Wildflowers

Question

I live in SW Colorado. Last year our the utilities company tripled our water rate to overhaul sewer plant. I have a huge yard divided into three parts. One of the areas never gets used so I quit watering it. Although it gets little to no use, I can’t stand see the blackened yard. I would like to grow some wildflowers in it. I have quite a few seeds that I have harvested from my yard, so when would be the best time to sow them and can I sow them over the dead sod bed? We’ve had monsoon rains lately; the crabgrass is loving it.

Answer 1

Sow at the beginning of your growing season or as directed on the seed package. Sowing now might work because of the recent rains.

Choose a wildflower seed mix that contains native plants adapted to your dry climate so it will thrive without much watering. You will still need to water enough to keep the soil moist during the seed's germination period (usually requires between 1 and 4 weeks). I would recommend removing the grass before starting if you want even establishment of the wildflowers; otherwise you might have a lower number of plants becoming established. Also, place a sheet or row cover over the germinating seeds for the first 7-10 days to keep them moist.

These articles provide some ideas:

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/fgen/planting-wildflowers.htm

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/special/spaces/a-wildflower-garden-in-your-backyard.htm