WILD FLOWER MAINTENANCE GUIDE

WILD FLOWER SEEDING AND MAINTENANCE

GROUND PREPARATION

• Sowing is best carried out on less fertile soils, even sub soils.
• A well drained, low fertile, weed free site is preferred.
• Perennial weeds should be eradicated by cultivation or spraying.
• Dig, rotavate, plough or harrow, as you would for a grass-seeded area, to level the surface.
• Do not apply manure or fertiliser or import topsoil, as this will stimulate annual weeds and the accompanying grasses at the expense of the more desirable slower establishing and less aggressive species.
  
  

SEED SOWING

• Whilst good results can be obtained in poor conditions, sowing under warm and moist conditions into a firm, good tilth, produces more reliable results.
• February – May and August – September are the optimum months for sowing.
• Sowing from October to January can be successful but poor weather conditions during this period may delay germination until the spring.
• Sowings on steep slopes or banks should be avoided as displacement of seed or seedlings could occur during periods of heavy rainfall.
• Remix the seed prior to sowing, as seeds of varying shapes, sizes and textures are likely to have separated during transit.
• Divide the seed into two equal parts and sow in two passes at 45º. A carrier such as damp sand may be used.
• Seed should be broadcast by hand or applied with a fertiliser spreader or similar device.
• Sow at 5g per metre2 for grass and flora blends or 1g for pure flora stands.
• Lightly rake after seeding and roll using a Cambridge roller.
  
  

INITIAL MAINTENANCE

To control weed and minimise competition from grasses cut the sward to 5cm every 8 weeks during the first year. If possible remove all cuttings. First cut should take place March / April following an autumn sowing or May following a spring sowing. Last cut should be September / October.

LATER MAINTENANCE

After the first year the sward should be established and the future maintenance can vary according to size, location, soil type and wildlife needs. Some larger sites can offer grazing or hay options but this should not take place during the flowering and seeding months of May to August. Each year cut during March / April and then after the flowering period in September / October.

If possible remove all cuttings. Weeds should be less of a problem but should they continue then spot treat with a suitable herbicide.

CORNFIELD ANNUALS

Cut once early March and then again after flowering in September / October.

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