If you have some exposed mineral soil (That just means soil, not old leaves, sticks, duff, etc) to sprinkle seed on........ok, you don't indicate where in the world you're writing from. But here in the north, we "dormant seed" stuff like this all the time, which simply means scattering seed after all chance of germination this year has passed. Then, frost helps to place the seed into the little nooks and crannies in the soil just perfect for them to sprout next spring. Capiche?

+om

Capiche! I am a Wisconsinite too!! I am writing from SE WI, just a few miles from the lake. The woods are pretty thick in certain areas, and most of the land is covered with some form of foliage. Perhaps a rake and a dance will help... Thank you for your reply!

Haha, a fellow 'sconnie!

From my many visits to your part of the state, I'm inclined to guess the woods are full of buckthorn, that most hated scourge. If you do indeed have this plant on your site, some control will be in order. We've discussed (and discussed) such matters time and again here. I invite you to look around. But failing to find what you seek, then get back to us. We can dive in again.

I only bring this up because, if you are to have any degree of success with native forbs, etc. something is going to have to happen first with all that buckthorn, and I may as well throw in garlic mustard too!

Let me/us know where you're at with these two baddies: We'll take it from there.

+oM

This summer, I collected a lot of seeds heads (~100?) from my wildland area. Next spring, I'm going to scratch the area I want them to grow, spread the seeds and put back the dirt. Most should grow. I really large patch of blacked eyed susans. I've done the same with Bidens aristosa, marigold and Hibiscus trionum, all collected from the wild.