Establishing native wildflower habitats in urban settings on a low budget

Abstract

This study aimed to compare the costs of two methods in establishing a native wildflower habitat using transplants while controlling weeds. The first method involved no-tillage and glyphosate herbicide and the second method used dazomet herbicide with tillage. Direct expenses included the initial establishment of the transplants under two differing soil treatments and were calculated separately. Expense differences between the two methods result from the prices of the two herbicides, type of equipment used in soil preparation and the type of tasks requiring labour. Results show a high rate (85%–90%) of the transplants becoming established regardless of the method used, suggesting that both may be considered suitable. With conservation and sustainability in mind, the cost estimates provide benchmarks for different methods of planting wildflower habitats in urban settings.