Wildflower Meadow Preparation

Fall is almost here and it’s time to think about preparing for next year’s native wildflower meadow! Creating a native wildflower meadow is an exciting way to support local pollinators, promote biodiversity, and add natural beauty to your landscape. To set yourself up for success, the preparation phase is crucial. The more time and effort you spend on site preparation will make for a better meadow in the long-term. Here’s a step-by-step guide to meadow preparation considerations.

Step 1: Choose the Right Site

First, select a location that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. Most native wildflowers thrive in sunny spots, although some species can tolerate partial shade. Check your soil type and drainage—native seeds typically do well in well-drained soils, but there are seed options for every soil type.

Step 2: Remove Existing Vegetation (this step may take 12-18 months)

Clear the area of existing grass, weeds, and non-native plants. In order to have success with your meadow, you also need to clear your site of weed seed stock that is in the ground. You can’t see it, but there are thousands of seeds in each square yard of bare soil and you have to attack them in order to have a successful meadow, otherwsie you’ll just end up with a weed patch that you’re unhappy with. This step is critical to give your native seeds the best chance to germinate and thrive without competition. There are a few methods to remove unwanted vegetation:

• Tilling: Remove the existing vegetation by tilling on a schedule over the course of 7 or 8 months starting in March or April. It works easier if you remove the surface vegetation first. You then till every month or so through the summer to kill newly germinated weeds. This method has some success but doesn’t always work very well.

• Chemical Spraying: We don’t recommend this method but for very large sites (>1 acre) it might be the only option. Similar to tilling you’ll need to create a spray regimen to attack newly germinated plants every 4-6 weeks through the spring and summer to kill newly germinated weeds. DO NOT USE a pre-emergent herbicide to prevent weed seed germination as this will persist in the soil and prevent native wildflower seeds from germinating.

• Sheet Mulching: Cover the area with cardboard or layers of newspaper, then add a thick layer of mulch. Leave it in place for several months to smother existing plants. This method works best if you’re planning on planting pollinator plants that are already germinated. Native wildflower seeds planted directly on mulch will not germinate and you will need to either remove the mulch prior to planting or plant through the mulch with plants.

• Smothering or Solarization: This is the method we have found works best in Clark County and is the method we most recommend you use. Smothering involves covering the soil with an opaque plastic sheet or tarp to smother the site for a minimum of 12 months. That means for a meadow you want to plant next year you’ll want to start this process this fall. Solarization involves covering the soil with clear plastic for a year to promote weed seed germination. The resulting heat generated by the clear plastic kills weeds and seeds.

• Mechanical Removal: Dig up or till the existing vegetation. This can be labor-intensive but effective for smaller areas. This alone will not kill the weed seed in the soil and you’ll still need to do something like smothering or sheet mulching to fully prepare the site.

If you can’t wait to prepare a meadow, we suggest you consider planting native seeds in pots with new potting soil or planting medium that doesn’t contain weed seed. You can then transplant those pots next year after they’re established and you’ve prepared a planting location.

Step 3: Prepare the Soil

After removing unwanted plants, prepare the soil to receive the seeds. Lightly loosen the top 1-2 inches of soil with a rake or cultivator. Avoid deep tilling, which can bring dormant weed seeds to the surface. Ensure that the soil is free of large clumps and debris; a fine, loose surface allows for good seed-to-soil contact.

Step 4: Timing is Key

Timing your planting is crucial. For most native wildflower seeds, the best time to plant is in the fall (September to November). Planting in fall allows seeds to undergo natural cold stratification, which can improve germination rates in the spring.

Step 5: Spread Your Seeds

To ensure an even distribution, mix your seeds with sand or a carrier like soil. This step helps you see where the seeds are landing and prevents overcrowding in any one spot. Scatter the seeds evenly over the prepared soil. For small areas, hand-broadcasting works well; for larger areas, you might consider using a seed spreader.

Step 6: Press the Seeds into the Soil

Gently press the seeds into the soil using a roller, board, or by walking over the area. This step ensures good seed-to-soil contact, which is essential for germination. However, do not bury the seeds too deep—many native seeds need light to germinate.

Step 7: Water Wisely

Water the area lightly and frequently until the seedlings are established. Be careful not to overwater; the soil should be kept moist but not soggy. If you plant once fall rain has started, no additional water will be needed. Once the plants are established, they will require less water, as native plants are generally adapted to local conditions and can tolerate periods of drought.

Step 8: Maintain Your Meadow

The first year is critical for maintenance. Monitor your meadow for invasive weeds, which can outcompete young native plants. Hand-pulling or mowing high can help control unwanted growth. Avoid using herbicides, as they can harm native plants, the soil ecosystem, and pollinators.

Step 9: Enjoy and Observe!

Your meadow will take time to mature, so patience is key! Watch for the first blooms and observe the variety of pollinators and other wildlife that your meadow attracts. Over time, you can adjust your meadow by adding more seeds or different species to fill in gaps or enhance diversity. Transplanting potted plants or bareroot stock works as well.

By following these steps, you’ll create a thriving native wildflower meadow that brings beauty to your space and provides critical habitat for local pollinators. Happy planting!

View of Globe Gilia planted in a pot with weed-free planting medium.

View of the demonstration meadow preparation at Flat Tack Farm using the smothering technique.