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Bees & Pollinators Wildflowers - All Questions
Hi, I'm planning to plant the seeds over an area that has been covered in pebbles and a black plastic lining below that for years, so it's already been stripped of any ability to grow anything - is it possible for the soil to be in *too* bad shape for even the wildflowers to grow? Should I add any topsoil or loosen up the dirt which has been packed down? Thanks!
Question by: Jennie on 12 Jul 2022, 12:11
Hi Jennie, thank you for your question. Once your lawn is back to bare soils, it would be fine to sow wildflowers. I suggest not applying topsoil to the area, as wildflowers prefer low-nutrient soils.
I have also included our step-by-step guide on how to prep and sow a wildflower meadow:
1. Remove any existing grass, plants or flora from the area where you plan to sow your wildflower seed. Failure to do this will produce poor results
2. Further, remove the top 5-10cm to reduce soil fertility
3. Allow the area to cultivate for several weeks, and remove any weeds that may pop in the area during this time
4. Do not be tempted to add topsoil, compost or fertiliser to the area - wildflowers prefer low nutrient conditions
5. After the cultivation, period ensure to remove stones or any other debris and rake the area to create a fine, friable and level seedbed
6. Scatter the seed at a rate of 5g per m2
7. Rake the seed so that it is in amongst the soil
8. Water the just-sown wildflower seed well
If sowing in drought conditions, water is required to keep the area moist in the first 6 weeks after sowing.
I have also included our step-by-step guide on how to prep and sow a wildflower meadow:
1. Remove any existing grass, plants or flora from the area where you plan to sow your wildflower seed. Failure to do this will produce poor results
2. Further, remove the top 5-10cm to reduce soil fertility
3. Allow the area to cultivate for several weeks, and remove any weeds that may pop in the area during this time
4. Do not be tempted to add topsoil, compost or fertiliser to the area - wildflowers prefer low nutrient conditions
5. After the cultivation, period ensure to remove stones or any other debris and rake the area to create a fine, friable and level seedbed
6. Scatter the seed at a rate of 5g per m2
7. Rake the seed so that it is in amongst the soil
8. Water the just-sown wildflower seed well
If sowing in drought conditions, water is required to keep the area moist in the first 6 weeks after sowing.
Answer by: Helen McGale on 13 Jul 2022, 15:28
We need to lift levels by 50mm - what would you recommend that has a low enough nutrient level for the bees and pollinators mix?
Question by: Neil on 21 Sept 2022, 14:47
Hi, thanks for the question. We would recommend adding low nutrient topsoil. Anything too rich can impact how the meadow establishes, meadow grasses will be more aggressive and the wildflowers will struggle to establish.
Answer by: Roisin McCann on 22 Sept 2022, 16:04
Is it too late to sow bees and pollinators seeds now..?
Question by: Martin Hogg on 9 Oct 2022, 10:51
Hi Martin, no not all! Autumn is a great time to sow wildflowers. Now is an ideal time because the seeds need to undergo the process of stratification (a freeze) to kick start their germination. If you were to sow the seed now, nothing will happen until next spring, early in the season. If you decide to wait until next year and sow in the spring, then your meadow will flower in the summer.
Answer by: Roisin McCann on 10 Oct 2022, 14:26
Approximately how high will this mix grow?
Question by: Kate Gregson on 5 Sept 2023, 19:16
Thank you for your question.
Whilst we can't provide the exact height that a meadow will reach, this mix contains wildflowers that reach heights of 30-100cm.
Whilst we can't provide the exact height that a meadow will reach, this mix contains wildflowers that reach heights of 30-100cm.
Answer by: Roisin McCann (Admin) on 6 Sept 2023, 09:00