After summer’s extreme heat and drought, crisp brown lawns and gardens are the only things looking abundant. Fortunately, we are entering the perfect season to fill our lawn and garden with vibrant new growth, from trees, shrubs, and perennials to edibles. This is also a good time to consider cover crops like rye to prevent weeds and help to improve the soil through the winter months. 

And if you are tired of looking at plants and grasses that were not made to withstand the heat of summer, this is a great time to look forward to robust colorful wildflower blooms. 

Start spreading the seed

You can begin spreading native grass seeds now until October and wildflower seeds can be spread now until Thanksgiving. The goal is to place wildflower seeds in the ground before the rainy season of autumn.

Come springtime you will have a garden filled with low-maintenance wildflowers that are made to withstand the most extreme Central Texas weather. 

We recommend selecting a wildflower mix. The variety of wildflowers will bring color year-round and allow you to see which species survive best in your garden. 

Here are wildflower varieties to look for in your mix: 

  • For bee lovers – Bee Happy Mix  https://seedsource.com/bee-happy-mix/
  • For butterfly lovers – plant milkweed, keeping in mind that it may take a couple of years for them to fully establish
  • For full sun – Texas bluebonnet, Indian blanket, Mexican hat, Prairie coneflower, Winecups, Lemon mint, Cowpen daisy
  • For full shade – Blue mistflower, Purple coneflower, Turk’s cap, Texas baby blue eyes, Blue curls, Pitcher sage, Pigeonberry

It is easy to do

Spreading wildflower seed is incredibly easy, in keeping with their low maintenance nature. 

Preparing the soil requires only that you remove weeds and mulch from the area and lightly disturb the soil with a rake. 

Then simply spread the seeds and tap them into the ground. No need to dig holes or carefully plant each seed. Follow the directions provided with your mix, but for the most part tapping them into the ground with your foot will suffice. 

Water to set and voila! Not need for extra waterings, fertilizer or special care as the seeds germinate prior to a winter dormancy.

Come early spring, you will begin to see the fruits of this rather effortless endeavor and hearty heat-proof color throughout the year.