Proper site evaluation and soil preparation are the first defenses against
the competition of unwanted weeds in your wildflower site. Before planting,
assess the current weed population existing within the area. If the site
contains an overabundance of weeds, which is usually the case in
low-lying or run-off areas where water occasionally stands, we highly
recommend that an alternate site be selected. For best results, choose an
area that is elevated with adequate drainage.
A site which is well drained should have a limited population of existing
weeds. To remove the existing weeds from the site, you have the option
to treat the entire area with a nonselective herbicide such as Roundup or
remove the weeds by hand. After the area is cleared of as many weeds as
possible, soil preparation can begin.
Remember that thousands of buried weed seeds lie dormant beneath
the soil, ready to germinate if the ground is disturbed too deeply.
Extensive rototilling, disking or plowing the soil greater than one inch in
depth will release the dormant weed seed found within the sub-soil.
Improper soil preparation can create an uncontrollable weed problem
in your wildflower area that could have been avoided.
As your wildflowers germinate and grow, periodically hand pull any
weeds that may have come up since planting. Weeding should be
minimal if the area was prepared properly. Weeds are an inevitable
part of gardening and they should be expected. A little planning and
preventive maintenance in combination with proper site selection and soil
preparation will greatly reduce the competition of unwanted weeds within
your wildflowers.