Before planting any seeds you’re unsure of, be sure to check with your local extension service to avoid planting any invasive species. Definitely stay away from those. In some places, it’s illegal to plant or even possess seeds from invasive plant species.

1. Choose a mix that’s suited for your region. Some mixes include seeds which are native to many regions, so that something is sure to grow no matter where the seeds are planted. Know which region you live in, and get a mix with seeds good for growing in this region.

2. The best time to plant depends on your regional weather and climate. Cooler climates see better results from plantings in spring, early summer, or late fall. Hold off on planting in the fall until seeds are sure not to germinate until the spring. Plant during the cooler months in milder climates, fall through spring.

3. Soil preparation. Clear the area to be planted of current vegetation, which will compete with your wildflowers for nutrients and water. Till or scrape the soil to break up the top layer. Spread the seeds according the the recommendations of your mix. Heavily compacted soil will need to be plowed under for aeration.

4. Apply the seeds according the directions of your mix. Some wildflower seed mixes are designed for wider distribution, while some are better suited for smaller areas. Mixing the seeds with sand in a 1 or 2 parts sand, 1 part seeds ratio will help distribute the seeds more evenly. Use your hands or use a cyclone spreader for best dispersement.

5. Some wildflower seeds do well in poor soil, while others need a nutrient supplement. If you’re unsure of your soil nutrient level, you can have it tested at your local extension service. See the link above to find out which region you’re in.

6. Wildflowers can be more robust than other types of plants once they’re established. However, while they’re still sprouting, even wildflowers are as fragile and needy as everything else. Take care watering them until they are well established.

7. Weeds can be especially nasty neighbors to new wildflowers. If you can remove weeds prior to putting down the wildflower seeds, the better the wildflowers will do.

8. A mix of annual and perennial wildflower seeds will do much better over the long run than one type of flower. As the annuals are sprouting and blossoming first, the perennials are busy getting themselves situated to produce blooms for the next season. You get the benefit of the annuals now and the perennials will show up later.

Seeds can be such a magical thing. That doesn’t mean there’s no logic to them. Follow these 8 guidelines, and you’ll improve your odds for a great crop every time you plant.