107 seedsource.com The Act of Seeding Achieve good seed to soil contact. Spread seed by hand, like feeding chickens. A broadcast spreader or a seed drill is good for larger areas. Heavier seeding rates will work to your benefit. In comparing lost time maintaining weed control in a thin planting, the value of native seeds is very economical. Mix fluffy or small seeds with a “carrier” for even distribution. Carriers such as coarse sand, perlite, rice hulls or other extenders aid in keeping seeds in suspension. This seed-carrier mix creates a “free flowing” characteristic as needed to broadcast the seed. Take half the seed mixture and spread it evenly over the whole area. Then cross back in opposite directions and spread the rest. Most seeds should never be buried more than twice their diameter. Do not bury small seeds at all! One of the most common reasons that seeds fail to come up is that they have been planted too deeply. Some seeds will be visible on the ground. Try using the sweeping motion of a treebranch or a leaf rake followed by a rollerpacker or the boots of a big foot. A diligent effort should be made to press the seeds into the soil. A firm seed-to-soil contact is very important. Water Talk Nature allows seeds to lie dormant in the soil until rain falls. If you choose to irrigate, keep up with your watering until plants are established. For germination, water lightly and frequently to prevent top of soil from drying out. Rain gauges placed throughout the seeded areas can help you monitor daily waterings. When wildflower seedlings are about 1 inch tall or grass seedlings have 3–5 blades per sprout, reduce the frequency of waterings to 2–3 times weekly. Increase water per application to achieve greater soaking depths for development of healthy root systems. Alternate soil moisture from good deep soakings to moderately dry in between waterings. Roots need a balance of oxygen. Reduce frequency of waterings over time as plants become established. Supplemental water may be discontinued as seasonal rains return. Encourage and Enjoy We walk softly helping the young budding plants by pulling out exotic grasses and broadleaf weeds. We effectively reduce these weeds year by year by limiting the seeds they make. Do not mow dying wildflowers too early! Seed production for next year should be encouraged. Most of the seeds must be allowed to mature ... ‘on the vine’ before mowing. Nature’s plan goes on with us and without us. Be patient. Those who plant seeds, play an intimate role in the experience of life. Connecting the miracle of a seed to the forces of earth and sky ... brings immeasurable joy to one’s heart. Scatter Lightly Cover Tamp Don’t Bury Deep QUICK TIPS Identify your ecoregion Choose the spot Match seeds to the site Consider the competition Seasonal timing Mow close if needed Remove unwanted plants, roots and thatch Expose soil and rake up thatch If needed, till no more than 1” deep Don’t stir up dormant weed seeds Non-native cool season grasses and clovers are not compatible Broadcast evenly Roll or pack seed so they have firm contact with soil Don’t bury too deep Let it rain or water lightly but frequently till established Hand-weed early and often Let seeds mature before cutting or mowing
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