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๐ŸŒฑ Normalize Planting Native Wildflowers

Normalize Planting Native Wildflowers ๐Ÿช„โœจ๐ŸŒฑ๐ŸŒธ๐Ÿ๐Ÿฆ‹


How To


Native Wildflowers Seeds by Region


Planting a Wildflower Meadow

You're here because you want to grow wildflowers. You want to see the magic of a meadow in your own backyard. So let's get to it.

  1. Planning: measurements 

  2. Soil Preperation

  3. Spring Planting

  4. Fall Planting

  5. Planting By region

    A) Northeast B) Northwest C) Southeast D) Southwest E) West D) Pacific Northwest

First, you need to plan. We recommend measuring your space. Know how much seed you need. You can time your planting so they can be watered with your rain or snow or . when the time is right for your climate. Don't rush it. Seeds need warmth from the earth, not just the air. If the soil is still cold, they'll just lay there, waiting.

Next, you prepare the soil. Clear out the old growth, the debris. Give your wildflowers room to breathe, to grow. The less competition they have with other plants the more successful theyโ€™ll be.

Then, you sow your seeds. Do it on a calm day. Wind and rain can wash your efforts away. If you can, let the rain do the watering.

Compress the seeds into the soil. They need to feel the earth, to take root. But don't bury them. They need the sun too.

Water them. Keep the soil moist, not soaking, until the seedlings are about 4-6 inches tall.

Then, you wait. Watch the growth, the blooms. They'll start in late spring or early summer. Grab a drink, sit back, and enjoy the show.

And remember, meadows need maintenance. Don't just throw the seeds and forget about them. Watch our videos for more tips and instructions.

Your soil is probably already perfect for wildflowers. They don't need fertilizer. They need sun, good drainage, and a bit of your time and care.

Late Summer Early Fall Planting: 

In colder climates, aim to plant at least 6 to 8 weeks before the first expected frost date. Ideal temperatures for fall planting are between 50ยฐF to 70ยฐF (10ยฐC to 21ยฐC). Avoid planting when temperatures drop below freezing.

In warmer climates, fall is an ideal time for planting wildflowers. Optimal temperatures range from 60ยฐF to 80ยฐF (15ยฐC to 27ยฐC), providing a favorable environment for seed germination and early growth. Avoid planting during the hottest months of summer, when temperatures can exceed 90ยฐF (32ยฐC).

Spring Planting:

When planting in spring In colder climates, wait until temperatures consistently stay above freezing, typically after the last spring frost.

In warmer climates, aim to plant in early spring or fall when temperatures are mild, avoiding the hottest months of summer. Ideal temperature ranges are usually between 60ยฐF to 75ยฐF (15ยฐC to 24ยฐC). Avoid planting during extreme cold (below freezing) or extreme heat (above 90ยฐF or 32ยฐC) to ensure successful germination and growth.

And if you're dealing with a slope or strong winds, cover your seeds with straw, not soil. It'll help keep them in place.

After planting, give your seeds a gentle soaking. Keep them hydrated until they're 4-6 inches tall.

Then, watch the growth, the blooms. They'll start appearing within 1-3 weeks, depending on the varieties and your growing conditions.

And finally, enjoy your wildflowers. Maybe leave a path so you can walk through them, set up a bird feeder, or a bench. Make it your own little meadow.

And if you're ready to dig in, check out our wildflower seed mixes.

Planting By Region: 

  • Northeast:

    • Weather: Experience four distinct seasons with cold winters, mild springs, warm summers, and cool autumns. Summers can be humid.

    • Ideal Planting Seasons: Spring and fall are the best times to plant wildflowers in the Northeast.

    • Acceptable Planting: Early spring and late fall are acceptable, but avoid planting during extreme heat or frozen ground in winter.

    • Precipitation: Wildflowers can benefit from rain and snowmelt in early spring.

  • Northwest:

    • Weather: Mild, wet winters and dry, warm summers. Coastal areas are cooler and wetter than inland regions.

    • Ideal Planting Seasons: Fall and early spring are ideal for planting wildflowers in the Northwest.

    • Acceptable Planting: Late winter and late fall are acceptable, but avoid planting during the hot and dry peak of summer.

    • Precipitation: Wildflowers can be watered by rain in fall and spring and occasional snowmelt in early spring.

  • Southeast:

    • Weather: Hot, humid summers and mild winters. Hurricanes and heavy rainfall can occur during the summer and fall.

    • Ideal Planting Seasons: Fall and early spring are the best times for planting wildflowers in the Southeast.

    • Acceptable Planting: Late winter and late fall are acceptable, but avoid planting during extreme heat in summer.

    • Precipitation: Wildflowers can be watered by rain and occasional tropical storms in the warmer months. You can plant during precipitous periods, but ideally you plant before to take full advantage of them. 

  • Southwest:

    • Weather: Dry, arid climate with hot summers and mild winters. Desert areas can have scorching temperatures.

    • Ideal Planting Seasons: Fall and early spring are ideal for planting wildflowers in the Southwest.

    • Acceptable Planting: Late winter and late fall are acceptable, but avoid planting during the scorching heat of summer.

    • Precipitation: Wildflowers can benefit from rare rainstorms and occasional snowmelt in higher elevations.

  • West:

    • Weather: Ranges from coastal marine climates to drier continental climates. Summers can be hot, especially inland.

    • Ideal Planting Seasons: Fall and early spring are the best times to plant wildflowers in the West.

    • Acceptable Planting: Late winter and late fall are acceptable, but avoid planting during the hottest months.

    • Precipitation: Wildflowers can be watered by rain in fall and spring and occasional snowmelt in higher elevations.

  • Pacific Northwest:

    • Weather: Mild, wet winters and cool, dry summers. Coastal areas receive significant rainfall.

    • Ideal Planting Seasons: Fall and early spring are the most favorable times for planting wildflowers in the Pacific Northwest.

    • Acceptable Planting: Late winter and late fall are acceptable, but avoid planting during dry summer conditions.

    • Precipitation: Wildflowers can benefit from rain throughout the year, especially in fall and spring.

Remember to select wildflower species native to your region and consider local soil conditions, sun exposure, and moisture levels for a successful wildflower garden.

Overseeding>Overseeding Bee Lawn Mix

Overseeding Bee Lawn Mix

Prepare the Lawn:

  • Mow the existing lawn to a short height, removing any debris and thatch buildup.

  • Rake the lawn to loosen the soil surface and create a better seedbed.

  • If the soil is compacted, consider aerating the lawn to improve seed penetration and water absorption.

  1. Choose the Native Bee Lawn Mix:

    • Select a native bee lawn mix that suits your local climate, soil type, and sun exposure. Native bee lawn mixes typically include a variety of wildflowers and grasses that provide food and habitat for pollinators.

  2. Calibrate the Seed Distributor:

    • Follow the manufacturer's instructions to calibrate your seed distributor properly. This ensures that the correct amount of seed is distributed evenly across the lawn.

  3. Fill the Distributor:

    • Fill the seed distributor with the native bee lawn mix. It's essential to use clean and high-quality seeds to achieve the best results.

  4. Seed Distribution:

    • Walk at a steady pace across the lawn in parallel rows, ensuring even coverage.

    • Adjust the seed distributor settings as needed to achieve the desired seeding rate for the bee lawn mix.

  5. Overseed Bare Patches:

    • Pay particular attention to overseeding bare or thin patches in the lawn. Add a slightly higher seeding rate to these areas to encourage better establishment.

  6. Watering:

    • After overseeding, water the lawn thoroughly. This helps to activate the seeds and provides essential moisture for germination.

  7. Maintain Moisture:

    • Keep the soil consistently moist during the germination period. Depending on the weather and seed mix, germination may take several weeks.

  8. Mowing and Maintenance:

    • Delay mowing until the new seedlings have reached a height of about 3-4 inches. This allows the wildflowers and grasses to establish a strong root system.

    • After mowing, set the mower to a higher setting to maintain a lawn height that benefits the native bee lawn mix.

  9. Fertilization and Pest Control:

  • Avoid using synthetic fertilizers and harsh pesticides on the native bee lawn. Instead, consider using organic alternatives and natural pest control methods to preserve the beneficial insects and pollinators.

    Enjoy the Bee Lawn:

  • Once the native bee lawn mix is established, enjoy the beauty of the wildflowers and the increased presence of pollinators in your lawn.

By following these instructions, you can successfully overseed your lawn with a distributor and create a vibrant and pollinator-friendly native bee lawn.

Kill Your Lawn


Lawn Removal: Solarization, Occultation or physical removal

1. Solarization Method:

  • Mow the Lawn: Start by mowing your lawn as short as possible to facilitate the process.

  • Water the Area: Water the lawn thoroughly to ensure the soil is damp before starting.

  • Cover with Cardboard and Mulch: Lay down large sheets of cardboard over the lawn, making sure to overlap them to prevent weed growth. Then, spread a 3-inch thick layer of organic mulch (e.g., wood chips) over the cardboard.

  • Sun Exposure: Leave the cardboard and mulch in place for 4-6 weeks during the hottest part of the year. The lack of sunlight under the covering will suffocate the grass and weed seeds.

  • Remove Covering and Prepare Soil: After the solarization period, remove the cardboard and mulch. Rake away decomposed plant material and prepare the soil for seeding.

  • Plant Wildflower Seeds: Scatter wildflower seeds evenly across the prepared soil surface on top of the cardboard and mulch layers.

  • Water Regularly: Keep the soil consistently moist until the wildflower seeds germinate and establish.

2. Occultation Method:

  • Trim and Water the Lawn: Trim the lawn to a shorter length and water it well before starting.

  • Cover with Cardboard and Mulch: Lay down large sheets of cardboard over the lawn, overlapping them to eliminate sunlight. Then, spread a 3-inch thick layer of organic mulch (e.g., wood chips) over the cardboard.

  • Secure the Covering: Weigh down the cardboard and mulch with rocks or heavy objects to keep it in place.

  • Wait for Decomposition: Allow the covering to remain for about 4-6 weeks, during which the lack of sunlight will suffocate the grass and weeds.

  • Remove Covering and Prepare Soil: After occultation, remove the cardboard and mulch. Rake away decomposed plant material and prepare the soil for seeding.

  • Sow Wildflower Seeds: Broadcast wildflower seeds evenly across the prepared soil surface on top of the cardboard and mulch layers.

  • Water Regularly: Keep the soil consistently moist until the wildflower seeds germinate and establish.

3. Physical Removal Method:

  • Mow and Remove Sod: Start by mowing your lawn as short as possible. Then, use a sod cutter or shovel to remove the existing lawn, cutting out strips of sod.

  • Clear Debris: Rake away any remaining debris, rocks, or clumps of grass.

  • Cover with Cardboard and Mulch: Lay down large sheets of cardboard over the bare soil, making sure to overlap them to prevent weed growth. Then, spread a 3-inch thick layer of organic mulch (e.g., wood chips) over the cardboard.

  • Plant Wildflower Seeds: Scatter wildflower seeds evenly across the prepared soil surface on top of the cardboard and mulch layers.

  • Water Regularly: Keep the soil consistently moist until the wildflower seeds germinate and establish.

The best of both worlds, you can have a lawn and pollinator paradise too! Drought tolerant, no-mow (or mow), low water fescues with native wildflowers. 1lb per unit: covers approximately 200sq feet.

Cool Region
Native Bee Lawn Mix

Western Region
Native Bee Lawn Mix

Cool Region Native Bee Lawn Seed Mixture
$60.00
  • This mix of fescue grass, and annual and perennial wildflowers. Wildflowers are native to California and ideal for planting in USDA zones 3-10. You donโ€™t have to kill your lawn to upgrade it. Designed to oversow into your existing lawn with annual wildflowers for immediate gratification and perennials for ongoing blooms. Contains 7 flower & 4 grasses designed for low input(low water, no mow). Plants are chosen to be as indestructible as possible, with nitrogen fixers for soil health and containing #1 plants for drought tolerance.

    A deliberately designed mix of native low-growing wildflowers and low-input turfgrass our Bee Lawn Mix supports our critically at-risk, but ever-important pollinators while also conserving natural resources and maintaining the durability and functionality of a traditional home lawn.

  • Grasses:
    Boreal Creeping Red Fescue

    Intrigue Chewings Fescue

    Gladiator Hard Fescue

    Blue Mesa Sheep Fescue

    Western Native Wildflowers :
    Five Spot

    Baby Blue Eyes

    Tidy Tips

    Dwarf California Poppy

    Western Yarrow

    Self Heal

    Western Blue-Eyed Grass

  • Overseeding:
    1lb per 200 sq feet.
    5lbs per 1000 Sq feet.

    Can be installed via overseeding, where the seed mix is spread over the top of a pre-existing stand of turf, or as part of a new lawn renovation. An overseeding is best-suited for a healthy (relatively weed-free) lawn planted with either Kentucky bluegrass or fine fescue grass. The bee lawn flowers will struggle to establish alongside other grass species and aggressive weeds. If these conditions are not present in a lawn, a bee lawn can also be established by removing the old turf and seeding a bee lawn directly into the soil. The steps to establishing a bee lawn are very similar to those of establishing a traditional turfgrass lawn.

    A light and frequent watering schedule is recommended for the first 30 days. Once a bee lawn is fully established, additional irrigation is only needed during periods of drought.

Western Native Bee Lawn Mix
$60.00
  • 23.25% Celestial Creeping Red Fescue
    23.25% Enchantment Chewings Fescue
    23.25% Big Horn GT Hard Fescue
    23.25% Blue Mesa Sheep Fescue
    3% Self Heal
    1% Yaak yarrow
    3% Blue-eyed grass

    Composition Note:
    Mixture components are subject to change without notice, subject to availability. The function and intention of the mix will remain unchanged.

  • 23.25% Boreal Creeping Red Fescue 23.25% Intrigue Chewings Fescue 23.25% Gladiator Hard Fescue
    23.25% Blue Mesa Sheep Fescue
    3% Blue eyed grass
    1% Yaak yarrow
    โ€‹3% Self-Heal

  • Seeding Rates

    Overseeding: 5 lbs/1000 sqft
    New turf: 5 lbs/1000 sqft

    ESTABLISHMENT

    Primarily vegetation & limited flowering year 1 Matrix of grasses and flowers year 2 +They can be installed via overseeding, where the seed mix is spread over the top of a pre-existing stand of turf, or as part of a new lawn renovation. An overseeding is best-suited for a healthy (relatively weed-free) lawn planted with either Kentucky bluegrass or fine fescue grass. The bee lawn flowers will struggle to establish alongside other grass species and aggressive weeds. If these conditions are not present in a lawn, a bee lawn can also be established by removing the old turf and seeding a bee lawn directly into the soil. The steps to establishing a bee lawn are very similar to those of establishing a traditional turfgrass lawn. A light and frequent watering schedule is recommended for the first 30 days. Once a bee lawn is fully established, additional irrigation is only needed during periods of drought.

1lb per unit: covers approximately 200sq feet.

5lbs covers approximately 1000sq feet.

1lb per unit: covers approximately 200sq feet.