Wildflowers have their benefits in the garden. They’re easy to grow, maintain and they attract beneficial insects like bees, butterflies and hoverflies too. You don’t have to dedicate your entire garden to them either (although you can if you want) - just a small area will be enough to reap the benefits and do your bit to encourage biodiversity.
The benefits of having wildflowers in your garden
When they bloom, wildflowers provide an array of colours to your garden. Species like cornflowers, which come in blues, purples, pinks, reds, and white, the pale purple cuckoo flower, the yellows of buttercups and mustard, and the red poppy (and more) all contribute to this colourful garden palette.
The aesthetics aren’t the only benefit, though; in fact, wildflowers are much more than a pretty addition to the garden:
- The mix of species provides insects with pollen and nectar, both of which are vital for beneficial insects to feed on and survive.
- They provide shelter for insects and garden wildlife like hedgehogs.
- The colours of the different flower species attract pollinators like bumblebees to the garden.
- After blooming, the flowers turn to seed heads which provide food for wildlife throughout the winter. You can also collect them and use them for sowing next year.
- They absorb CO2 as they grow, helping to offset your carbon footprint.
- They can help prevent soil erosion as the roots help to stabilise the soil.
Disadvantages of wildflower meadows
In our opinion, the benefits far outweigh the disadvantages of wildflower meadows. With that being said, we feel you should know what the drawbacks are:
- If your soil is very fertile, wildflowers can be taken over by weeds.
- Wildflowers can look unsightly after they have finished flowering.
- There can still be some maintenance required, like weeding and watering during dry spells
- If you have chosen a non-native mix, you could potentially be introducing invasive species that aren’t indigenous to the area
By following the guidance below, you have a higher chance of eliminating most of the disadvantages of wildflower meadows.
When should I start preparing a bed for wildflowers?
You should start preparing a bed for wildflowers in late spring. The dryer conditions and longer days mean it’s easier to work in the garden without making a mess or clogging up your tools with mud. The warmer season also means you can sow your wildflower seeds right after preparing the bed, giving them a head start over weeds.
Planning ahead
Before you start making your wildflower bed, you should know where you want to grow them and gather your tools ready.
The ideal spot
Wildflowers grow best in full sun. A south-facing spot is ideal; however, you can get away with a west-facing spot if not. Failing that, an open area that isn’t shaded by trees or neighbouring plants is a good location for growing wildflowers, too.
What you will need
There aren’t many tools needed to prepare a wildflower bed; in fact, here’s all you need:
- A garden fork or a garden cultivator such as the EGO CTA9500 Cultivator Multi-Tool attachment.
- A rake
- A spade or shovel
Preparing your wildflower bed in a few easy steps
Now that you have a spot chosen and tools gathered, you are ready to start preparing a bed for wildflower sowing.
1. Mark the area for planting
Using a spade, edge the entire area where you plan to plant your wildflowers. You can skip this step, but you risk preparing an area bigger than you want and causing yourself more work.
2. Dig up the turf and turn it over (or remove it entirely)
Using a garden fork or spade, dig up the turf and turn it over. Wildflowers thrive on nutrient-poor soils, so if you’ve chosen a spot that sees a healthy amount of weeds or grass, it may be a good idea to remove it entirely.
3. Loosen the soil
Using a garden fork, loosen the exposed soil. Even if you have removed the turf layer, you will still need to break up the soil beneath so the wildflower seeds can take root easily. If you find undertaking this task with a garden fork strenuous, a cultivator like the EGO CTA9500 will make it far easier for you.
Designed specifically to prepare your soil for planting, the EGO Cultivator easily attaches to the EGO Multi-Tool Power Head which is powered by any size EGO battery. With a tilling width of 24cm and 21.5cm tilling depth, along with EGO battery-powered performance, this cultivator can make light work of compacted soil, introducing air into the bed and leaving it loose and crumbly. All without the hard work of achieving the same result by hand with a garden fork.
4. Remove any weeds
With soil loosened, it will be easy to remove any weeds from the surface. It’s essential to remove these, even if you have used a cultivator. Weeds can easily take root again, and once they do, they can take over and restrict your wildflowers.
5. Rake the bed
Rake the area level and remove any rocks, stones or other debris that might hinder the growth of your wildflowers. Once you’re happy with the level, your bed is ready to sow with wildflower seeds.
When to sow wildflower seeds
Ideally, you should sow your wildflower seeds as soon as you finish preparing your bed. Sow according to the rate provided by the supplier and scatter the seeds evenly. There’s no need to cover the seeds with compost or soil — wildflower seeds will germinate easily on the surface of loose soil. However, you can cover them if you like, as this will help prevent them from blowing away if it’s windy and prevent birds from eating the larger seeds (this can also be prevented by using bird netting).
Of course, you can’t control the weather, but you can prepare for it. Have a read of our blog on how to store garden rainwater so you can prepare for watering your wildflowers during dry spells in the most eco-friendly way possible.