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Wildflower patch

susiebowersusiebower Posts: 113
in Wildlife gardening
Hello again - Newbie Gardener with another question! I'm shortly hoping to sow wildflower seeds into a patch of ground (not grassed) to make a mini wildflower area. From what I can glean, it's best to just wet the ground, then sow the seeds directly onto the soil and leave it at that. Except... I have lots of birds who peck around all the time in that patch, so won't they just eat up the seed? Is there anything else I can try that will give the seeds a better chance? (I've also read about people tamping the seeds down with their shoes, but I can't easily do this as there are lots of bulbs growing in that area at the moment). Thanks! :)
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  • Busy-LizzieBusy-Lizzie Posts: 21,033
    I'm going to do the same thing. I thought I would rake the seeds in a bit.
    Dordogne and Norfolk. Clay in Dordogne, sandy in Norfolk.
  • susiebowersusiebower Posts: 113
    Yeah, opinions seem divided on this. Seems like the most challenging conditions are best for the seeds! 
  • FireFire Posts: 17,116
    susiebower said:
    Hello again - Newbie Gardener with another question! I'm shortly hoping to sow wildflower seeds into a patch of ground (not grassed) to make a mini wildflower area. From what I can glean, it's best to just wet the ground, then sow the seeds directly onto the soil and leave it at that. Except... I have lots of birds who peck around all the time in that patch, so won't they just eat up the seed? Is there anything else I can try that will give the seeds a better chance? (I've also read about people tamping the seeds down with their shoes, but I can't easily do this as there are lots of bulbs growing in that area at the moment). Thanks! :)

    I don't think you need to wet the ground. Sow but make sure to keep the area watered over the next two months. The tamping with feet is to ensure that the seed has good contact with the earth and isn't hanging in the air. Tamp with feet where you can. As to birds, you can try to net the area if it's small enough. Move any birdfeeders away from the area.
  • susiebowersusiebower Posts: 113
    Thanks, @Fire - have made a note to water! Birdfeeders aren't nearby, and hopefully the birds will get all they need from them - but they do like to peck about! I guess I just need to sow a lot of seeds and hope for the best! 

  • RoddersUKRoddersUK Posts: 455
    I've just sown a patch at work 3m X 2m see how it goes!
  • FireFire Posts: 17,116
    Having done various wild flower seedlings over the last ten years, I personally think that watering is the key. Many people think you can just sprinkle seed and leave, but if the seed germinate and dry out they will die off. Two years ago I did a 2x3 metre patch, watering every other day and it worked the best ever.

    Also be sure to pick (or make) a seed mix that suits your conditions. You can get mixes for every sort of soil, sandy soil, clay soil, for full sun, shade, perennial, annuals, grass mixes, only natives ...  Seeds that will like your situation are very much more likely to thrive.
  • susiebowersusiebower Posts: 113
    @Fire I guess it is an experiment and you have to try lots of ways and see what works best. I've been given lots of seeds so will need to take pot luck with them! Thanks for the watering tip. When did you sow your patch? About now? And good luck, @RoddersUK - hopefully we can compare notes as to how we get on!
  • RoddersUKRoddersUK Posts: 455
    Yes, I sowed it mid march. Keeping it moist daily as this sun, albeit lovely, is drying the surface quickly.
  • RoddersUKRoddersUK Posts: 455
    Have some germination, looking promising so far.
  • susiebowersusiebower Posts: 113
    Excellent! I still haven't sowed my seeds but hope to do so soon! :)
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