Proper site evaluation and soil preparation are the first defenses against the competition of unwanted weeds in your wildflower site.  Before planting, assess the current weed population existing within the area.  If the site contains an overabundance of weeds, which is usually the case in low-lying or run-off areas where water occasionally stands, we highly recommend that an alternate site be selected.  For best results, choose an area that is elevated with adequate drainage.  A site which is well-drained should have a limited population of existing weeds.  To remove the existing weeds from the site, you have the option to treat the entire area with a nonselective herbicide such as Roundup or remove the weeds by hand.  After the area is cleared of as many weeds as possible, soil preparation can begin. Remember that thousands of buried weed seeds lie dormant beneath the soil, ready to germinate if the ground is disturbed too deeply.  Extensive rototilling, disking or plowing the soil greater than one inch in depth will release the dormant weed seed found within the sub-soil.  Improper soil preparation can create an uncontrollable weed problem in your wildflower area that could have been avoided.   As your wildflowers germinate and grow, periodically hand pull any weeds that may have come up since planting. Weeding should be minimal if the area was prepared properly. Weeds are an inevitable part of gardening and they should be expected.  A little planning and preventive maintenance in combination with proper site selection and soil preparation, will greatly reduce the competition of unwanted weeds within your wildflowers. Your wildflower seeds will require ample moisture to germinate and develop into healthy seedlings. For best results, the area should be kept moist for 4 to 6 weeks during the establishment period. Supplemental watering with a garden hose may be necessary if natural rainfall is inadequate. Light and frequent applications of water should be applied to keep the ground moist. Once your wildflowers begin to germinate, do not allow the site to dry out completely but avoid over-watering the area. If the soil becomes overly saturated, the seedlings could die from the lack of oxygen supplied to the root system. How frequently you water your newly planted area will depend on local rainfall and soil types. In the western United States, you may need to water every day. In the south, central and eastern regions of the United States you may need to water every couple of days. Several waterings a day might be needed in the southwest desert region until your plants are well established. After your seedlings are 1 to 2 inches in height, watering should be gradually reduced and applied only if the plants show signs of stress. On larger projects that cannot be irrigated plant in the fall or early spring during the months when rainfall is usually abundant. If adequate moisture is not received by natural rainfall and irrigation is not possible at your planting site you may run the risk of disappointing results during a dry year.