Sow the seeds for pollinator attraction
Soil temperatures are still amply warm and recent rainfall in most areas makes it the ideal time to get annual wildflower seed mixtures in the ground and established this autumn, advises Syngenta Sustainable Farming Manager, Belinda Bailey.
“You need workable soil to create a fine seedbed, and the small seeds like to get up and away in good growing conditions,” she advocated.
Belinda pointed out that the fast growing Syngenta Operation Pollinator Annual Wildflower mix has proven especially valuable for bees and other pollinators when planted near to oilseed rape fields, as it provided an important continuity of essential pollen and nectar when the OSR had finished.
Some stocks of the purpose designed Operation Pollinator seed mix from specialist seed suppliers, Kings, are still available with the Syngenta special offer of £35/pack to sow up to one hectare.
Independent entomologist, Mike Edwards, has monitored and identified the positive contribution of the annual wildflower mix for farmland pollinators.
"You only need a small patch of this and you can create an enormous amount of food for pollinators," he enthused. "It really is incredibly important."
Farmers wishing to take advantage of the Syngenta Operation Pollinator seed special offers should contact Kings direct (0800 587 9797), or email [email protected]
