Successful sowing of floral mixes

SOIL PREPARATION Soil preparation is the most important step in establishing a flower meadow. This preparation aims to: - loosen the surface soil, - clean it of any stones and clods of earth, - obtain a very fine fallow suitable for use as a seedbed. The broadfork is the most suitable tool for loosening the surface soil. Ensuring uniform emergence The heterogeneity of seed size requires very regular and as fine a soil preparation as possible. Between poppy seed (0.5 mm) and cosmos seed (1.5 cm) the difference is significant. However, whatever the flower, the seed should not be buried in the soil more than one and a half times its size. It is therefore essential to level as much as possible so that they can all be in contact with the soil. Ensuring favorable development conditionsThe purpose of working the soil is to facilitate the rooting of plants. Worked soil allows plants to develop in good conditions and thus reach their optimal size. GOOD SOWING TECHNIQUES Broadcast sowing: in association with fine sand The sowing density of a flower meadow is relatively low, around 5 to 10 g / m² maximum. Even if this density seems difficult to distribute over your surface, simply combine the mixture with fine, dry sand to distribute the seeds as well as possible. Combinations with potting soil or any other additive are less economical and less quick to use. The main steps: 1 - Weigh the seeds using a scale 2 - Mix in a bucket with sand 3 - Stir continuously during sowing 4 - Cross your sowing several times 5 - Roll 6 - Water with a light spray and keep moist until emergence How much sand should be added to the seeds? The amount of sand to be added to the seeds should facilitate sowing and remove the psychological barrier caused by the small quantity of seeds. So-called "pure" sowing is quite possible for an experienced sower. The sand simply allows you to cross your sowing more often and to have good homogeneity in the hand. For a first sowing, add three times the volume of sand compared to the volume of seeds. Direct sowing: through existing vegetation without working the soil. The objective is not to achieve a result similar to traditional flower meadows but to enhance and improve the floral diversity of certain areas such as ditches and embankments. The type of soil is once again very important. Soils that are too rich and very silty are not recommended for this type of project. Existing vegetation is often very dense and composed exclusively of grasses. These grasses will eventually dominate the flowers, which will not be able to coexist in this vegetative structure. A well-draining and light soil is better suited to this type of technique. Sparse existing vegetation will allow the flowers to develop and colonize the open spaces. Direct seeding is similar to the technique of re-seeding lawns. It is broken down into three stages: 1 - Close mowing and dethatching 2 - Scarification 3 - Broadcast seeding Regardless of the seeding technique chosen, rolling is essential to put the seed in good contact with the soil and improve soil moisture retention. FOLLOW-UP AND MAINTENANCE Maintenance is limited to an annual mowing, when the plants have completed their development cycle. Depending on the remaining vegetation mass, shredding or removal of residues is to be expected. For this mowing you can use a mower raised to the maximum or a rototiller. Annual meadows Flower meadows installed to meet annual flowering objectives or harvesting operations are not intended to remain for several years. The mowing period of these areas is linked to the cleanliness of the meadows. If the result is still satisfactory in October or November, there is no obligation to mow the meadows. Since these meadows are managed over a year, the mowing date has no impact and corresponds to the end of flowering. Perennial meadows and wildflowers Maintaining perennial meadows or wildflowers requires a little monitoring. Indeed, our mixtures include annuals, perennials and biennials. It is therefore necessary to meet several objectives: - Encourage the re-sowing of annuals - Maintain the density of perennials - Satisfy the aesthetic aspect of the whole A spring planting (early April) requires mowing between September 15 and 30, even if the meadow is still in flower. The 2nd year regrowth will flower in April and this time mowing must take place between June 15 and July 15. For about two weeks, your meadow will have a dried-out appearance, but this stage will allow the seeds to reach maturity. The mowing period is the same for an autumn planting.