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Wildflower Gardening
Garden Tips Newsletter - October 22, 2001

Now is the best time to think about planting a wildflower garden. Most wildflower seeds need to be sown in the fall, from now through November. Sowing seeds now will ensure spring flowers.

Select wildflower seeds that grow naturally in your area or that meet your local conditions. Seed packets will list requirements. Minimum soil preparation is best for planting wildflowers. Remove weed species from the area by applying a herbicide or by pulling weeds. Lightly cultivate the soil. Mix seed with sand to evenly spread the seed over the area. Rake or tap the seed into the soil. DO NOT plant seeds too deep - deep planting decreases germination. A light mulch (1inch or less) can be applied to help keep out weeds. Water the area. Be sure to irrigate the area if we do not get rain.

Wildflower seeds will germinate before winter, but their growth will slow until spring arrives. For more information on growing wildflowers see MSU publication P1709 Wildflowers for Mississippi Meadows and Gardens.

These archived newsletters were written by Dr. Lelia Scott Kelly. Kelly is a Horticulture Specialist with the Mississippi State University Extension Service. Her office is in the North Mississippi Research & Extension Center, Verona.