Planting wildflowers has never been so important. A meadow can contain up to 40 species per square metre but sadly 97% of Britain's wildflower meadows have been lost since the 1930s. Wild bee numbers are in steep decline and some have gone into extinction but if we all do our bit then we can help to support wild pollinators around us. Wildflowers are beautiful and we should celebrate them more!
If you have never sown a seed and don't know where to start then don't fret, we're here to give you a helping hand. Follow our step by step instructions below for best results.
We have created one square metre for illustration purposes below.
1. Prepare the ground:
Decide where your wildflower garden is going to be, then rake or harrow the ground to break up the surface and expose the soil. Make sure to remove any grass that may be left behind and then gently rake over the ground to produce a flat and even surface.
2. Split the Total Quantity of Seeds Equally:
Decide roughly how many grams of seeds you are going to sow per square metre and then split the total quantity of wildflower seeds into two equal amounts. If you would like your seeds to go further then add dry sharp sand or sterile topsoil to bulk the mixture up a little. We used 5g for our square metre pictured above but you can sow as little as 1g per square metre for a looser display.
3. Apply/Sow the Seeds:
Apply the first half of the seeds over the entire area either by hand or by using a broadcast spreader. Apply the remaining seed in the same way to ensure an even spread.
4. The Fun Part!
Tread lightly over the surface or roll to squeeze the seeds and tilth down into the seedbed. This ensures the seeds are evenly spread and in good contact with the soil which not only helps to anchor the seeds into position (so as not to float away during heavy or persistent rainfall) but to also maintain the correct moisture level for reliable germination.
5. Water:
Watering is not always required but if the ground is particularly dry or you want to give the seeds a head start then lightly water the ground, taking care not to flood or wash away the seeds.
6. Wait for your seeds to grow!!
Germination times vary on varieties sown, soil and weather conditions but we saw our first shoots within a week. First signs are tiny cress-like seedlings bursting through the soil.
If you haven't already then head over to our shop to buy your own wildflower seed packs!