14 Colour Boost Technical Guide Where to sow Colour Boost Colour Boost is well suited to a range of soil types and environments including golf courses, highway areas, public green spaces and gardens. Land that is completely shaded or enclosed by trees should be avoided. Most species included in the Colour Boost mixtures require full, or at least half, sunlight to flourish. In addition, while the species selected demonstrate resistance to drought, some moisture will need to be present for them to thrive. Spaces that are susceptible to weed ingress, such as landfills or old vacant sites, should also be avoided. When to sow Colour Boost The ideal time to sow Colour Boost is when the soil is warm and moist enough to promote germination – this would traditionally be in the spring. Sowing of Colour Boost is possible from the end of March or beginning of April, when the period of late spring frosts is over. Sowing can then take place until approximately the end of June depending on conditions. How to prepare the ground for sowing Preparing the ground is a crucial step to ensure the best results from your Colour Boost mix. Under no circumstances should seed be sown onto an area that is currently covered, such as into an existing lawn etc. To achieve optimal germination, the soil may need to be worked, prepared and/or treated before the seed is sown. When sowing Colour Boost, the seed should be in adequate soil contact and lightly covered. How to sow Colour Boost Keep the seed in its original packaging at normal temperatures (5°C to 20°C) until the day you intend to sow. Shake the can or bag in order to adequately mix the seeds before sowing. Whether you are undertaking the sowing operation by hand or by machine, ensure you continue to mix the seed throughout in order to achieve an even distribution of plants. The ideal sowing method will be determined by the area being planted. For Colour Boost mixtures, the ideal sowing rate is between 3-5g/m2. For areas under a few hundred m2 hand sowing is likely to deliver the best results. For larger areas, mechanised sowing will be better suited. Mix the Colour Boost seeds with Rehofix Bulking Granules at a ratio of 4 parts Rehofix to 1 part seed. The use of a micro-granule or fertiliser applicator is recommended where possible. Ensure that the seeds are lightly covered and use a suitable roller to help achieve that desired seed contact with the soil. Utilising a seed drill is also advised. Seed drills are typically used to sow grass or other small seeds in shallow seed beds (0.5cm). A seed drill will ensure that the Colour Boost seeds are adequately buried in the ground to help promote germination. Colour Boost Maintenance Colour Boost mixtures require little maintenance - they do not need watering, feeding or treating with pesticides. The small ecosystem they create when established will sustain Colour Boost species and allow them to thrive freely. For mixtures containing Biennials and Perennials such as Biodiversity and Honeybee and Butterfly that are to be kept for more than one year, cut back and collect all the top growth before the next spring. Hand weed or spot treat any undesirable species. ColourBOOST
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