General
3 min read
How to choose plants for a planting or restoration project
Work out whether the site is dry ground or waterside, and how much of a head start the planting needs to give, and the…
Advice & growing guides
Practical, UK-specific advice on seed, lawns, wildflowers, fertiliser and groundcare — from a family-run supplier since 2004.
UK sowing & feeding calendar
A quick season-by-season guide for grass seed, wildflowers and feed in British conditions. Timings shift with the weather and your region — get in touch if you want a site-specific plan.
Spring
Mar – May
- Sow new lawns and overseed thin or worn turf once soil reaches ~8–10°C
- Apply a spring/summer feed to drive density and colour
- Spring-sow wildflower mixes (autumn is ideal, but spring works with moisture)
- Prepare seedbeds: cultivate, rake to a fine tilth and firm before sowing
Summer
Jun – Aug
Now
- Keep new sowings moist — water lightly and often in dry spells
- Spot-treat weeds and feed established lawns to hold colour
- Cut wildflower meadows after the first flush has set seed
- Plan and order seed for the prime late-summer sowing window
Autumn
Sep – Nov
- Best window of the year to sow lawns and overseed — warm soil, reliable rain
- Sow native wildflower mixes for strong spring establishment
- Switch to a low-nitrogen autumn/winter feed to toughen the sward
- Scarify, aerate and topdress before growth slows
Winter
Dec – Feb
- Hold off sowing — cold, wet soils give poor, patchy germination
- Test soil and plan nutrition and seed mixes for the season ahead
- Service spreaders and sprayers ready for spring
- Keep off frosted or waterlogged turf to avoid damage
Latest guides
General
3 min read
How to choose plug plants for a meadow or planting project
Native British Wildflower Plug Plants is the product in this category. The real decision is plugs versus seed, and how many the site needs.
General
5 min read
How to choose grass and turf reinforcement mesh
Ped, car or HGV traffic: match the mesh, grid or panel to the load, then fix it down properly. Real Phoenix products compared, trade-offs…
General
5 min read
How to choose a wildflower meadow seed mix
Match the BFS mix to your soil, not the prettiest bag. Clay, chalk, wetland and coastal blends compared, with sowing rates and NVC references.
General
5 min read
How to choose grass and lawn seed
Lawn, paddock, pitch or verge: the right grass seed mix depends on the job, the wear it takes and the upkeep you can give…
General
5 min read
How to choose grass protection and ground reinforcement
Matting, turf reinforcement mesh and cellular paving compared, by how much traffic the ground actually needs to take.
General
4 min read
How to choose groundcover fabric and geotextiles
Permanent separation under paving, or biodegradable weed control under planting: match the fabric, and the pins that hold it, to the job.
General
4 min read
How to choose a moss and algae killer for hard surfaces
Non-biocide or HSE-approved biocide: pick the right treatment for patios, drives, roofs and gravestones, and read the label before you spray.
General
5 min read
How to choose a herbicide for amenity and grounds work
Total or selective, glyphosate or residual: match the herbicide to the weed and site, then read the label before you spray. Professional use.