Info Hub
Our Info Hub is your go-to resource for all things related to farming, wildlife, and land management. Here, you'll find a wealth of knowledge through our FAQs, Articles of Interest, and Blogs, each offering expert insights on topics ranging from sustainable farming practices to wildlife conservation. Whether you're seeking answers to common questions, exploring in-depth articles, or staying updated with the latest trends and tips, our Info Hub is designed to provide valuable information to help you navigate the evolving landscape of agriculture and environmental care.
Popular FAQs
Our FAQ page covers a wide range of questions about our services, products, and expert advice. From selecting the right wildflower mixtures to sowing tips and guidance on how to maintain your meadow, we aim to provide all the information you need to ensure success. If you can't find the answer you're looking for, don't hesitate to contact our team for personalised support.
I want to place an order. How do I go about doing this?
We are wholesalers and do not supply directly to the general public. However, retail companies interested in partnering with us are welcome to get in touch at ellenwild@allthingsruralltd.co.uk to discuss potential opportunities. For our existing customers, all seed orders should be emailed to seedorders@allthingsruralltd.co.uk to ensure prompt processing.
I want to know the sowing rate of certain seeds. Where can I find this information?
Sowing rates are provided for each species or mix across the website. Here are a few examples:
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100% Wildflower Seed - 1-1.5g per square metre
Wildflower Meadow Mix (eg 80% grass, 20% wildflowers) - 4g per square metre
Starting a new lawn from scratch - 50g per square metre
Overseeding a lawn - 20-30g per square metre
How do I pick the correct grass seed mix for a lawn?
Consider the location and usage of your lawn. Is it shaded, or does it receive a lot of foot traffic from children or pets? Whether you're aiming for a decorative lawn or one built to withstand heavy use, there are mixes for every need.
Visit the Amenity Lawn Mixtures page for more information.
Where is the seed sourced?
The majority of our seed is sourced from reputable seed companies across Europe and the UK, undergoing rigorous testing to ensure it meets our high standards.
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Our native wildflowers are grown and harvested within the UK, with many cultivated on our own sites across the country. For those we don’t produce ourselves, we collaborate with trusted seed-producing partners and other UK-based suppliers.
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Non-native wildflower species are primarily sourced from the Netherlands.
When is the best time to sow grass seed?
Spring and autumn are usually the best times to sow seed but the ground needs to be kept moist either by rainfall or watering once the seeds are sown. The soil also needs to be warm with a ground temperature of 6-8°c for the seeds to germinate. This is usually when the air temperature is consistently above 10°c. If you have no preference, autumn sowing is generally favoured as the ground will have had the summers warmth, there is usually good rainfall in autumn and the weed growth is slowing down. It is also ideal to sow after rainfall and when rainfall is forecast if watering is not an option.
I am looking to improve the soil on my farm through SFI. What mixtures can you supply for doing this?
These are the CSSAM2/CSSAM3/SOH2/SOH3/SOH4 mixtures which can be found on a link on our SFI page here.
I really want to attract bees and other beneficial pollinators to my garden. What wildflowers are best for this?
Next to each wildflower and ornamental flower species listed on our website, you'll find a key indicating which flowers are best for attracting pollinators. For example, bee-friendly wildflowers like Field Scabious, Musk Mallow, and Self Heal are marked with specific symbols. The bee symbol indicates it attracts bees, while the flower symbol signifies it draws in beneficial pollinators. Keep an eye out for these symbols on the left.
Can you supply SFI mixtures?
Yes we can. Please email orders through to seedorders@allthingsruralltd.co.uk.
How do I sow wildflower seed?
Choose a calm day for sowing to prevent seeds from blowing away and landing unevenly. Ideally, sow after rainfall or when rain is expected, especially if watering isn’t possible. Ensure conditions are suitable and check the correct sowing rate, as wildflower-only mixes require a much lower rate than those mixed with grass.
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Sowing 100% wildflower seed at a low seed rate can be challenging. To make it easier, evenly mix the seed with coarse sand to increase its volume and ensure more even distribution.
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Scatter the seeds evenly over the prepared seed bed by hand, or use a seed spreader for larger areas.
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After sowing, tread the area or roll it (for bigger spaces) to ensure the seed has good soil contact. If rain isn’t expected, lightly water the area and keep the soil moist until the seedlings are well established.
I have an established wildflower meadow. What yearly maintenance does it need to keep it looking great?
Established meadows can be maintained with 1-3 cuts per year to ensure a healthy balance of grasses and wildflowers:
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Spring Cut
Carried out before the end of April, this cut is ideal for managing vigorous spring grass growth. Mow the meadow to approximately 7.5cm (3”).
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Main/Summer Cut
This cut is done between late June and the end of August, reducing the meadow height to about 5cm.
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Autumn Cut
Performed between late August and the end of November, this cut is beneficial for more fertile sites. It reduces grass height and competition, allowing more light to reach the wildflowers and giving them a better chance to thrive.
Articles of Interest
Our Articles of Interest page is your go-to resource for insightful content on a wide range of topics, including sustainable farming practices, environmental initiatives, wildflower cultivation, grassland management, and much more. Whether you're seeking expert advice, exploring innovative ideas, or simply looking to deepen your knowledge of rural and agricultural topics, you'll find plenty of engaging and informative articles here.
According to the 2023 update of the DEFRA publication Wild Bird Populations in the UK, farmland bird numbers have experienced a dramatic decline of 61% since 1970, highlighting a significant challenge for biodiversity and conservation efforts. This decline has had a particularly severe impact on several iconic species, including the Tree Sparrow (Passer montanus), Corn Bunting (Emberiza calandra), Grey Partridge (Perdix perdix), and Turtle Dove (Streptopelia turtur), which have all seen worrying reductions in their populations.
The Decline in Farmland Birds
The Agriculture Bill outlines how farmers and land managers in England will be rewarded with public funding for delivering “public goods” like improved air and water quality, thriving wildlife, healthier soils, and measures to combat flooding and climate change under the Environmental Land Management scheme. Replacing the outdated Basic Payment Scheme, which favoured large landowners without encouraging specific public benefits, the Bill also includes measures to boost productivity and promote sustainable, high-quality food production.
The Agriculture Bill
For decades, agricultural policy in the United Kingdom was shaped by the European Union’s Common Agricultural Policy, offering a unified approach across Europe. With Britain’s departure from the EU now complete, this long-standing system is set to change. A new era for our rural landscapes is on the horizon, bringing opportunities for transformation and renewal. The Agricultural Act marks the beginning of a new era for British farming, introducing significant changes that aim to balance food production with environmental sustainability.
The ELM Scheme -
An opportunity for change?
Blogs
The All Things Rural blog is your go-to resource for expert insights and practical advice. From the latest ATR news and updates to in-depth guidance on wildflower cultivation, agricultural seeds, and grass management, we cover a wide range of topics to help you make the most of your land.
Our 2024 Wildflower Production
Our wildflower production takes place on sites throughout the UK and weather and temperatures varied from region to region. Having crops growing throughout the country helps spread the risk as if one crop fails or has a low yield due to weather, we will be growing some of the more common species elsewhere.