Planting a Field Full of Sunflowers

Disclaimer: This post uses affiliate links and references products I have been compensated to review. 

As everyone is starting to dream of cooler temperatures and pumpkin spice everything, I’m excited to share with you the latest happenings in preparation for fall here on the farm. I spent the weekend prepping and planting a sunflower field that will be bursting with fall blooms in November, just in time for you to come visit and enjoy the essence of fall here on the farm at The Potter’s Bench!

We have an area in our pasture that has been reserved to be used for the bulk of our flower operation. Due to COVID-19, that little field has been put on hold and it is itching to be planted. I can hear it whisper when I pass it that it needs beauty. This past weekend we finally tilled and planted it, despite battling the world’s worst cold. 

It was no small feat, as we also need to fence it in to protect it from hungry little bunnies and gophers. We are installing an electric fence to keep out those cute little varmints and expect to have it completed by the end of the week.

Since we can’t put off the planting any longer despite having no fence, we went ahead and planted using an Earthway 1001-B Precision Garden Seeder. This little machine is brilliant! It opens a furrow, plants a seed according to the depth and spacing you desire, covers it and measures the next row all in one pass. I planted our whole field in under 45 minutes. It comes with interchangeable seed plates so that you can use it to plant seeds of various sizes. 

Because planting a field of sunflowers could get expensive, I purchased a 6 lb bag of black oil sunflower bird seed from my local feed store for $6.99 and probably used just about one pound of it in planting the entire field. Such a budget friendly option!

Until our drip irrigation supplies arrive, I am watering with an AquaJoe Telescoping Sprinkler, which I received from SunJoe for review. It has amazing coverage and will be perfect for helping to germinate these little seeds. It has 360 degree coverage and reaches an area from 42-72 ft.

If you have followed me for a while, you know that when I over-seed my lawn for winter, I stake Mylar balloons sporadically throughout my yard to deter the birds from eating all my grass seed. I did the same with my sunflower seeds, strategically staking balloons throughout the field to scare off the birds. It works like magic! The balloons typically last 7- 10 days, just enough time for the seeds to germinate. 

I hope you will consider coming to visit our little field with your family and friends in November. We’ll reserve a spot just for you! Stay tuned for ticket and visiting information. Now that it is planted, I can hear a whisper of thanks every time I pass by. This little field was meant to be filled with flowers and it can’t wait to share it’s bounty with you! See you in November!