Hi, Richard – Thank you for contacting the UNH Extension Yard and Garden Infoline regarding the latest guidance on Wildflower Meadows from Seed. That’s wonderful that you’ve found the 2019 guide to be such a helpful resource. I’ve listed answers to your questions about updates below, but in general the guidance from the 2019 guide remains the same.

1. Do you still recommend the smothering method over the solarization method? The guidance as presented in the 2019 guide remains the same.

2. Is it beneficial to start either the smothering method or the solarization method earlier than the June start recommended in the guide? You can start either method earlier than June, if desired.

3. Is it beneficial to use thicker than 6 mil plastic? 4 to 6-mil is still recommended.

4. Is there any update to the list of plants and grasses in the guide? The plants listed in the guide are still recommended. However, if you are interested, you could consider this link about other recommended flowering plants and groundcovers for wildlife: Flowering plants and groundcovers for wildlife

5. I already have plentiful (ideal amounts) Goldenrod and Asclepias syriaca and Asclepius incarnata in the field and do not want more, can you recommend alternatives to add to the seed mix? If you already have ideal amounts of these plants, there is no need to add new seeds for these plants. 

6. Do you know of a seed company that will custom mix? Not having luck finding one. Although we do not endorse any particular company, you may want to check out the Prairie Moon Nursery website, which indicates that it offers custom seed mixes: https://www.prairiemoon.com/custom-seed-mix-design.html#/?resultsPerPage=24

7. Do you recommend electric fence to keep deer and rabbits and rodents out? The field is overrun with them. If local zoning allows, electric fences are the most effective means for protecting a garden area. Protecting your Garden from Deer

8. The weights in the 2019 guide's seed table add up to 101%, just an FYI. Thanks!

I hope you find this information helpful and wish you every success with your wildflower meadow! Please reach out again if you have additional questions.

Hi Rich,

Most meadow plantings are done in late fall.  I would still wait for some deep frosts and I've even seen it recommended to wait until just before a snow fall so the seeds are covered and not eaten by rodents and birds.  

I'm hoping you have a mowing plan set for your first couple of years too as it's still likely there will be some competition from weed seeds.  

If you haven't found a seed source yet, and again, we don't promote any particular nurseries, there is Prairie Nursery as well as Prairie Moon and Ernst Seeds in PA.  All of them have great info on their websites to continue learning too.  

New Directions and American Landscape and Ecological Landscape Alliance are both great organizations that have mroe info, workshops and more.

I loved hearing what you are doing and wish you the best of luck!  I hope you will report your findings somewhere.  

All the Best,
Catherine