BARFLORA: Guide to growing – Ground preparation

Soil preparation is the key to success. Wildflower seedlings are vulnerable to competition from weeds and it is essential that weed infestation be strictly controlled prior to sowing. All soils contain seed banks, and exposure to light during cultivation can result in new crops of weeds germinating on finished seedbeds. We would recommend that disturbed soils be allowed a period of fallow so that any new weed growth can be chemically treated with a herbicide in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendation and all material carefully removed from the surface with a minimum of disturbance.

Once the seed bed is cultivated and cleared, surface sow the seed mixture at the recommended rate and then roll lightly to make sure there is good seed to soil contact. Most flower seeds germinate quite happily in light on the soil surface. The fine grasses will germinate first and act as a nurse crop for the delicate flower seedling. It may be necessary to protect from slug and snail damage on heavy soils or during periods of heavy rainfall. When you sow on heavy clay soils or wetland areas it is essential that you keep soil compaction to a minimum; rolling is only recommended when the soil is friable.

Maintenance
There is a minimum maintenance requirement until after flowering, although any pernicious weeds that appear in the sward should be spot treated with herbicide before they set seed. Mow in September and remove all cuttings. In the early spring of the following year mow again on a fairly high cut to remove any winter growth and then leave to develop and allow the perennials to flower. You can now establish a twice-yearly mowing regime.
On shaded areas or particularly infertile soils or anywhere where plants are under stress, one cut after the flowering period should be sufficient. Some sites will require even less frequent attention but care should be taken to remove invasive weeds under the storey in woodland areas.