No question: caring for a classic lawn is much more time-consuming and complicated than caring for a meadow. However, you should not leave a meadow to its own devices, because on the one hand the diversity of species suffers and on the other hand the beauty and usability of it suffers.
How do you properly care for a meadow?
To maintain a meadow, you should mow it at least 1-3 times a year, ideally after the plants have bloomed. Fertilizing, liming or thinning may be necessary depending on the soil conditions and meadow plants. Observe the growth of the plants and analyze the soil to take appropriate action.
Meadows need to be mowed regularly
The most important care measure is mowing. Meadows – no matter what they are – should be mown at least once a year, and better yet two or even three times. Mowing is necessary because otherwise the sensitive and less assertive meadow flowers and herbs will be displaced by more robust species and quickly disappear. Basically, mowing is a form of weed removal. However, make sure you get the right time to mow. To do this, look at the blooming status of the existing meadow flowers and herbs: If most of these have faded, you can mow. Leave the cuttings lying around for a few days so that ripe seeds can fall to the ground. Afterwards, however, the cuttings should definitely be cleared away.
Fertilize meadows – yes or no?
Normal flower meadows that only stand in place of a lawn don't actually need to be fertilized - quite the opposite, because fertilization can have harmful consequences, depending on the type of meadow. Before you think about fertilizing, you should analyze your meadow carefully and have the fertilizer requirements tailored to your needs. To do this, you can have a soil sample carried out - but you can also take a closer look at the plants growing there. Some meadow flowers thrive on rather rich soil and therefore need nitrogen-containing fertilization from time to time (e.g. meadow daisies, dandelions, daisies), while others prefer poor soil. However, the rule of thumb always applies that the more grass grows, the richer the soil is - a poor meadow therefore has the greater diversity.
Lime meadow
Above all, you should pay attention to so-called indicator plants: dandelions, nettles, clover, couch grass and the like.represent a rich soil that needs to be emaciated. Plants such as field sparrow, field zest, meadow sorrel, pansies, chamomile or hare trefoil thrive primarily on acidic soils. If you notice such growth, you can counteract it by applying natural lime. The best time for liming is spring, although this measure can also be carried out in autumn.
Tips & Tricks
If you have newly created a meadow, you need a little patience. It can take several years for a robust plant community to develop. If possible, you should reseed bare areas immediately to prevent unwanted weeds from establishing themselves and spreading.