Every flower meadow, including wildflower meadows, is always a man-made biotope. Meadows can only develop and last if they are mowed regularly. Otherwise, this colorful green area will develop into a forest over the years - that's a completely natural development.
How do you care for a wildflower meadow?
When caring for the wildflower meadow, it should be mowed once or twice a year, ideally after the main flowering period. Avoid fertilizing to allow for optimal growth of wildflowers and herbs. For natural re-seeding, leave the crop for a few days.
Mowing the meadow for the first time after about 10 weeks
In every newly created meadow, plant species appear that are actually not desirable. This is especially true if a lawn or flower bed has been converted into a wildflower meadow. These plants grow from seeds or parts of plants that are still in the ground from previous growth. Therefore, you should not only dig up the soil before sowing, but also completely remove the top layer of soil. In addition, the first mowing should be carried out after around eight to ten weeks, so you can remove unwanted growth and promote the desired growth.
Mow wild meadows a maximum of twice a year
Otherwise, a wild meadow is mowed about once or twice a year. The frequency of mowing depends primarily on how quickly and strongly the plants grow. The optimal time to mow is when most of the flowers have faded. This is often the case in the second half of June. However, you can be on the safe side if the meadow is not mowed until September.
Ensure the meadow is re-seeded
Leave the cuttings for a few days before putting them away. In this way, the ripe seeds of flowers and herbs can still fall out of the seed capsules and onto the ground. Wildflower meadows can reproduce themselves, although you may have to help with fresh seeds sometimes, especially in the first few years. On average, it takes about three to five years for a wildflower meadow to stabilize.
Does a wildflower meadow need to be fertilized?
Wildflower meadows must under no circumstances be fertilized unless it is a fat meadow. The more nutrient and, above all, nitrogen-rich a meadow is, the fewer wildflowers and herbs thrive in it - and the more grasses spread. However, if you increasingly come across indicator plants such as field sparrow, wood sorrel or meadow sorrel, the meadow should be limed to neutralize the soil.
Tips & Tricks
Meadows should best only be mowed with a scythe (€99.00 on Amazon) or, if necessary, with a bar mower. The scythe also has the advantage that you can leave plants or perennials that have not yet bloomed.
