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useful
tips
Boston Seeds is pleased to provide the following useful
information on wildflower management.
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Mixture Selection:
It
is important that the correct mixture is selected to coincide
with the
Soil type and drainage characteristics of each site.
Site
Preparation:
The
aim is to produce a firm weed-free tilth to promote healthy
germination. Subsoils often provide weed-free areas with a
low nutrient status and are therefore suitable for wild flora
planting. It is occasionally necessary to remove the topsoil
in areas of high fertility (this can be sold to raise revenue)
as these soils end to promote the growth of more vigorous
grasses and pernicious weeds. To remove docks, thistles, nettles
and weed grasses; the site should be treated with a systemic
herbicide (following the manufacturers instructions) prior
to seed bed cultivation.
Summary:
a.
Cultivate site and allow to remain fallow if practical
b. Treat with herbicide or
c. Remove topsoil
d. Cultivate to 10cm
e. Create a surface tilth
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Sowing:
Sowing
can take place throughout most of the year, providing a good tilth
can be prepared, however he months of March/April and August/September
are generally the most suitable.
a. Mix seed
- regularly mix to ensure even species distribution
b. Drill/broadcast - calibrate sowing device
c. Rate - 5 g/m2 mixtures with grass or 0.5 - 1.0 g/m2 pure wild
flower mixtures
d. Sand - bulk up small seeding rates with 4 parts silica sand to
one part seed by weight
e. Raking/harrowing - mix seed into soil (depth approx 0.5 cm)
f. Ring Roller - use Cambridge roller to firm seed bed
Wild Flower Maintenance; First Year:
The requirement
in the first year is to control weeds and reduce competition from
grasses. Cut the sward to a height of 5cm every two months or when
the sward reaches 15cm. Remove all cut material to avoid smothering
the sward. Where persistent weeds are a problem, spot treat with
herbicide or dig-out.
Future
Maintenance:
The sward
should be well established after the first 12 months and contain
a diverse range of species. Cut to 7.5cm during March/April and
remove cuttings. The second cut should take place at the end of
the flowering season during August/September (the flowering period
may alter slightly according to climatic conditions) Remove all
cuttings or use as hay. The site may require further cuts in the
autumn period to remove untidy growth in an extended growing season.
Maintenance
Summary:
First Year:
First
cut 5 cm 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 7.5cm March/April (if necessary)
Second cut 7.5cm August/October
Remove all cuttings
Cornfield
Annuals
Make the
first cut in early March and a second cut once the flowering period
is over - September/October
Harrow autumn
or spring to regenerate annuals
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Oilseed Rape
