Mowing is one of the basic maintenance measures
First of all: It doesn't work without mowing, because this would gradually overrun the meadow and lose its biodiversity. Instead of the sensitive meadow flowers and herbs, more competitive plants settle and displace the desired plants. You can only counteract this completely natural development through regular mowing, in which strongly growing plants are pushed back and the meadow flowers finally reclaim their terrain.
also read
- When and how often should you mow a meadow?
- Create and maintain flower meadow
- Mow the orchard twice a year
The optimal time
As is so often the case here, too, it depends on the right time, because flower meadows must never be mowed before sowing - if mowed 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 August. A possible third mowing is also possible around mid to late May. The ideal time, however, is determined by the flowering times of the flowers growing in the meadow - if most of them have faded, you can swing the scythe.
Mow a meadow of flowers - this is how it's done
We are already at the optimal mowing tool. Naturally, you cannot drive the lawnmower over a wild meadow - the device would quickly surrender. In addition, a meadow of flowers 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 gentlest for both plants and animals. This method also has the advantage that you can specifically 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 for less than ten centimeters. Let the clippings lie for a few days before you clear them away - then the flowers can still be sown.
Tips & Tricks
Out of consideration for animal residents (e.g. birds), you should 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.
