Planting Guide: Step 2

The Prep: Time Spent in Preperation Will Pay Off in Flowers

The objective is to remove as much unwanted vegetation as possible. We rely heavily on Round-up herbicide and post-emergent grass-killer, such as "Poast" or "Ornamec" or any GRASS-SPECIFIC herbicide. "Round-up" will kill any green plant that is actively growing, so we often start out with Round-up to kill existing weed or grass growth. If you just want to kill grass, use a post-emergent grass-killer. If you do not want to use herbicides, we recommend the "hot-house" method of covering the soil with clear plastic for the entire growing season. This allows the weed seeds to germinate and the heat generated under the plastic will burn up the seedlings. For best results we recommend this method for smaller areas. and that the edges of the plastic be secured to the ground for maximum heat build up.

When your area is brown and dry rake off any thick vegetation left and till the soil lightly. Deep plowing will bring up more weed seeds. Some areas are able to be hand raked to smooth clods. We have found a renovator useful in going over lareas rather than tilling the soil. All that is required is a surface of half-way decent soil. A few rocks won't be a problem but if there are more rocks than soil, you'll need to bring in some topsoil or, better yet, compost. If your area has grown weeds and/or grass successfully it is good enough for wildflowers.

Now you FINALLY have your soil prepared!