Advice Please on mowing wildflower meadows
Posted: Thu Jul 28, 2011 8:59 pm
Back in May 2010 I seeded a smallish 6x5 metre wildflower meadow in my garden. Last Autumn, in early October, I mowed the whole 6x5 metres to a height of around an inch off the ground. It's been pretty successful this year, with many more flowers and has attracted increased numbers of Gatekeepers, plus a single Meadow Brown, and a single Common Blue.
I have no idea if any of these three or others have laid eggs in the meadow, but want to ensure that if they have, I give them the greatest chance of surviving into next year.
So can anyone give me advice on:
1) What % of the meadow should I mow this October? All 6x5 metres, or just a proportion?
2) What height is the best height to mow to? My mowers highest setting leaves an inch of grass, is that enough, or should I leave longer grass?
All comments and advice appreciated.
Cheers
Paul
I have no idea if any of these three or others have laid eggs in the meadow, but want to ensure that if they have, I give them the greatest chance of surviving into next year.
So can anyone give me advice on:
1) What % of the meadow should I mow this October? All 6x5 metres, or just a proportion?
2) What height is the best height to mow to? My mowers highest setting leaves an inch of grass, is that enough, or should I leave longer grass?
All comments and advice appreciated.
Cheers
Paul