LWT Factsheets

Creating a wildflower meadow from scratch

Preparing the ground

This is the ideal way of creating a wildflower meadow. Good ground preparation is essential for success. The secret is a low fertility soil. A fertile soil will just cause vigorous growth of a few grasses and 'weeds'. You can reduce fertility by stripping off the top 5-10cm or so of topsoil. Then lightly rake and roll the soil to produce a seed bed.

Sowing the seed

The best time to sow your wildflower seed is in early autumn. You can sow in April, but many seeds need the cold winter months to break their in-built dormancy. They will therefore not germinate in their first year from a spring sowing.

For best results:

1. Order specific quantities of the different types of seeds you have chosen. Sow them in patches into an area which has been lightly seeded with a natural grass mix.
    
2. The sowing rate should be very low to avoid overcrowding.
   1.0 to 1.5g of grass mix per square metre is best.
    
3. To get an even spread of seed mix it with sand or sawdust.
    
4. Immediately after sowing, rake the surface lightly and firm with a small roller.
    

Creating a Wildflower Meadow
	Converting an existing grassy area into a meadow
	Creating a wildflower meadow from scratch
	Aftercare
	Choosing the right species

Looking after a Wildflower Meadow
	Cutting/mowing
	Grazing
	Choosing bewtween cutting and grazing