Wildflower Meadow Management Guidelines

    SITE PREPARATION

    The aim is to produce a firm weed-free tilth. Subsoils often provide a weed- free, low nutrient status seed bed, and are therefore suitable for wild flora. It is occasionally necessary to remove the topsoil in areas of high fertility, as these

    soils tend to promote the growth of more vigorous grasses and pernicious weeds. Treat existing vegetation with a systemic herbicide prior to seed bed cultivation, taking note of any site constraints and manufacturer’s instructions first.

    SUMMARY

    1. Treat with herbicide, cultivate the site and allow to remain fallow if practical. A repeat herbicide application may be necessary
    2. Remove topsoil if applicable
    3. Cultivate to 10cm
    4. Create a surface tilth

     

    SOWING

    Sowing can take place throughout most of the year, providing a good tilth can be prepared, however the months of March/April and August/September are generally the most suitable.

    1. Regularly mix seed to ensure even species distribution, drill or broadcast
    2. Sow at 5g/m2 for mixtures with grass or 1.0g/ m2 for pure native wild flower mixtures
    3. Bulk up small seeding rates with Rehofix MK1500 Bulking Granules 1 part seed to 5 parts bulking granules
    4. Rake or harrow - mix seed into soil (depth approx 0.5cm) Cambridge roll to firm seed bed

     

    WILD FLOWER MAINTENANCE

    FIRST YEAR

    In the first year control the weeds and reduce competition from grasses. Cut the sward to a height of 5-7cm every two months or when the sward reaches 15cm. Remove all the cuttings. Dig out or spot treat any perennial weeds.

    FUTURE MAINTENANCE

    Cut to 5-7cm during March/April and remove cuttings.

    A second cut should take place at the end of the flowering season during August/October. Remove all cuttings.

    Further cuts in the autumn period to remove untidy growth may be required.

    MAINTENANCE SUMMARY

    FIRST YEAR

    First cut 5cm March/April (Spring Seeding 1st cut in May)
    Cut every 2 months or when sward reaches 15cm
    Final cut September/October. Remove all cuttings

     

    FUTURE YEARS

    First cut 5-7cm March/April Second cut 5-7cm August/October Remove all cuttings

    CORNFIELD ANNUALS

    & COLOUR BOOST ANNUALS

    Cut once flowering period is over - September/ October
    For Cornfield Annuals - weed treat ground if necessary, cultivate and re-seed spring or autumn.
    For Colour Boost - weed treat ground if necessary, cultivate and re-seed spring.

     

    COLOUR BOOST PERENNIALS

    Hand weed/spot treat as required.
    Cut and remove dead top growth before the next spring.