If you’re passionate about saving the bees (everyone who loves fruits and veggies should be concerned about the dwindling bee population!) I know of a great way to landscape your yard while helping save our little fuzzy friends! The answer is simple: plant wildflowers! Bees love wildflowers, they look beautiful, and they smell even better!
To begin, you will need to collect seed from your local varieties of flowers, or you can purchase small packets online or at a nursery. If you are collecting seed, I recommend using this guide from Fine Gardening.
After you have your seeds picked out, it’s time to start sowing! Like all seed gardening, it is recommended that you start your wildflowers indoors. A general rule of thumb to follow is: plant the seed as deep as twice the size of the seed diameter. Wild Flower Farm has a video that does a wonderful job of explaining the unique starting process!
After your seeds have sprouted, and you are long past the first frost date, you can move your seedlings outdoors! Pick a spot in your yard that gets at least 6 hours of direct sunlight. Until your flowers are about 6 to 8 inches tall, it’s a good idea to keep the soil moist and well-watered. After that, your plant will survive on natural rain to keep it alive! There isn’t a more low-maintenance plant!
When it comes to garden, even the most novice growers know that location is everything! Before beginning your project, make sure you do research on the types of wildflowers that grow well in your area. Summer, spring, and fall are all desirable times to begin growing throughout the country. Find out more grow zone information here!
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