b'W I L D F L O W E R M E A D O W S : A p p e a r a n c e s c a n b e d e c e p t i v eWeed seeds that you cannot see will have then been brought to the surface. At the right time of year and with a bit of rain, these will now germinate such that you will have a flush of the dormant seed bank. If this includes the likes of docks, thistles and nettles, a problem may occur. One solution is to wait for germination then respray, maybe using a professional herbicide specific for docks and thistles. Wait some three weeks then lightly scarify to create a tilth without unduly disturbing the seed bank, then sow. OR Another technique that can avoid the use of sprays, once the earth contouring and stone burying has been completed, is to spread, say, 50mm depth of composted green waste or sharp sand on the surface and sow into this. The idea is that this is a low nutrient, sterile medium into which you can lightly sow, rake and roll your seed mix, with the inert layer suppressing the flush of weed seed. And as a bonus, the mulch will help retain moisture.i i i ) S o w h e n i s t h e b e s t t i m e ?Seeds need both warmth and moisture to grow and may be sown at any time of year when these conditions are met.For much of the UK, August-September and March-April usually produce the best conditions for sowing outside, albeit Marchend of May is best for annuals. May to July sowings also work well in wetter western regions. Late autumn sowings should be avoided on sites prone to water-logging in winter, e.g. water meadows, for I have come across examples of flood plains being sown in October, only for the seed to be washed downstream after the winter rains. Late spring and summer sowings should be avoided on sites prone to drought. Sowings into existing grass work best in autumn; the earlier the better.Some plants need to be sown at particular times to fit in with their life cycles or biology. Cornfield Annuals need to be sown in the autumn or before May to achieve a flowering display.Yellow rattle must be sown in autumn.5'