Cultivation

 Preparing the Soil

1) In late autumn/early spring remove any grass and weeds

2) Dig (or rotovate) the plot over to a depth of 20cm in new plots or 10cm in previously planted plots

3) Use a rake to create a fine tilth, wait a few weeks and then spray-off any weeds/grass that start to grow again with a systemic weedkiller or remove by hand if you prefer.

4) If you wish you can add fertiliser to the soil - this will help growth of our mixes  

5) Once you are sure that the plot is weed and grass free, you are ready to sow.

Sowing the Seeds
Method one - "the quick and simple way" I)  Mix the seeds with sand and scatter evenly over the area. The sand helps you to see where you have sown  2) Gently rake over soil.

Method two - "the Perfectionist Way" - I) Divide the area to be sown into metre squares - using sticks and string. Then mark out each square by dribbling sand along the string , then remove the sticks and string.

2) Measure out the seed needed for one square metre - either 3 grams for annuals or 1 grams for perennials.

3) Pour this seed into a see-through plastic cup and mark the depth on the side of the cup - this saves you having to weigh each time                                                                                                          

4)  Pour one measure of seed onto a shovel and spread evenly over one of the marked metre squares . Use a stick to tap the seeds off the end of the shovel at a steady rate. 

5) Repeat for whole area   

6) Gently rake seed and residual sand into the soil.

7) Sit down and have a cup of tea - you deserve it !!