Bees and Butterfly Wildflower Seed Mix BSBP 100%

Preparing the Ground for Wildflower Seeds

BSBP Butterfly & Bee Wildflower Seed Mix performs best in low nutrient soils, which haven’t been heavily fertilised in the past. For best results sow into bare soil after clearing all existing plants and weeds from the area. Cultivate the ground to a depth of 10cm to relieve compaction and create a fine level tilth, free from obstructions (to allow for mowing at a later stage). Finish the seedbed by treading or lightly rolling the area, so that it is firm enough to stand on without leaving indentations. Where weeds have been prevalent, allow a flush of weeds to germinate and remove these before sowing. In areas of high fertility, it may be necessary to remove the topsoil and sow into the subsoil. High nutrient soils encourage weeds and fast growing grasses which may outcompete the wildflowers in this mixture. BSBP can be used to overseed into existing grassland, provided the sward comprises only fine leaved grasses and does not include ryegrass, agricultural species or weeds. Cut the grass as short as possible and thoroughly scarify or rake the ground to remove any thatch, moss and other debris from the area.

Sowing Bee and Butterfly Wildflower Seeds

BSBP should be sown between March and November. Spring and autumn provide ideal conditions as moisture and warmth are in good supply. If overseeding into grass, it is best to sow during autumn when grass growth has slowed down. Distribute seed with a handheld or pedestrian spreader, at the recommended sowing rate of 3g/sqm. Mix the wildflower seeds with an inert carrier (such as sharp sand), at a ratio of four parts sand to one part seed (by weight). This makes it easier to achieve an even distribution and also provides a visual marker, making it easier to see any missed patches and avoid seeding areas twice. Regularly mix the seed when sowing, as seeds will naturally separate due to variations in size and weight. Once sown, ensure good ‘seed to soil’ contact by lightly raking to a depth of 0.5cm or rolling the area. When overseeding this encourages the seeds to fall down to the ground underneath. It is also possible to broadcast, drill or hydroseed this mixture for larger or hard to reach areas. However, broadcast spreading throws heavier seeds further so this may impact the distribution and when drilling, the seed must not be buried deeper than 0.7cm.

Sowing Rate

The sowing rate of 3g/sqm is designed to produce optimum results. Reducing the sowing rate is likely to result in invasion from weed species. Increasing the sowing rate generally leads to reduced diversity as the more aggressive species will outcompete slower growing plants. This rate also applies when overseeding into grassland as many seeds may fail to germinate due to the increased competition from the existing grasses, and some seeds not reaching the soil surface.

First Year Wildflower Maintenance

BSBP contains mainly perennial species, which can be slow to establish and are unlikely to flower in the first year. Annual species such as Borage, Corncockle, Cornflower and Field Poppy will generally flower in year one. During the first year remove any weeds which grow before they run to seed, either by topping, mowing or by hand for smaller areas. Weed growth is common due to the action of disturbing the ground (rather than being caused by contaminated seed mixtures). The area can be cut once the flowers have died back in the autumn. We recommend leaving the area undisturbed for as long as possible, ideally until February / March (before the first spring growth). The dead flowers and stems provide a diverse environment which is a haven for wildlife through the winter months. In particular, it provides habitat for butterflies such as the Red Admiral and the Clouded Yellow which remain in their chrysalis during the winter months. Cut the area down to around 10cm using a scythe, strimmer or mower, leaving the cuttings for up to a week before removing. This will allow them to dry and shed seeds back into the soil.

Second Year Wildflower Maintenance

After twelve months the sward should be well established and requires little additional maintenance. Simply follow the same annual cut pattern (either in spring or autumn depending on your preference). As an ongoing process, observe and remove any weeds which invade the area. Over time, some species within the mixture may become more dominant due to environmental factors and natural selection. To encourage diversity, simply reduce the number of dominant plants in order to restore the balance.

Overseeding

If overseeding into grassland, we recommend incorporating at least two 10cm cuts each year; at the beginning of March and November. This reduces the grass canopy, allowing light and air to reach the wildflowers and encourage growth. Where aggressive grasses are dominating, it may be necessary to employ a more regular cutting regime to ensure the wildflowers are not smothered.

Delivery Information
We’re proud to offer fast and reliable delivery. Please check the delivery label on each product page for specific delivery timeframes.

Items Marked as Next Day Delivery

• Orders placed before 2pm (Mon–Fri) will be dispatched the same working day with delivery the next working day
• Orders placed after 2pm are dispatched the next working day
• Orders placed after 2pm Friday are dispatched on Monday for Tuesday delivery (excluding Bank Holidays)
• Orders for Saturday delivery must be placed by 2pm Friday

Delivery Combinations
If your order contains a combination of next day and non-next day products, please note only the products marked next day will be delivered next day. The remainder of your order will be delivered within the timescales indicated.

Orders are sent via DHL, DPD, DX, Evri and Royal Mail, plus pallet networks for orders of approximately 100kg+.

*please enquire for orders over 30kg to these locations.

Collections
Customers are welcome to purchase items marked as next day delivery in person from our office and distribution centre at:
Manor Road
Kirton
Boston
PE20 1PH

Additional Information

• Orders over 100kg will normally be delivered on a pallet unless specified otherwise.
• Standard delivery takes place between the hours of 8am and 6pm, Monday to Friday.
• Orders containing multiple items may be delivered separately via multiple couriers.
• Unfortunately, we are unable to deliver to Northern Ireland or Europe.

***Please Note
Dates and indications for delivery are approximate and we cannot guarantee or be held responsible for delays in delivery dates or times. We do not refund delivery charges for delayed deliveries.

Please order from us with enough lead-time to prevent any loss or disappointment resulting from the delivery date or time. Under no circumstance will we be held responsible for any loss or damage incurred through delay in order fulfilment.

Please check that you have entered the correct delivery address before completing your order as we are unable to change it once processed.

CONTACT US

For any queries relating to your order, please contact [email protected]