I am thinking about putting some seeds in the ground, but not sure if it's the appropriate time. Seeds like poppies, larkspur, bluebonnets, wildflower mixes, etc... My mom has a ton of hyacinth beans, would it be ok to start a "new batch" now? I know I could be totally off, but I thought I remembered an article about planting perrenials now and it gives them a chance to develop a root system, then in spring we are that much farther ahead. Any advice? Thanks
Anyone planting any seeds now? What kind?
Get those wildflower seed mixes in the ground quickly. The end of this month is the end of the optimum planting time for the seed. They need to sprout before it gets too cold. They overwinter as small rosettes lying flat next to the ground. Hyacinth beans need to be planted after all danger of frost is over. You might contact your AgriLife county agent and find out when that date is. Plant some seed indoors a few weeks before that date to get a head start and plant them out after that date. Plant the rest of the seed after the last frost date to get some staggered blooming.
Thank you! I'll get the seeds in the ground this weekend. Hopefully won't be too late! Thank you for the advice!!!
My experience form planting in the Austin area for 15 years has been that you can plant wildflower seeds from now until about mid January. By using Seed Balls the seeds are protected from birds and they reduce the need for caring for the seeds over winter. I have done a ton of research on this and you don't need to rush you still have time.
What exactly is a seed ball and how does it work?
I love that! I am quite the procrastinator....so, I know I am not going to get to the seeds this weekend. What is a seed ball? I am still somewhat new to gardening.....new enough to forget about the 50 birds that are in my backyard everyday. I'd love to know more about your seedballs and how to buy them. I'll start a new thread asking you this so others can learn too.....and maybe you can sell them to some of us!
A Seedball is a mixture of clay, compost and and seeds. They can be used anywhere but it is my understanding that they were initially used to cover large areas where the land was not prepared and where rainfall was the only source of water. The seeds are contained within the clay ball so they can't get washed away, blown away or eaten.
There's an article below that explains seed balls. There's been a few discussions about them, but you can search for them. Some of the garden clubs here in Austin make the balls with wildflower seeds to toss in the medians.
http://davesgarden.com/guides/articles/view/1627/