If you don't exactly have a green thumb, you've made a great decision by choosing wildflowers. Wildflowers aren't just a beautiful addition, they are also easy to grow and even easier to maintain -- if you know what to do. Before heading outside with your seeds, here are a few tips to help you plant and grow your wildflowers.

Preparation

No matter what type of plant you intend to grow, preparation is essential. The first step is to assess the weather. You don't want to plant the wildflowers until after the last frost of the season. Consider your average weather pattern and go from there.

Next, consider the best location in your yard. It's best to plant wildflowers in an area that has abundant direct sunlight for most of the day. If your lawn has a lot of trees or other obstructions that limit sunlight, choose a wildflower seed mixture that is shade-friendly.

Planting

Once you're ready to plant, you have to get the soil ready. Start by removing any existing growths from the area by digging them up and removing the root. You can then turn the soil and rake it until the area is flat. If you're planting the flowers in a small area, you can use your hands to scatter the seeds around.

However, for a larger space, a spreader is a better option. Next, you want to compress the seeds into the soil. For a small space, you can simply walk over the seeded area. However, if you're planting over a large area, consider using a seed roller to cut down on your effort.  

Growth

To get your wildflowers to grow, it's all about balance when it comes to watering. Don't over water. The optimal environment to promote growth is to get the ground moist, not to create a swimming pool for the seeds. Too little or too much water can discourage germination so you need to get it just right.

After planting, you want to continue to self-water the soil for a period of at least 4 to 6 weeks. After this period, you can rely on rain to naturally water the wildflowers. However, if you live in a very dry climate, you may need to self-water occasionally.  

The more effort you put into preparing your wildflowers for growth, the easier your effort. Make sure you are starting this process with a quality wildflower seed packets for the best results.