CULTURAL INFORMATION FOR WILD FLOWER AND GRASS SEED MIXTURES AND WILDFLOWER SEEDS 

 If possible, select a weed-free site of low fertility.

CONTROL WEEDS BEFORE SOWING.  Annual weeds may be hoed, buried or killed with a contact herbicide.  Perennial weeds such as Couch grass, Docks, Thistles and Nettles should be eradicated by a translocated GLYPHOSATE herbicide (Tumble weed or Round-up).

The optimum time for sowing is late Summer/early Autumn, with springtime the next best window.  If the mixes contain Wild Garlic Cowslip, Primrose, Bluebell, these will not be expected to germinate until after the winter following sowing. 

Cultivate the ground to produce a fine weed-free seedbed.  Firm if necessary.

Sow onto the surface and firm the soil by treading or preferably rolling to ensure that the seed has good soil contact.  Water with a fine spray to avoid disturbing the surface of the soil.

 The grass management program during the first year is critical for success.  During this season the vegetation should be cut down to 5-7cm whenever the sward reaches 10-20cm.  The number of cuts required will depend on the soil's fertility and can range from 1 to 4.  IT IS ESSENTIAL THAT THE CUTTINGS ARE REMOVED.

In following years, cut in early spring (before growth starts) and in October, after all wild flower seeds have been shed.  REMOVE THE CUTTINGS.

                                                                        Transition of existing grass area into a meadow.

The most important thing to establish here is whether the existing sward contains ryegrass since wildflowers will fail to flourish or even to survive if sown amongst vigorous grass species such as ryegrass.  Most will be overwhelmed by its growth and the limited number of survivors will give a poor account of themselves.  If doubt exists on the practicality of improving an existing sward, it is often preferable to plough or dig to obtain a clean seedbed prior to sowing with a meadow mixture of known composition.

Having determined that the area under consideration does not contain ryegrass the second consideration is the age of the sward.  If the sward is only young gaps will exist between the grass plants and the area will be receptive to the introduction of wildflower seed.  On older established grass areas where quite an amount of debris is present in the base of the sward, it has been shown that over seeding with wildflower seed will result in failure. In such instances the area can be recultivated and a new start made on the bare soil with a sown meadow mixture.

Over seeding new grass areas (not more than 2 yrs old)

Sites of fresh soil should be created by pulling through the grass with a tined hoe on small areas or spring tine harrow and tractor on larger areas.  Mow the area closely before doing this and remove all cuttings.  Wildflower seed is then scattered over the disturbed site followed by two passes from a ribbed roller to firm and level the seedbed and create good seed soil contact.

The grass management program during the first year is critical for success.  During this first season the vegetation should be cut down to 5-7cm whenever the sward reaches 10-20cm.  The number of cuts required will depend on the soil's fertility and can range from 1 to 4 cuts.  This allows light to the seedlings and will do them no harm.  In following years, cut in early spring (before growth starts) and in October, after all wild flower seeds have been shed.  Remove the cuttings.

Inclusion of cornfield annuals in meadow mixes.
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Cornfield annuals can be sown in meadow mixtures at low density to pose no competitive threat to the perennial wildflower seedlings in the meadow sward.  The normal first year mowing program should be followed as recommended but this can be relaxed when the cornfield species are endeavouring to flower.  A delightful display can then be enjoyed for some weeks but the mowing should be recommenced as soon as the growth of vegetation is becoming detrimental to the meadow species in the sward.  It must be emphasized that the cornfield species will not then recur in the meadow to any extent in subsequent years since they are annual species and rely on seed shed and ground disturbance. However their appearance in the first year is a welcome bonus and colour.