my best option has been to establish seedlings in controlled environments through various methods, and then plant them out en masse, very early in the season (even in March sometimes). I use cold frames, wintersowing, plain old flats outside, small plots, protected areas, etc. Then, I move the plants as I see fit, using newspaper as a weed barrier, and yard scraps for mulch. Both decompose and become part of the wildflower planting. I am planning to experiment with row covers, cloches, and more variations on wintersowing. I have two unheated greenhouses that really work well-- for these types of plants they are perfect. My Santa also understands and encourages my determination. :-) Wildflowers don't really need heated greenhouses. I have to say, the money spent on the self-erecting-tent style greenhouse was less than we had "wasted" on the previous projects, and it changed gardening for me completely. It was more than worth it. It helped me produce more plants this year than all the other years combined, because it let me prepare all the different types of seedbeds. I think it gave me confidence to experiment, and a good workspace. It also opened my mind to learning more. I tried for years to establish large areas of wildflowers from direct sowing seeds, and was often disappointed. These methods give me the opportunity to learn as I go, and I feel much more successful....See Moresowing seeds over dead grass - will this work
Comments (17)I'd cut the grass very short, rake with a stiff rake, seed it than water regularly. A little more soil added first might help improve germination but some seeds probably will germinate with or without it. JUst don't mow again or you'll mow off your new seedlings. Not sure what you have in mind for future years with that bed, but if you have a good mix of perennials and self-planting annuals it would help. Be sure to include some wildflowers that reseed in your area easily. (For me that would include poppies, nicotiana, nasturtium, petunia, etc), as well as some perennials and the area could become self sustaining. Maybe add some herb seeds too. Many online seed sites sell regional wildflower mixes that you could mix with what you already have. Even Walmart has large, cheap packs of wildflowers that you could mix in. I'd be sure to include poppies, larkspur, and cornflowers! Karen...See MoreWinter sow or Direct sow?
Comments (7)I did something very similar in 2003. Just around thanksgiving with our first snow, I broadcasted out the prairie seeds over a 60x15 prepared area. No mulch, no amendment and the blanket of snow was my protection from birds. Also by this time the mice/voles ect. are housed up for the winter. My seed (flowers/grasses) were individually ordered from reputable native seed suppliers...no walmart mixes just for the simple fact you usually can't find any that do not contain a few non-native noxious/invasive species...like Dames Rocket, Bachelor's Button and Baby's Breath for example; two of which are on our local monitor list and one which made it too the noxious weed list....See MoreNeed help w/sandy soil erosion in front yard
Comments (7)Yeah thanks guys. I do any work outside early or late after sun goes down. I came home with some Purple Fountain grass, said grows 1-3 ft, to go with the cordgrass and muhly I already planted. I also came home with more Coreopsis, and one Gaillardia (50% off! last one). I have planted already 3 coreopsis (dwarf) and some portulaca that keeps popping up in the yard. I know I will have to weed eventually but I'm afraid to pull anything that is growing at the moment! I think I will pull up weeds and remaining lawngrass after my other plants are established. I will water them till they are established and occasionally if they need it but my regular St. Augustine needs to be watered at least 2x a week or it starts to die back. I also took some seeds from a very pretty beach sunflower that I found at the park ( the seeds only, just a little bit :), I also have some other Gaillardia (indian blanket) in the back that I started from seed and when they get bigger they'll go out front too. I also found a patch of beach sunflower out back that I'll attempt to propagate further. Seeds just take so long to get going I had to buy some already grown plants. Gosh it's so much work though :) Let's hope it works! I'll update after I get it all in....See Morejerseygirl07603 z6NJ
9 years agomarcinde
9 years agojerseygirl07603 z6NJ
9 years agoUser
9 years agoJon 6a SE MA
9 years agoHU-812429725
4 years ago
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