What is Wildflower Seeding

While manicured lawns undoubtedly give any outside space a stylish uniform look, in recent times there has been a shift towards more natural landscaping, with wildflower meadows becoming increasingly popular.

Wildflowers will not only improve biodiversity but will also see the landscape sprinkled with bright vivacious colours. A question often asked is what is land flower seeding and what are its benefits. In this blog post we will take an in depth look at the process and the benefits it offers. 

What is the wildflower seeding process?

In short wildflower seeding is a process during which wildflower seeds are sown in a particular area with the aim of helping a wildflower meadow to grow. As a result of increased urban development and the change in certain farming methods it is estimated that more than 97% of wildflower meadows in the UK have been lost. Wildflower seeding is a way to fight back against this and introduce a range of new plants to any location. 

What are the Benefits of Wildflower Seeding 

There are a number of very tangible benefits associated with wildflower Hydroseeding in Scotland which include: 

Increased Biodiversity: A wildflower meadow will contain a wide range of plant species, which enhances biodiversity by drawing in insects, birds, and small mammals. Before long, the area will be alive with thriving wildlife!

Low maintenance: When they are established wildflower meadows require little or no maintenance to keep them in pristine condition. In fact if anything a wildflower meadow will actually thrive if it is allowed to grow on its own. Alternatively traditional lawns need constant watering, weeding and mowing as well as fertilising if you want it to continue to look good all of which takes time. 

Aesthetic appeal: no one can dispute the fact that wildflower meadows are full of colour and eye catching beauty. Another benefit of wildflower meadows are constantly changing during the year as different plants spring to life and add colour and variety to the space. 

Erosion control: Another benefit of wildflower seeding is that it is likely to stabilise the soil structure and make it healthier. This happens because the root systems assist with anchoring the soil which also helps with erosion control.  

Supports pollinators: Pollinators such as bees require food and shelter if they are to thrive and wildflower meadows are perfect for this. Many people want to know why this is important ? Well bees in the UK are on the decline with 13 pieces becoming extinct and 35 others thought to be seriously at risk. Why is this such a big problem, well if there were no bees many crops that are essential for the food we eat would not be pollinated which could result in food shortages. 

When to Carry out Wildflower Seeding

The ideal time for sowing wildflower seeds varies based on your soil type. For heavy soils, spring is the most suitable season, particularly March or April, to avoid seeds being trapped in waterlogged conditions. On the other hand, for lighter soils, autumn is preferable, as the seeds are likely to germinate more rapidly.

How to Sow Wildflower Seeds 

One of the simplest and most efficient ways to sow wildflowers is by using a method called hydromulching. But what is hydromulching and how does it work? 

Before starting there will be a full examination of your site which involves analysing the soil conditions to work out which plant seeds and species would be the best choice for the environment. 

When it comes to creating a wildflower meadow you have two options: perennial and annual. In areas where soil is poor quality the best choice would be a perennial meadow as the grass probably won’t compete with the wildflowers. Annual meadows on the other hand are an ideal solution in areas that have rich soil. 

The first thing you need to do is prepare the soil by digging it, then you rake it over to form a seedbed. When you are doing this it is important that you also remove any weeds from the area of the bed. As soon as the soil has settled down you can sow the wildflower seeds. Hydromulching is the perfect way to make sure the seeds are evenly distributed 

Wildflower seeds, mulch, and water are mixed together to form a slurry, which is then sprayed onto the prepared soil. The mulch helps shield the seeds from harsh weather conditions and encourages quicker germination.

If you would like more information on hydromulching and what is the best way to create a wildflower meadow then give the team here at HBB Geosales a call. As experts in hydroseeding our team can give you advice and recommendations on how best to get the wildflower meadow of your dreams