A lush, colorful flower meadow with many different types of flowers and herbs is not only a feast for the eyes, but also a biotope for numerous rare plant and animal species. In order for this diversity to be preserved, you must observe a few important points when mowing a wild meadow.

Mowing is one of the basic care measures

First of all: without mowing, it doesn't work, because that would gradually overgrow the meadow and lose its biodiversity. Instead of the sensitive meadow flowers and herbs, more competitive plants settle and crowd out the desired plants. You can only counteract this completely natural development with regular mowing, during which strong-growing plants are pushed back and the meadow flowers finally reclaim their territory.

The optimal time

As is so often the case, the right time is also important here, because flower meadows must never be mowed before sowing - if mowing too early, biodiversity is at risk, because the meadow flowers are then no longer able to sow themselves . For this reason, meadows are traditionally mowed in the second half of June and in August. A possible third mowing is also possible around the middle to the end of May. However, the ideal time is determined by the flowering times of the flowers growing in the meadow - when most of them have faded, you can swing the scythe.

Mow the flower meadow - that's how it's done

This brings us to the optimal mowing tool. Naturally, you cannot drive the lawn mower across a wild meadow - the device would quickly capitulate. In addition, a flower meadow does not need to be cut as short as a conventional lawn. Wild meadows are best mowed by hand with a scythe, because this method is the most gentle on both plants and animals. This method also has the advantage that you can selectively leave flowers that have not yet bloomed. Alternatively - for example for very large areas - a bar mower is recommended. The meadow should not be mowed shorter than about ten centimeters. Leave the clippings for a few days before you clear them - then the flowers can still seed.

tips and tricks

Out of consideration for animal residents (e.g. birds), do not mow the entire meadow at once, but only in strips and at different times. In this way you give the meadow dwellers a place to retreat.

Category:

Herbs