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Description
As organic gardeners, we believe that biodiversity begets biodiversity. Plant a wide variety of flowers, and it will attract a wide variety of pollinators. The hugely diverse flowers of the thirty flower species in the Biodiversity Blend are variously shaped, scented, and sized. Some are generous with their pollen and nectar, while others are stingier, but all were selected because of their attraction for bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects. Even hummingbirds will become regular visitors. Several species included produce edible seeds to benefit songbirds even after the colours have faded. This blend reaches a height of about 1m (3'), and is hardy to Zone 3. It is composed of perennials and self-sowing annuals, and will bloom from late spring to first frost, changing as the seasons pass. Recommended rate of application: 185g per 1,000 square feet.
| Difficulty |
Easy |
| Exposure |
Full-sun to partial shade, depending on the blend |
| Seed Application |
Seeds must come into contact with the soil in order to germinate. Do not bury seeds more than 2-3 times their thickness. |
| Planting Rates |
Aim for a planting density of 70 seeds per square foot. 90g of seeds will cover 1,000 ft². Use 4kg per acre. 500g covers about 5,500 ft². If seeding an area where site preparation and weeding are not possible, double this rate. |
| Growing |
Keep the seeded area as evenly moist as possible to help the seeds germinate and the young seedlings become established. Weeds need to be kept under control. Once they are growing, most mixes will not require additional water except in long periods of hot, dry weather. All of our mixes should re-grow for several years, but will eventually benefit from re-seeding. In late summer, many of the components will produce seed heads that can be harvested and replanted the following spring. |
