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Frequently Asked Questions

Question:  temperature for germination
Answer:  A soil temperature of 10- 12 degrees centigrade for most grasses that grow in the UK.

Question:  What is the origin of the Slender Creeping Red Fescue used in your wildflower mixes (eg. RE2)? When planting wildflower areas as an ecologist I would prefer to use a naturally occurring native variety, not a cultivar.
Answer:  It is a UK bred cultivar bred at our breeding station in Aberystwyth, derived from a collection in West Wales.

Question:  What is the best and most resilient grass seed for a lawn used by a couple of dogs?
Answer:  A24 wear and Tear but no grass will survive dog pee. It literally burns the grass.

Question:  What is the form of FWM1? Does it require a spreader or can it be spread by hand?
Answer:  It is 10.4.4 with Iron and 2-4D it can be spread by hands but you should use gloves and appropriate long sleeved clothing and goggles.

Question:  how long should i wait to reseed after using ferrous sulphate to kill moss?
Answer:  You should wait for three weeks.

Question:  what depth of top soil should i put on hardcore to grow grass
Answer:  Minimum 150mm

Question:  Why are creeping grasses avoided in winter sports pitches?
Answer:  They are not very hardwearing and the Stolons/Rhizomes get broken

Question:  where do i buy roof sedum blankets from
Answer:  QUICKLAWN - Tell them we advised you. Thank you

Question:  We are looking for a durable grass seed mix for a play area. We do not intend to use bark mulch or play ground safety matting so we need an extremely durable grass seed mix for under swings etc. Please could you reccomend a mix. Thank you
Answer:  A7 Olympic Sportsground Mixture would be the best.

Question:  what is the best way of getting of moss on our outfield it seems worse this year thanks
Answer:  Ferrotop fertiliser will help to control moss. Culturally you need to scarify and aerate more. Thank you.

Question:  WHAT IS THE CUT OF GRASS DURING THE SEASON FOR HOCKEY AND 5 A SIDE FOOTBALL PLEASE
Answer:  Down to 25mm

Question:  after the snow and frost in dec, jan and feb my greens have some large areas scaring. im on clay push up greens but have built up a good growing profile though frequent dressings. im looking to overseed these greens sooon. could you please recommend any quick establishing bent/fescue cultivars. thanks.
Answer:  A11 is the correct mixture to use for this

Question:  i have to treat a lawn that has a lot of moss and weeds prior to scarifying what would you recommend I use? FERROUS SULPHATE? RESTORE FEED WEED AND MOSSKILLER? TURF SMART 3-1-5?
Answer:  Yes

Question:  CAN YOU PLEASE ADVISE PREFERED ESTABLISHMENT TECHNIQUES FOR RE3 RIVERFLOOD PLAIN/WATER MEADOW (MG8 GRASSLAND)
Answer:  Technical manuals and all our brochures can be downloaded from this website.

Question:  what is the best recovery for my lawn following the harsh winter, I have dogs (bitches) which have left burn marks which has not helped
Answer:  A bag of Floraind Permanent which is a good Slow release spring fertiliser will wake it up nicely. Witn regards to your dog there is very litgtle you can do about this apart from follow her around with a watering can. She is literally burning the grass leaf when she pees. As the grass starts to grow and with regular cutting these marks should grow out though.

Question:  how soon could i sow a mixture of fine fescues and bent grass and how long before sowing is it adviseable to apply pre seeder starter fertilizer.many thanks for advice.
Answer:  You should apply pre seed at the same time as you apply the seed. With temperatures this year I would delay sowing until the middle of April.

Question:  Hi, could you tell me the sowing rate and cut height for 20% WF3 and 80% A18? Many thanks
Answer:  Sowing rate is 5g/square metre. Cut twice a year down to between 4 & 7cm. In each case remove all clippings.

Question:  I am creating some "grass hardstandings" on my caravan site. I have prepared following suppliers of the green plastic cell grids which are 38mm deep. They are bedded on sand which is above a 100mm layer of rootstone - a specially formulated aggrigate of stone and peat, to encourage good grass growth and drainage. The top cells are filled with a good quality top soilwhich is seeded and allowed to settle some 10-12mm below thw surface, so vehicles travel or stand on the plastic not the soil/grass. My question is "Which grass seed seed would you reccomend? The top soil I believe to be quite sandy.
Answer:  A7 would be the best mix. It is tried and tested using the plastic cell grids in car park situations.

Question:  what temperature does grass stop growing
Answer:  Different species of grass tolerate different low temperatures. 7 degrees is probably the minimum - although some species will require higher temperatures. In Britain high temperatures are not usually a problem; the only problem would be drought in high temperatures.

Question:  Can you sow WFG7 and other wildflower mixes onto suboil so as to limit competition from other grasses, or does there need to be topsoil?
Answer:  Subsoil is more succesful due to the fact that it carries less nutrients so prevents the grass from taking over the sward before the flowers are ready to germinate.

Question:  Is it best to seed or turf a new putting green
Answer:  To turf a putting green is instant but very expensive. Seeding is much cheaper; please see our products A11 or AberRoyal Browntop Bent.

Question:  Could I buy just 5 Kilos of A5 for overseeding my lawn. I established the lawn with 20 kilos of A5 two years ago
Answer:  Yes, you can, please ring the office.

Question:  can you advise me as to the best spring and summer fertilser for fine turf ,mowed very short,thanks
Answer:  Floranid eagle NK

Question:  whats the smallest amounts of fertilser you sell?
Answer:  We sell in minimum quantities of 25kg

Question:  can i use eagle k for spring and summer
Answer:  Yes you can it is generally used as an autumn winter feed because it is low in nitrogen, however increasingly people are lowering their inputs and it is perfectly ok to use this product in the spring / summer.

Question:  Thank you for your answer. Where do I buy good quality coarse grain sand from (suitable for lawns)?
Answer:  An internet search should do it Rolawn or Inturf

Question:  is eagle nk any good for spring and summer
Answer:  Yes perfect from March to August. Thank you

Question:  Dear Sir. We have a worn lawn on chalky soil, with heavy child use. Has been professionally fertilised, and (just) core-aerated. Should we fill the new holes; is so with what for our chalky-base conditions? Anything else to improve the lawn and make it fill-out more? Thank you
Answer:  You should use a good quality coarse grain sand.

Question:  hi, you answered my question but did not say has to be watered if no rain and please confirm how much floranid turf is needed to cover a football pitch 600/700sq yds.
Answer:  Floranid won't burn because it has such a low salt indices. it is a much better product than standard compound ferts which do needs to be watered in. so watering is not essential if it doesn't rain. 1 x 25kg bag will cover 700m2

Question:  does slitting help grass growth and how?
Answer:  Roots need to breath slitting gets air to the roots and helps them respire.

Question:  What are the pros and cons of a tall fescue in winter sports pitches?
Answer:  Cons are it goes dormant in the winter, isn't very wear tolerant and looks broad a spiky. Pros it is has good drought tolerant and can become more prominent in the summer.

Question:  to fertilize 700sq yds you said we need 1x25kgs floranid turf, when i looked up the product and used the calculater it said we need 300kgs, which is right?
Answer:  1 x 25kg bag is correct

Question:  does the floranid turf need to be watered in, also we pitch share with cricket will the constant cutting during the summer harm floranid turf if put down in april?
Answer:  No it dissolves into the soil. So it won't be affected at all

Question:  can you supply a fertilizer for our football field say 700sq yards, because of the poor quality of the soil we have been told it needs to be high in nitrogen say a 40/30/30 mix, how much will be needed and cost.
Answer:  You will require one 25kg bag of Floranid Turf. You can buy this on our website www.bshamenity.com The nitrogen is slow releasde and zero leaching so if you apply it now it will sit and wait until the grass is growing and ready to use it. The grass wuill not be able to take up nitrogen until then. Which is usually the beginning of April.

Question:  Could you advise on a suitable grass seed mix for grassing a mound of excavated material at a water treatment works near Leeds. Wildflower and low maintenance required. the soil is a silty sandy clay. the planners have requested the use of local species to include: oxeye daisy, yarrow, yellow rattle, common vetch, black knapweed, common sorrel, red clover, birdsfoot trefoil, meadow buttercup, selfheal.
Answer:  We would recommend WFG7 from our product range.

Question:  When can I sow Leisure amenity grass seed? I live in South Devon and the gentle slope is South facing.
Answer:  The beginning of April would be ideal.

Question:  need specific seed for grass track racing hard wearing NOT flat bladed narrow tight blades compact and close
Answer:  A24 Wear and Tear

Question:  need a mix for swale
Answer:  A4 Low Maintenance.

Question:  Is it possible to get hold of a book called: Golf Greens Guide - For the professional involved in the design, specification, establishment & maintenance of golf greens?
Answer:  No sorry that is out of print we do have a guide to golf grens grasses that is currently in use. Please ring the office on 01522 868714 and ask for Julie who will send you all our guides and brochures on request or they can all be downloaded from this site.

Question:  can you please tell me the shelf life of amenity grass seed
Answer:  Approximately one year depending on storage conditions.

Question:  How much grass sed would I need to cover 30 square metres of garden?
Answer:  1kg would cover 30 square metres.

Question:  how many 20kg bags of soil will i need to cover 26 squared metres of garden
Answer:  We don't sell soil.

Question:  at what temperature does grass grow
Answer:  6 degrees centigrade ambient temperature.

Question:  Do you sell the following mix 10% Common Bent 35% Crested Dogstall 20% Red Fescue 35% Slender Creeping Red Fescue If so what do you call it and how much ?
Answer:  Yes, please ring the office 01522 868714

Question:  how would you influence the establishment of grass on a steep bank in the shade at one end of a football pitch
Answer:  Ring the office for a reply to this one please and ask to speak to Richard Brown.

Question:  Could you give me a price please for 1no 20kg bag of A24Mix and 1no 1kg bag of WFG Mix
Answer:  You will find all our prices on this website - A24 under landscaping mixtures and WFG in the wildflower section.

Question:  do you supply smaller amounts of floranid master k 10kg etc
Answer:  Sorry, only 25kg minimum size

Question:  do you have a spec for grass plots on sewage treatment works ?
Answer:  Usually the best thing for this is Westerwolds annual ryegrass. We supply a mixture ref:A999 Rescue which you could use for this application

Question:  please could you confirm the recommended sowing rate for the blend of amenity / wildflower mixes A4 and WF3.
Answer:  Total seeding rate 5g per sqr. metre

Question:  On 4 Oct I overseeded my 90 sq mt front lawn using your A5 mix. The existing lawn surface was scarified/verticut and hollow tined. The seed mix was sown in a top dressing of 65% 4mm Leighton Buzzard sand and 35% sterilised loam. 5 days later the seed started to germinate with fine grass appearing. A further 8 days later the whole lawn was showing very good signs of new grass. This was brought about by excellent weather conditions (rain, sun and warm growing conditions). I allowed the grass to establish. 2 weeks later I used the rear roller of my rotary mower to lightly roll the new grass. When the grass reached a reasonable height for mowing I carried out a light cut with my cylinder mower with the blade cutting height of 27 mm - a very small amount of grass was collected in the grass box. Since then I have allowed the grass to settle down. Up until the time I cut it the grass was a beautiful green colour. But during the last few days I have noticed that the tips of the new grass are becoming slightly dark yellowo. Has this change been brought about by my cutting of the grass or is it due to the latest cold weather? I would also mention that my property is within walking distance of the English Channel so we are affected by a certain amount of salt in the air. When I purchased the A5 mixture the bag I received contained a product mix of Sprite 20%, Vesuvius 40% and Imp 40%. This was different to that indicated on your website where the mix is listed as Sprite 40%, Imp 40% and Elf 20%. I did query the change of mix and was told that the Elf was out of stock. My question is whether the close mowing should be 5mm (as indicated by the original mix) or 10-15 mm which is what is recommended for Vesuvius? Thank you for your help.
Answer:  Fisrtly, the Vesuvius is a better variety that the Aberelf. The stress showing could be the colder temperature although we have not really had any frosts. I would imagine it is due to lack of nitrogen. The heavy raifall we have had will have leached this from your soil. Also the grass plants will naturally start to yellow at this time of year as the lower temperature mean that the plant can't utilise any nitrogen that may be available. Fertilise in the Spring and your grass will green up without any problem

Question:  What is the nitrogen source of the floranid range of fertilizers...especially the 20-5-8 analysis..?
Answer:  IBDU

Question:  What height would be sufficient for a backyard putting green? I want to use a low grade push reel mower which goes down to 12mm high - is this enough?
Answer:  5-7mmm is more ideal

Question:  do you have a brochure i can request for our business?
Answer:  Yes, you can request a selection of brochure. You can in fact download varius catalogue from the banner at the top our the homepage on our website. Alternatively, please e-mail seeds@bshlincoln.co.uk witth your address and type of seed mixtures your are interested in.

Question:  how many bags of grass seeds does it takes to seed a football field
Answer:  Depending on seeding rate 10 to 14 x 20kg

Question:  We have a new paddock of 3 acres which needs to be seeded from scratch. When is the best time to seed, how much seed do we need to buy and what type would you recommend, we are mainly using it to exercise our dogs. Also how long will it take before we can begin to use it. From an excited 1st time (so novice) land owner.
Answer:  If thye main use is for exercising dogs rather than horse grazing, then take a look at our A24 Wear and Tear mixture under the landscaping miuxtures sections. For 3acres you will require a minimum of 160kg

Question:  Hi, i was wondering how long fescue seed would remain viable in the soil profile, obviously climatic conditions have a huge effect but if the enviroment is stable and the seed does not become too wet and rot, would it sit there and wait for the right conditions (soil temp/moisture levels/daylight) and then germinate ? The reason i ask is i may experiment next spring and overseed in late march and then hope to see germination in early may. The seed will be placed in the soil @ approx 1/2 inch depth and our greens are very free draining so the seed should not become water logged. My reason for doing this is a very busy fixture list next year and doing it this way we can get seed in the ground early and then make good the surface again in time for the tournaments. Many thanks Andrew Mannion Southerndown GC
Answer:  You are absolutely fine to adopt this method of early seeding in the spring. The seed will remain viable prodiding its not sat in water. It's only late autumn seedings where there's a problem and the seed then sits in the ground over winter

Question:  If seeding a football pitch from scratch sowing in winter/spring time when would you have a playable surface? thanks
Answer:  You would be looking at a spring sowing now. Really you would requre 4/5 months before it was useable

Question:  Please advise me of the minimum temperature for reliable rye mix grass seed germination. Thanks. Brian Griffiths. Rother DC.
Answer:  10 Degrees C

Question:  what are the amenity uses of timothy grass?
Answer:  Used to be used for lawns use, but not advised these days. Like wet ground.

Question:  what is meant by the term % germination?
Answer:  Percentage of viable seed that will germinate

Question:  explain what is meant by % purity
Answer:  Percentage of clean seed against other contaminants

Question:  Following an infestation of chaffer grubs we need to re-seed our football pitch as soon as possible what do you recommend?
Answer:  A20 Ryesport would be your best option

Question:  I want to plant RE1 seed mix where amenity grass currently exists. I understand that the amenity grass will need to be removed and the soil turned/ ploughed/weeded, but could you just clarify for me the exact process I would need to go through just incase I have missed anything out. Thanks Richard
Answer:  The sequence would be to firstly kill back the existing grass sward with a gyphosate type herbicide. Once dead, plough deeply 20-25cm. Allowfor a follow period to germinate any soil bourne weed seed and then kill those back. The seed bed should then be nice and clean for sowing. Try to minimise any recultivation which will only bring new weed seeds to the surface.

Question:  How do i slow the growth of hay rattle on mowing ground
Answer:  Do you wish to remove the hay rattle, or keep a certain level in the grassland?

Question:  Thank you for your reply. My question is as follows:- My front lawn is 90 sq metres and slopes 456 mm over 9 metres. The lawn was laid in 2004 with cultivated turfs grown by an Isle of Wight company and consisted of dwarf ryegrass, fescue and bent. They were laid on a base soil of gault clay with approx. 40mm of top soil. I have always applied the appropriate fertilisers using a drop spreader during the growing season in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. For the past 3 years the lawn has been hollow tined and scarified with a verticut machine in late September. The hollow tines have been filled with fine sand and has been overseeded with recommended Barenburg Bar platinum mixture and top dresssed. During the growing season the grass is cut when required using a 5 blade cylinder mower never below 14 mm and generally at 19 mm. It is also cut in various directions. This year I have noticed a fair amount of thatch and some coarse grass in patches. I have been cutting through these areas with a very sharp knife. I have decided that this year I will hollow tine as ususal and be rather brutal when scarifying hoping this will remove the coarse grasses and excess thatch. I will fill the tines with 70-30 mix of top dressing and overseed using either your A5 or AG5 mixture.I would be grateful for your advice as to which of the two mixtures would be most suitable and an alternative if you feel this would be better. I await your thoughts and recommendations. Regards, Stan Denny - Isle of Wight
Answer:  A5 is a blend of high quality turf perennial ryegrasses which will establish quickly and be adaptable to close mowing. The texture of this mixture is also fine which will blend well into the rest of your lawn.

Question:  how to get rid of moss in horse grazing pasture
Answer:  Apply sulphate of Iron applied as a solution at the concentration as shown on our web site. Moss is however an indication of poor drainage and also that the pasture may be getting tired and is not competing very well with the moss.

Question:  Hello, can you help me. I'm a greenkeeper of Hinckley g.c,and require 5 seed samples for college. creeping bent, chewings fescue,browntop bent, creeping bent,smooth stalked meadowgrass, perrenial ryegrass. Many thanks, Paul brown
Answer:  Which address would you like these sent to

Question:  Can floranid Eagle k be used all year round
Answer:  Yes, Eagle k can be used through the winter. Nutrient uptake will be dependent on temperatures throughout this period

Question:  have nettle and thistle coming up in wf15 sowed 1 month ago,how to proceed
Answer:  Either mow the area approx 3cm cutting height or spot treat the nettle with a weed wipe. Depends on the size of the area

Question:  We overseeded an area on a reclaimed pit site with the A16 mix in April and applied the SH3 fertiliser to it and now the area is suffering quite badly with Rust. What do you suggest we do?
Answer:  It's likely the application of fertiliser has created some lush growth which is more susceptible to the rust. Weather conditions have also been ideal for the development of the rust. As this is a quarry, cosmetically it should not be a big problem. The grass will recover ok and will maintain ground cover. If it's a real issue it is possible to spray for rust. If you make further applications of fertiliser, we would advise you apply a lower nitrogen analysis or use slow release fertilser.

Question:  How much wild flower seed mix would I need to seed a semi shaded steep bank of soil 750m2
Answer:  4 Kilos

Question:  Hi BSH Would we be able to have some trial seed to test as we are very interested in the PREMIER RYESPORT A 20 Mix.We are looking for a seed that is hard wearing and establishes fastly.If this is possible please let me know.
Answer:  Yes, we can provide seed for a trial. Please contact our office directly on 01522 868714 to discuss

Question:  Is there any difficulty or additional requirements for sowing a wildflower mix (such as RE5)by way of hydroseeding? Would 30 - 50 kg/ha still be an appropriate applicaiton rate?
Answer:  Apply at 8g/m2 as the establishment is not as good as applying to a conventional seedbed

Question:  How many days does grass take to grow from seed at + 5 degrees celcius ?
Answer:  Depends on species and other enviromnental factors but at this temperature probably 3-4 weeks.5 degrees is not the optimum temperature for germination

Question:  I have a large garden (near 2 acres) which is mainly down to grass. I have a quarterly visit by a contractor to feed and weed. With impending retirement I am going to find it harder to justify the expense. Do you sell the feed and weed products I would require to do this work myself? and what are they, presumably different on es for different times of the year?
Answer:  Yes, we supply a product called Restore which you can apply from Spring to autumn. This will feed your lawn at the same time as killing broad leaved weeds and moss. For 2 acres you would require 560kg which we can supply at £21.35 per 20kg bag delivered. Please contact our office 01522 868714 if you wish to discuss further

Question:  Urine tolerant
Answer:  No such thing

Question:  What is the best seed to restore goal mouth areas of football pitches
Answer:  BSH A20 Ryesport

Question:  With a view to end of cricket season over seeding, I need to cover the entire square (30m x 24m) with germination blanket - we have a lot of partridges with insatiable appetites! How many blankets will I require (size is not stipulated on the website). Alternatively, do you provide bespoke sizes?
Answer:  You will require 30 germination blankets. For this quantity we can offer a special price if you contact our sales office 01522 868714

Question:  Can I exclude a species from a mix
Answer:  Yes, we formulate special mixtures

Question:  Hi,I grow a lot of clematis and think the best way to show them off is having them grow beside a lush green lawn. The only problem is my mainly ryegrass lawn is nice and deep green in the winter but in the summer,it can look open and tired and scraggy in the evening after a hot summer's day. If I where to overseed or indeed reseed again what would you recommend to to achieve a nice lawn unperterbed by the heat. Thanks
Answer:  It could be that your soil type is free draining and prone to drying out quickly. You can overseed this autumn to try and intoduce some drought tolerant species although this would not be an immediate fix. Also consider the nutrition of the lawn. Are you applying any fertiliser to encourage good root development which will also help resist drought conditions?

Question:  Hi - I'm looking at repairing the normal type of fairway divots on a local 18 hole course. Can you tell me what type of seed I need - the amount required and how much sand and soil I'd need. Just an average ball park figure will do as I appreciate you would need more specifics for an accurate quote. I believe the ratio should be 70% sand - 30% soil and then add the seed? Many thanks.
Answer:  You can overseed using a mixture such as the BSH A12 Fairways mix at a rate of 15-20grams/sqr. metre(60-80kg per acre) Cost per acre approx. would be approx £250 per acre. A 70/30 by weight blend of sand soil would be ok as a top dressing although you could get the seed drilled/stitched into the existing fairway to avoid having to use any top dressing.

Question:  On the STRI seed listings booklet the BSPB is mentioned on the back but when you search the website there is no link with amentiy grasses only crops and forage etc. What link is there between the STRI and BSPB?
Answer:  Under the BSPB, a members committee exists of representatives from the grass seed Industry for both Amenity and Forage grasses

Question:  I wish to create a decorative lawn could you recommend a seed suitable for the costa blanca climate. will be able to irrigate no problem !! many thanks.
Answer:  Please look at SR1119 Creeping bent

Question:  Hi, I am a Landscape Architect looking to specify a low maintenance grass mix in some less prominent areas on a hospital site where the budget allownce for future maintenance is very limited. Can you recommend any mixes, either amenity or wildflower which would reduce the Client's burden when the project is handed over? Thanks
Answer:  Our A22 Low maintenance mixture would be an ideal choice. It's been used on many similar projects to yours.

Question:  How can we treat docks in recently seeded areas (A8)
Answer:  The docks will disappear once you start to mow regularly. Avoid applying any herbicide applications at this young stage.

Question:  hi i sowed seed 5wks ago have watered most nights very patchy and taking time for new grass to appear am i doing something wrong
Answer:  No this is quite normal. With the recent rainfall we have received, then your grass will start to even up. The variation in establishment rate can be due to differing seeding depths and pockets of moisture where the seedbed is firmer than other areas which tend to dry out more quickly.

Question:  Delivery charges
Answer:  All prices listed on this site include delivery

Question:  We have a cricket square on the top of a hill which drains extremely fast and is generally too dry , losing grass and going through the top during matches. Are their particulalry tough drought resistant grasses which might suit the conditions better?
Answer:  You could try combining some slender creeping red fescue with your renovation; however it will not tolerate being scalped through the season. Regular overseeding will help to maintain your grass cover as will the use of a balanced fertiliser to encourage good root development. Take a look at our A5 Cricket wicket mixture which contains 'Aber' perennial ryegrasses which are particularly good at developing good roots. Also check out the Floranid slow release fertiliser on our site too.

Question:  we have had a turf lawn laid approx 6 wks ago half of which is in direct sun no shade and going really patchy brown etc. is there anything I can do apart from keep watering it. I believe the lawn is too young to apply any nutrients to it? tku
Answer:  Yes, keep watering until well established. Avoid the fertiliser until the autumn

Question:  I would like to order fertiliser for our bowling club. we intend to close the green for a couple of days to allow the granules to work without being walked on. we are having problems with moss and having already had it treated we would like advice on what treatment you have. My home tel nos: 01383728601 Club name Kingseat bowling club Fife Scotland
Answer:  We supply a product called Ferrotop which will sort your moss problem however in the longer term you will need to improve your surface drainage as this could be encouraging the moss.

Question:  what height off cut is preferred for a cricket outfield without putting it under to much stress and does it depend on what types of grasses
Answer:  It will depend on the varieties of perennial ryegrass you use. A mixture such as our A5 Cricket wicket will tolerate 4mm, but if you want to reduce stress while out of play, then cut between 10-15mm but you do need to be using modern varieties to do this

Question:  is it adviseable to leave grass clippings on a new lawn for the first few cuts or does this cause to much organic build up.
Answer:  Best to collects them at each cut

Question:  Do you have any information on fertilisation requirements of sr1119 pre and post sowing
Answer:  Use BASATOP FAIR pre sowing and MASTER EXTRA as ongoing fertilisation

Question:  if i were to place your family lawn seed on top of my lawn, do i really have to cover it with top soil ,or will the seed germinate ok without a top layer of soil (lawn is really quite bare and has been raked and closly mowed), also how long would this take with current tempratures in scotland, thanks in advance.
Answer:  Yes you really require a top dressing to give good soil contact and retain moisture around the seed. germination should be between 2-3 weeks at this time of year

Question:  IVE GOT A LOT OF WEEDS GROWING UP IN MY NEWLEY SEEDED LAWN CAN I USE A WEED AND FEED TO HELP THIS PROBLEM
Answer:  No, the grass has to be at least 6 month old before applying weed and feed.The weeds will be annuals which will start to disappear as soon as you start mowing.

Question:  Getting rid of clover on Bowling Green
Answer:  Consult your supplier of herbicides. Selectives are available which will take out the clover

Question:  Would frequent applications of iron inhibit growth of poa annua seeds and if so what dosage and frquency would you advise
Answer:  We would not recommend regular doses of iron for this method. The iron is used generally for moss control but will make your soil more acidic which will favour bent grasses and fescue, A regular overseeding programme to out compete the poa is a better approach.

Question:  Hi there, I’m a Landscape Architect, currently working on a flood prevention system in Inverness. We are cutting diversion channels through a mixture of landscape types with connecting culverts. The scheme will cross open pastoral land, woodland belts and green amenity spaces in between housing estate. The channels will not be constantly flooded, as the measures are in place to provide flood alleviation. Could you advise me on what seed mix I could use to accommodate the following requirements. 1. A grass species which doesn’t grow to long or requires very little maintenance, probably thinking along the lines of using a predominately fescue mix. 2. Can withstand potential flooding and prolonged wetland conditions. 3. Withstand semi shade to shade towards woodland edges and within glades. Kind regards Adrian J Jones Landscape Architect.
Answer:  Take a look at our A6 Supra Shade mixture which will provide a low maintenance but dense ground cover. Occasional flooding would not be a problem but as with any grass, prelonged periods of flooding would stress the grass.

Question:  What kind of grass mixture is good for grass grid?
Answer:  We have successfully use BSH A7 on numerous projects and found this to be the best combination of wear and drought tolerance

Question:  will diluted chicken pellet be ok to use on a newly seeded football pitch? well not new but 12 months now and its not growing well
Answer:  Chicken manure tends to be very high in nitrogen .It will green up your grass but produce soft leafy growth that easily damages during play and will be prone to disease. You will get far better results using a balanced slow release fertiliser.

Question:  Concerning your answer about perennial ryegrass being used on the pitch of the recent ladies F.A. Cup and giving a deep green colour. What perennial ryegrass cultivar from BSH when used would give this deep attractive sward.
Answer:  Gallius Perennial ryegrass is particyularly green in both summer and winter. This cultivar can be found in our A20 Ryesport

Question:  I saw an interesting link today which mentioned the benifits of overseeding at 75g/m. The stri at bingley did a trial on this what do you think?
Answer:  No amount of seed will compensate for poor growing conditions. If soil structure,fertiliy and ground temperature are poor, then seedling development will be poor. Also seeding rates very much depend on the species being sown.

Question:  When watching the ladies F.A cup I was amazed by the greeness of the pitch. Could you tell me what it may have been seeded with?
Answer:  Perennial ryegrass

Question:  I'm a landscape architect producing a management plan for 5 years using your BSH Re11 heathland/scrub mix seeding. Do you have a mowing regime you recommend. ie first cut, second cut and from there on to instruct a contractor.
Answer:  1. AUTUMN ESTABLISHMENT A First Year Maintenance 1st cut to 4-7cm – March (if sufficient material) 2nd cut to 4-7cm – Early May 3rd cut to 4cm – September (leave tidy through winter period). In all cases remove cuttings. B Future Maintenance 1st cut to 4-7cm. March/April Final cut to 4-7cm. End September/October Remove all cuttings NB/Additional cuts can be made on fertile soils. 2. SPRING ESTABLISHMENT A First Year Maintenance 1st cut to 4-7cm. Approx 6 weeks after sowing 2nd cut to 4-7cm. Approx May when sward height exceeds 10cm 3rd cut to 4-7cm. September/October Remove all cuttings. Extra cut will depend on soil fertility B Future Maintenance Same as 1B (Autumn Establishment)

Question:  How many 20kg bags of Lawn Restore Weed,Feed and Moss killer should I put on 3/4 - 1 acre garden. I have a small hand held rotary fertisiser speader, what shoud I set the Guage at when spreading, Lawn Restore Weed,Feed and Moss killer?
Answer:  You will require 5 x 20kg bags for this area. Depends on the spreader as to what setting, but what would be best is to set on a low rate and try to cover the whole area with half the quantity, then apply the second half cross ways. You will achieve a more even rate that way

Question:  will a high nitrogen fertilizer burn new grass seedlings namely, 27 2.5 5 or what could this fert be useful for
Answer:  If your fertiliser is a water soluble ammonium sulphate type fertiliser, then yes 27% could well scorch the grass. Only use high nitrogen contents when they are of a slow release form.

Question:  grass seed for under a willow tree. over 100 years old so don't want to cut it down!
Answer:  A6 Supra shade, but also use Basatop Fair slow release fertiliser to assist the establishment. Make sure a seedbed is produced and is seeded as soon as possible to take advantage of spring soil moisture.

Question:  Hi I have purchased your cricket grass seed for overseeding which in general has worked well, but I still have a numb er of bare patches and with the season nearly upon us I was wondering if its worth me purchasing pre germinated seed to try and ensure all patches on the square have grass covering. I have read that pre germinated increases chances of equal germination of grass types and clearly is faster to grow. Is it worth the expense and do you offer pre germinated seed ?
Answer:  Pre germinating seed is only worth it with Smooth stalked meadow grass. With perennial ryegrasses, germination takes around 7-10day with moisture and good ground temperatures. Pre germination will only gain a couple of days and it is the development of the grass once germinated that is more important.With seedings this spring so far, ground temperatures have been quite low which has slowed germination. Temperatures are now getting better and your thin patches will soon green over. You can't shortcut the germination process significantly and get grass to grow when the right environmental conditions do not exist.

Question:  Patching horse paddock grazing
Answer:  We supply a Horse and Pony paddock mixture. It can be found in the products/landscaping mixture section of our site

Question:  hi put down lawn seed about two weeks ago followed everything correctly i put some for shaded and some for normal were and tear,keeping the areas moist at the present time no growth at all had a small groun frost twice will i some growth soon im worried that the seed might be dead! thanks.
Answer:  Ground temperatures are still low due to the cold night temperature. Your seed will germinate soon, There are a range of species in the mixture taking 14-25 days to germinate. In a week or so you should start to see some emergence.

Question:  I have a 1 acre paddock which is grazed which has a lot of moss and sorrell. I was going to use Ferrous Sulphate for moss control and a dose of lime to increase the pH to dissuade the sorrel. Is this a good idea and can they be applied together? alos what rates would you recommend?
Answer:  Apply the Ferrous sulphate and let it do its job first by killing the moss. Apply the lime later, say a month later however to make a serious change to the pH you need to be applying large quantities on lime. This is always best done into a new seedbed rather than onto existing pasture.

Question:  I really like the thought of seeding a patch of garden with SO-GREEN but there is not much mention of it in the ask a question page. Is it popular?
Answer:  Yes, So-Green is popular. We normally sell it in smaller boxes on our www.thegrassroute.co.uk site, but you can buy in larger quantity units on our amenity.com site

Question:  Hi, I am looking to replace my existing lawn and would like some advice on the seed to use. The existing lawn, which is in a poor condition and has the following problems, (we live near Manchester and the lawn is South facing). The ground is primarily clay. A drainage system (land drains) has been put in place to reduce water logging The gravel that has been used for the land drains is limestone! Can you help so that when the new grass grows we do not get a triped effect where the land drains are?
Answer:  Firstly, the drains you have may be a problem in that they will always show up through the lawn as a different colour. The extent of this will depend on the depth of top soil on top of the limestone gravel. If you are stuck with what you have got, then adequate watering in summer and fertilisation will help reduce the colur differences. Take a look at our A24 with the landscape mixture section of our site,which for your soil will give you an all-round performing mixture

Question:  I overseeded my existing lawn with so-green in September and boy was it really green all winter! Thing is that now it is March the grass looks less healthy.I put this down to (a) groundfrost. (b) larve grubs or (c) does it just need a light dressing of fertiliser to pep it up? Alwyn
Answer:  It sounds like it is lacking in nutrition. After all the rain we had last autumn and the cold winter temperature, grass has become stressed. An application of fertiliser will help produce some healthy spring growth.

Question:  What do you charge for delivery?
Answer:  If you are UK based, all our prices are inclusive of delivery on this site

Question:  Which is the best seed for using under native structure planting (whips and transplants) as a weed suppressant, but that won't spread and dominate the wildflower mixes in the adjacent area?
Answer:  Use A4 Parkland Low maintenance mixture. It can be found under the landscaping mixtures tab within the products section of our site

Question:  my lawn at the moment is up and down and all over the place i am going to hire a rotovator get rid of my existing lawn rake and level the area what seed would you recommend i have 2 small children that love the garden i have lots of bbqs so the grass will get a lot of traffic and a small time frame, would like to get it up and running asap in time for the hot weather (if any this year) i live in hornchurch essex where rain fall is average you knowledge will be very helpfull thankyou
Answer:  Take a look at A24 Wear and Tear mixture which will be resilient to where and grough tolerant too. Sow as soon as you can to get early establisment

Question:  Sowed fescue grass seed on the 25 march when should i expect to see a strike on it.
Answer:  14-18 Days, maybe quicker if we get warmer weather

Question:  what can I use to kill the weed self heal in my lawn
Answer:  Lawn Restore Weed,Feed and Moss killer. Look in our products section/fertilisers on our website

Question:  We have some of your lawn restorer and there is a note to keep it away from pets. Can the fertiliser be harmful and if so (we have a cat) how long should we keep the cat away from the seed and fertiliser?
Answer:  The Restore is a lawn weed feed & mosskiller. Cats can sometime consume grass from a lawn and it it advisable to allow a least 4 weeks from application before your cat has access to the lawn. This is a very safe product to use however pets can sometimes be very sensitive.

Question:  How to get rid of moss
Answer:  Apply a solution of Ferrous sulphate. Visit the product section of our site and look at the fertiliser tab. There you will see ferrous sulphate with the dilution details. Also 'Restore' weed feed & moss killer is another option.

Question:  What would be the recommended maintenance/mowing regime for BSH WFG 8 shaded areas mix sown in a cleared woodland margin area. Area will also include some native tree planting?
Answer:   1. AUTUMN ESTABLISHMENT A First Year Maintenance 1st cut to 4-7cm – March (if sufficient material) 2nd cut to 4-7cm – Early May 3rd cut to 4cm – September (leave tidy through winter period). In all cases remove cuttings. B Future Maintenance 1st cut to 4-7cm. March/April Final cut to 4-7cm. End September/October Remove all cuttings NB/Additional cuts can be made on fertile soils. 2. SPRING ESTABLISHMENT A First Year Maintenance 1st cut to 4-7cm. Approx 6 weeks after sowing 2nd cut to 4-7cm. Approx May when sward height exceeds 10cm 3rd cut to 4-7cm. September/October Remove all cuttings. Extra cut will depend on soil fertility B Future Maintenance Same as 1B (Autumn Establishment)

Question:  What is the current BS for seeds
Answer:  The appropriote standards for grass seed are governed by DERFA and the BSPB who monitor seed varietal integrity, seed purity and germination.

Question:  Could you advise on any special prep. for the establishment of a perennial summer flowering wildflower meadow in the following situations; cold hillside in north Wales, rich loamy wet soil in lincolnshire fens, dry site on the east coast with cold easterly winds. Could you also advise on maintenance. Thankyou
Answer:  In every situation it it important to prepare a weed free, firm fine textured seedbed. There's nothing you can change about the climatic conditions on each of the sites. Just ensure the seed is sown in reasonable dry condition when there will be a minimum of soil structural damage. The seed will germinate in its own time depending on ground temperatures.

Question:  germination reduction for vairous fescues tested in 9/2006 if planted spring 2009
Answer:  7/10% loss in germination per year depending on conditions stored

Question:  sowed some fescue grass seed eight days ago ,it snowed on seventh night would this have damaged seed.
Answer:  No seed will be ok. With current ground temperatures it could be a month before you see anything

Question:  We are in the process of reseeding a railway embankment in Kent & have the following specification from the designers. Can this mix be supplied. 25% - Perennial rye grass 20% - Strong creeping red fescue 30% - Hard fescue 10% - Smooth-stalked meadow grass 10% - Highland browntop bent 5% - Huia white clover The above should be mixed with 20% wild flower seed mix when applied.
Answer:  Yes, we can formulate this specification without any problem

Question:  I am about to move into a new house(March), the builder is proposing to seed the lawn, how long will it be before I can use it? If he were to lay turf could I use that immediately?
Answer:  Turf will provide more immediate use, but check the quality of turf you are using as it varies, We can supply good quality turf should you require. For seeded lawns,ideally 6-8 weeks of establishment before you can start to use but once established a seeded lawn can be more resilient to drought and wear. Again, quality of seed varies greatly too.

Question:  What is the best to sow under barriers along side of major roads with the least maintenance as possible ( problems strimming at the side of traffic)
Answer:  If your preference is grass, then go for something totally fescue based such as BSH A4 Low Miantenance mixture. It is however not a great option to have something you can only maintain with traffic management. Manual strimming is also very costly.The best option is a gravel based that can be sprayed occasionally to control weed

Question:  which type of flower will germanate the fatest with your grass
Answer:  Oxeye Daisy,Selfheal, Birdsfoot trefoil, Red Campion, Meadow buttercup, Ribwort plantain,

Question:  how much grass seed 6000m2 football pitch
Answer:  8-10 x 20kg bags iIf overseeding for end of season renovation

Question:  Are all species native
Answer:  All our wild flower species are UK native

Question:  I am having problems with my lawn. The soil is London clay which tends to get saturated during the winter and is dry in the summer. I laid turf last year in the worst (shaded) part, but the grass has died over the winter. Is there any grass seed that will survive?
Answer:  It sounds like a drainage problem. This needs sorting first to prevent waterlogging

Question:  Do you sell seed for a bowling green
Answer:  We certainly do. Take a look at our A1 Bowling green mixture within the products/Sports ground mixture section. We supply in 10kg and 20kg bags and can delivery direct to you.

Question:  we have recently moved to a 3 acre site in the Dover district We need to re seed our plot which has been serverely poached this year. We have native ponies which are out all the time please recommend a suitable grass mix
Answer:  We can supply a seed mixture specially formulated for horse and pony paddocks. It comes in 1 acre packs at £49 each. If you overseed you existing your existing paddocks, this will improve the ground cover and help reduce poaching. You can order direcly from our site. Look in the products/Landsscaping mixtures section of our site.

Question:  which grass seed is best for dogs and shaded garden
Answer:  A24 Wear and Tear, but with shaded areas, the application of a slow release fertiliser can help to maintain better grass cover as these areas tend to be low in nutrients due to the trees taking them.

Question:  At what ratio would you mix avalon velvet bent with slender creeping red fescue and chewings fescue to a good balance.
Answer:  By weight:-20% Avalon to 80% Slender creeping red fescue

Question:  Do you have a management plan following seed an area with a RE2 meadow mixture?
Answer:  http://www.bshamenity.com/bshamenity/UserFiles/File/Wild%20Flora%20final%20proof.pdf If you use the link above, it will take you to our wild flower manual. Refer to page 20 which will provide you with the maintenance schedule you require.

Question:  Please can you recommend an acidic low maintenance grass seed mix?
Answer:  Take a look at A4 Low Maintenance mixture in the landscaping mixtures section under the Products tab

Question:  What species is penn a4 creeping bentgrass made up of,and do you stock it.
Answer:  PennA4 is the variety of creeping bent. We can supply this in tubs of 11.4KG Each

Question:  can avalon velvet bentgrass be mixed with any other grass seed to get a quick green up to establish a putting green.
Answer:  Yes, it can be mixed with Slender creeping red fescue and chewings fescue, although Avalon is a quick coloniser anyway

Question:  I have two very large dogs and a very small lawn. They have worn all the grass off over the winter just by playing and running on it. I need something which is super-tough and can recover from almost constant wear - should I go for a sports mixture?
Answer:  Yes a sports type mixture would be the most durable. Take a look at A20(sports mixtures), or A24 (Landscaping mixtures)in our products section

Question:  I need seeds for about 200 m² of low maintenance lawn in my garden. Do you sell your products to Germany also? Do you have dealers in Germany? What additional cost will we have if the seeds will be shipped to a German address?
Answer:  Please send an e-mail directly to us seeds@bshlincoln.co.uk with the area you live so that we can quote an accurate price

Question:  Do you do a turf equivalent of A19 seed?
Answer:  Not exactly like A19, but something quite similar is available

Question:  Could you recommend a mixture that would be suitable for an area that is likely to flood with surface water occasionally?
Answer:  Grade A18 mixture. Details can be found in the landscaping mixtures section under products on our website

Question:  I was wondering whether the RE1 Traditional Hay Meadow (MG5 Grassland) would be suitable for a semi-extensive (approximately 10-15cm deep)green roof? The site is in South Yorkshire.
Answer:  Yes, it would be fine in this situation. Always the usual problem on such a roof being drought so consider adding something like our ZEBA moisture granules to the soil profile.

Question:  what are the sowing seasons
Answer:  Between March and October however this is always depends on the weather. Adequate ground moisture and temperatures are required for for good germination.

Question:  I am doing a university project on the universities plans to include natural grass meadows on the new campus. The area to be covered is 308590m2 and they plan to use a MG5 seed mix. Based on info on your site this seems like it would be very expensive, could you give me an estimate of the price please?
Answer:  Is this the correct area, 30hectares? If so, you will require 925kg of RE1(MG5) Please contct our office on 01522 868714 for a suitable quote for this quantity.

Question:  What would be good grass mix for a new site in a residential area?
Answer:  A19 Housing mixture. Details can be found in the landscaping mixtures section under products on our website

Question:  At what time of year do grasses and flowers normally produce pollen?
Answer:  It varies from species to species, but the majority of grasses would be June/July

Question:  I have been offered 2 different turfs each using a differnt seed mix: 1. 20% perennial rye grass 20% strong red fescue 30% chewings fescue 30% slender creeping red fescue 2. 25% perennial rye grass 20% chewings fescue 35% slender creeping red fescue 20% smooth stalk meadow grass The turf is for a good quality back lawn with little wear. It will be mowed once or twice per week. Which mix do you recommend. Thank you.
Answer:  To be fair these are very similar. If taking little wear go for No.1, but the quality will depend on the varieties used. If it is of interest to you, we also supply turf.

Question:  hi,just wondering do ye stock any certified blue tag bent grass and do ye supply any samples in small amounts such as a kg
Answer:  Yes we do, but where are you located and do you represent a commercial concern

Question:  what is a suitable seed mix for a football pitch
Answer:  Either A20 Premier Ryesport or A8 Pitch Renovator. Details of these can be found on our website in the products/Sportsground mixtures section

Question:  hi could you please advise me on how to feed 900sq feet of avalon velvet bent on a putting green root zone is primarly made up of sand and peat with a light topdressing of topsoil,just wondering how to measure out amounts of nitrogen required ect for example 2/3pounds per year,thanks for all your help
Answer:  For an area this size, you will requre a maximum of 0.5kg of Nitrogen per annum. This applied as part of granulated product would 2.5kg of product for a fertiliser containing something like 19% Nitrogen such as our Master Extra 19+5+10. Split the applications into 1kg very early spring, 1kg mId/Late Spring and 0.5kg autumn.As you are dealing with small quantities, add sand to the fertiliser to bulk it up to a more manageable quantity for even spreading.

Question:  which would be the best grass seed mixture for a resonably shaded home putting green in ireland,ps will velvet bent get on with creeping bent and mix well together or is this not a good idea
Answer:  Velvet bent is your best option for a shaded areas although it is not compatible with creeping bent mostly because of the difference in nutrient requirements. Velvet bent requires approx one third the nitrogen of creeping bent.

Question:  Thanks for that - the mix is to be used to seed a flood retention area, so unfortunately good drainage in the area in question is not an option - it's an integral part of a drainage scheme!
Answer:  ok, grass cover is the main priority. Take a look at the A24 Mixture in the landscaping mixture section of our site. This will give you something which is deep rooting and more caple of regenerating itsself if surface grass cover is lost through prelonged flooding.

Question:  Please can you recommend a grass mix that would tolerate regular flooding?
Answer:  Look for a mixture that mostly contains perennial ryegrass however there is no substiture to having good drainage.

Question:  what is the seed rate of sanguisorba minor
Answer:  On its own, 0.5g per square metre

Question:  SITE Location: Glasgow, restricted access within a school ground Aspect: a west-southwest steep 1:1.7 approx. soil slope (not rocky) covered with a geogrid (twinlayered). Seed to be applied by hydroseeding. Area will receive no ongoing maintainance (no cutting or weedkilling). Total area: 1340m2 I am thinking of a mix to contain ivy (Hedera helix) to eventually will take over and dominate. The mix to contain annual & perennial wildflower for interest in the early years with very low maintenance grass if required but which musn't prevent the ivy to dominate. Slurry will includ cellulose fibre mulch material, a tackifier (biodegradable gum), and a slow release fertiliser has been suggested. Please suggest a suitable mix and rate for hydroseeding.
Answer:  Please refer to our wild flower and grass mixture WFG13. You will require 7kilos of the mixture in total. This does not contain ivy but would provide an uncompetitive ground cover which would allow it to establish.

Question:  Hi Please can you tell me what species are contained in A4 - low maintanance? In particular I am interested in native species as it is for a school where BREEAM is required. Many thanks Judith Eley
Answer:  Creeping Red Fescue Chewings Fescue Hard Fescue Browntop Bent

Question:  How to regeneration grass in driving range?
Answer:  Please call our office for further advice

Question:  I am looking for a wildfower seed mix to sow on a buffer zone adjacent to a riverbank which occasionally floods. I would like it to be a meadow area and cut perhaps twice a year. The site is in Shepperton, Surrey. What do you recommend?
Answer:  Take a look at RE3 River Floodplain mixture in our wild flower section. This would be most suited to the site conditions you describe

Question:  Hi, I'm a greenkeeper from the south of England currently studying an HNC in golf course managment. For the current topic I'm working towards I require samples of various grass species in their seed form and was hoping you may be able to help. Please let me know your thoughts. Kind Regards Tim Howard.
Answer:  Yes, we can supply you with samples. We do have a nominal £10 charge to cover administration, post & packing. Please contact our sales office with your list of species required. We can then process the transaction for you.

Question:  Nice site, thanks for information!
Answer:  Thanks for the compliment

Question:  10 degrees C qual to what in farenheight
Answer:  Approx 53 Degrees Farenheight

Question:  Please could you advise on the practicality and cost of using a germination blankets on football pitches. Are there any suitable alternatives to A20 that would provide an earlier/lower temperature germination? Would pre-germinated seed be available for sports pitch mixes such as A20? Finally, assuming seeding is carried out in early spring and a good level of maintenance, watering etc is carried outover the summer, how likely is it that sports pitches will be ready for reasonably intensive use by September? Thanks
Answer:  In order for germination blankets to be effective, you require some day time heat from the sun or from artificial lighting. The idea is that the heat absorbed by the soil is retained by the blanket to aid more rapid germination. At this time of year then its not really an option. Your best approach would be to sow as early in spring as possible, using germination blankets then. A20 is all Perennial Ryegrass and this species is one of the fastest to germinate. By sowing in spring, it is feasible to have a playable pitch in September. The blankets we sell cover 20 square metres each. Depending on how many you require, we can provide you with a price accordingly.

Question:  What would be a good seed mix to use on Green Roof areas where the substrate/growing medium with as little as 5% organic matter is very fast draining and shallow (Possibly as low as 100mm)and would require little or no maintenance but still show good colour and performance?
Answer:  A4 Low Maintenance mixture would be suitable for this. It is a fescue based mixture which will work better on low nutrient type soils.

Question:  Our bowling has just been scarified , spiked and top dressed with a very fine dressing and the sack mentions silica .... nothing else on the sack... i am assuming this is just not pure silica. We have now raked in and oversown the bare patches with a bowling green mix.... I know end Oct is a little late ... question .... will it germinate in this very fine dressing if the temperatures etc are reasonable....... do you think the dressing is a little too light for germination ... THANKS Ken
Answer:  Providing temperatures remain ok, then yes the seed will germinate in this top dressing

Question:  Native / species rich grass mix suitable for a raised lawn in a public space.
Answer:  RE1 Traditional Hay Meadow

Question:  We are creating a village green on any area that was previously arable farmland. The proposed site is in a clay weald, the ph is 6.8, and the index figures are between 2.2 and 2.4. We would like to plant a hardwaring, low maintainance mixture, into which we could add a few low growing wildflowers. We do not therefore want the grass to be so strong that it will choke out anything else. We would also like to plant an adjoining area with a wildflower meadow mix. This second area would be half in sunshine and half under an orchard. Could you recommend the most appropriate mixtures for these areas Thank you very much.
Answer:  It is alway difficult to combine hard wearing with something that will enable wild flowers to grow. We would suggest you opt for a grass mixture only for the hard wearing area. Take a look at A24 Wear and Tear which is adaptable to most soil types. For the wild flower area, RE1 Traditional Hay Meadow is a fairly universal mixture containing 20% wild flowers and 80% grasses.

Question:  what % of germination is expected from a 20kg bag of seed,in ideal conditions.
Answer:  85-95%

Question:  I am a General Contractor - PM. I am looking for a product data sheet for submittal info to the owner. Spec calls for 50% Kentucky bluegrass(Poa pratensis),30% chewings red fescue(Festuca rubra variety),10% perennial ryegrass(Lolium perenne) & 10% redtop(Agrostis alba). Can you help m with this? Thank you.
Answer:  Yes, we can provide this specification. Best to contact our office directly where we can give yo a price

Question:  Minimum temperature for grass seed to germinate
Answer:  This varies from species to species, but 10 degrees C minimum ground temperatures are normally required for a sustained period of 3 to 4 weeks to develop a seedling

Question:  How long should it take for avalon velvet bentgrass to germinate and grow out to 3 inches under moderate weather conditions
Answer:  Depends what you term as moderate weather! Bent grasses normally like soil temperatures of 18-24 Degrees C to produce germination within 7-14 days. Growth up to 3 inches would take a further 3/4 weeks

Question:  Bonjour, i live in the Deux-Sevre region of France. Can you advise which grass seed is suitable for low maintenance, ie cut as few times as possible a year, drought tolerant and as good as can be at combating weeds. Guess answer is a "super grass", but in your opinion whats a good alternative. Also is it possible to have delivery in France. Many Thanks. Dave Prosser.
Answer:  What you require is a mixture of predominantly fescues, Smooth Stalked Meadow grass and some Perennial Ryegrass. Although this may not sound appropriate, take a look at our A12 Golf Fairways mix within the golf section of our products. This will provide you with the characteristics you are looking for. As for the weeds, there is no substitute to good weed control prior to seeding. Yes we can deliver to France. Please call our office for a quotation.

Question:  what is the grass spec for bowling grass
Answer:  Normally 80% Chewings Fescue : 20% Browtop Bent. Take a look at our A1 Greens mixture which meets this specification.

Question:  Hi I'm after a seed mix that will be suitable for water voles, ie grass and wildflowers if possible. This is on the banks of a shady wooded brook, that is currently bare, dotted with a few stones at the base for revetment. we will be crown lifting the trees to let more light in. It is an urban park with some disturbance.
Answer:  The most suitable mix for this would be our WFG8 woodland and hedgerow blend which is a ready to sow combination of grasses and UK Native wild flowers

Question:  We are looking for a grass seed mix that will survive in a coastal location in Orkney, which is prone to salt water spray, high winds, heavy foot traffic. Is there also a recommended fertilizing/spiking regime which could help oxyginate the grass for longer survival?
Answer:  Take a look at A21 Coastal reclamation. Sow this along with our slow release fertiliser Basatop Fair, which will provide a steady supply of nutrients over a 3 month period while the grass gets established. There are no special ground preparation requirements other than producing a normal seedbed.

Question:  How many species are contained in Amenity Mix A24?
Answer:  Four species in A24 Slender Creeping Red Fescue Chewings Fescue Perennial Ryegrass Browntop Bent

Question:  Can I seed in October?
Answer:  October is still ok to seed if the weather continues to remain mild. There is alway a risk of a rapid fall in night time temperatures and prelonged spells of wet conditions which can reduce ground temperatures considerable. On the whole grasses can be established at this time of year, but there are no guarantees

Question:  We want to plant a (too steep to mow) high bank, South West and sea facing, in Argyll, mainly fine sandy gravel. Can you recommend a slow growing, spreading ground cover - Thanks - Paul
Answer:  The difficulty will be in the initial establishment on what is likely to be a low nutrient dry soil. A blend of fescues and a small proportion of amenity perennial ryegrass for quick establishment would be your best option. Take a look ot our A4 mixture on our website which can have some perennial ryegrass added to it.

Question:  Hi i live in south west ireland & i have large gdns.I am looking for a slow release fertiliser for the winter months something that will keep the grass green & strong.You might let me know the best thing & where i may buy it many thanks John
Answer:  The best on for the autumn/winter is our Floranid NK 14-0-19. This is not listed on our website, however if you contact of sales office, we can process an order for you using a credit card.

Question:  Sorry you are bound to be sick of me asking questions at the moment but when mixing the seed with soil what is the proportion of topsoil to seed. Sorry!......... Alwyn
Answer:  What ever you want but, would suggest 25 parts soil to 1 part seed by volume

Question:  When overseeding an existing lawn after scarification is it best to put the seed on first and put on a light topdressing of soil and sand or put the seed over the soil/sand mix and lightly roll.Alwyn Reilly
Answer:  Seed first, then apply top dressing or mix the seed with your top dressing and apply the whole lot in one go

Question:  Delivery cost to gu3 3pe of one bag of A11 10kg bag of grass seed
Answer:  Prices shown on our website are inclusive of delivery. 10kg of A11 would be £71.14 total

Question:  An experienced member of my staff selected a ryegrass mix to overseed one of our greens, how do I kill the seedling, I was thinking about a selective (supertox) and a application of iron?
Answer:  If the seedlings are in an immature state, then they should be susceptible to a broad leaved herbicide. Ensure that your application is at the manufacturers recommended rate.

Question:  I have a 2 acre pony paddock that has ponies on it and it has quite a large amount of moss how can I get rid of it, and encourage the grass back?
Answer:  Poor drainage will be the main cause of the moss. You can apply sulphate of Iron to kill the moss. Check with your vet regarding grazing after application.You can purchase this via our web site www.bshamenity.com. Look under products/fertilisers and scroll down to Ferrous Sulphate.

Question:  What grass seed can I use in a hot and dry country. I need to grass a paddock for my horse.
Answer:  You would need to source local knowledge for this

Question:  IS IT OK SEED FOR GRASS NOW? THE LAND HAS JUST BEEN ROTIVATED?
Answer:  It's an ideal time to sow grass seed during September.

Question:  Not thinking about winter greenness. What cultivar would give the deepest green in summer. Strivinsky, polarstar of So-Green Thanks Alwyn Reilly
Answer:  Polstar is a dark green variety, Stravinsky not so much. So-green is a mixture rather than a straight variety and will produce a a better all round groundcover that will be more tolerant of varied soil and climatic conditions

Question:  Prices WFG15
Answer:  £70.50 per kilo + vat

Question:  Why is abernile of the so green and A26 mix not included in the STRI cultivar ratings for perennial ryegrass? Thanks Alwyn Reilly
Answer:  For a new cultivar to be listed on to the STRI list. it needs to perform as good as or better than the cultivars in the top third of the list. Abernile missed being listed by a narrow margin, and unfortunately the attributes of its unique stay green characteristic are not part of the assessment.

Question:  Germination time for timothy grass
Answer:  14-21 DAYS

Question:  Hi hope you can help.Im need to know how to prepare my exsisting lawn ready for seeeding so I can have a putting green.I dont have time to dig up my old turf so should I just kill it off and then cover the area with rootzone.Is this ok? Many thanks
Answer:  Best method is to start from scratch, but if you do not want to disturb the existing ground then yes kill off the existing vegetation.Ensure that there is no surface compaction that may lead to later drainage problems once the additional rootzone is applied.

Question:  my relatively new premum lawn suffers from red thread. Where can I buy a suitable fungicide?
Answer:  Easiest solution is to apply a nitrogen fertiliser. Take a look at out Permanent Slow Release

Question:  I work on a golf course and i was going to overseed the greens which are mainly poa and clay based with AberRoyal at 5gms per sq meter, what would you recommend for sowing this seed at such a fine rate, i will use a sarrel first to prick some holes.
Answer:  If you do not have access to seeding equipment that can deliver low seeding rates, it will help to mix the seed with your top dressing prior to spreading on the green.

Question:  What is Cross Sow grass seed
Answer:  In addition to the first drilling, a second pass is made at a right angle or offset angle to the first drilling. This enables a more even ground cover to be achieved.

Question:  How many cuts would areas sown with A22 Low maint. mix, WFG6, WFG9 and DOT Mix Grade A need a year?
Answer:  A22-4-6 cuts per year WFG9 & WFG6-2 cuts per year DOT-6-8 cuts per year

Question:  How can I improve chalky soil for lawn laying?
Answer:  Add some organic based material

Question:  can floranid slow realease fertilizers be used on cricket squares?
Answer:  Yes, Floranid would be ideal for cricket squares.Take a look at the Master Extra 19+5+10+2% Iron +Trace Elements. The Nitrogen in this is 100%slow release and will provide 8-10 weeks of feed pruducing strong steady growth rather than a flush of growth.

Question:  We want to reseed the bank of a stream that is also a public footpath.It is partially shaded and gets heavy use.I would like a seed that will generate a good root system that will bind the soil. Can you suggest a suitable mixture
Answer:  A6 Supra shade would be the solution. This mixture would provide soil stability and shade tolerance. Visit our landscaping mixtures section of site for details on this mixture

Question:  Do you sell a grass & Wild Flower Seed mixture, thanks
Answer:  Yes, we do, a full range of UK native seeds and mixture

Question:  Do you supply creeping bent grass sr1119
Answer:  Yes, we are the suppliers of SR1119 Creeping bent

Question:  Hello, I work at a fitness centre/recreational centre that hosts large events in Accra Ghana. All the grasses we have tried to grow have died either from over watering, underwatering or trampling from people who come for the events. We also have a small football pitch - futsal pitch. The grass there is dead totally.I need advice on what grasses to get for the banqueting side which has heavy traffic, the sides where ocaasionally someone might tread and of course our futsal pitch. It would be nice if it was something that is low maintainace. Secondly, how much grass seed would i need for very large lawns, side lawns and a pitch (sorry i don't have the dimmensions)and lastly could you ship it to Accra Ghana? Thanks
Answer:  It is difficult to assess why your grass keeps dying without more detail about the soil and climatic conditions. It is likely that the high summer temperatures are the problem, but with irrigation and nutrition it should be possible to maintain grass cover. For an average pitch area(7000 square metres) you will require approx 300kg of seed. Before we recommend the seed mixture, please provide more details on the maximum daytime temperatures, rainfall and soil type.

Question:  Hello, We are trying to find a grass seed that we recall being marketed as Lo gro... a low growing low maintenance grass. Do you know if this is still available or whether there is a comparable alternative? Many thanks Richard East
Answer:  Logro was a slender creeping red fescue component of A22 Low maintainance mixture. We still sell this mixture, although it has now been updated with new varieties and is a further improvemet on the old specification

Question:  Can BSH 8 Outfield Fertiliser be used to top dress a lawn, or will it scorch or damage the grass?
Answer:  BSH 8 contains only 3% nitrogen so the risk of scorching is fairly low, however during summer applications, scorch can easily occur. Your better choice would be Floranid permanent or Basatop Fair which are slow release types and can be found on our site. These pose less of a risk of scorching

Question:  Dear Sir/Madam, Please can you confirm if an application of pre-seed fertilizer is required for use with RE3 ? I understand that nutrient poor ground provides greater species diversity and inhibits weed grpowth? Regards, Anna
Answer:  We always advise that no fertiliser is to be used in the establiment of wild flowers.

Question:  Thank you so much for the Wimbledon Grass varieties. But did the actual seed come from the British Seed House. If so can I buy it?
Answer:  Yes, you can buy from BSH. Take a look at our A5 in the Sports mixtures section.

Question:  I am looking for the quickest way in which to stabilise a recently created 10 metre high x 60 metre long 45 deg bank of slightly acidic soil. What is the best seed to use
Answer:  The A3 Embankments mixture, detail of which can be found in the Landscaping mixtures of the website, would be suitable for this. It contains fescues which would be suitable for the acidic conditions. Use a seeding rate of 45g per square metre to achieve good ground cover for soil stability.

Question:  Do you supply the grass seed for Wimbledon Tennis IT LOOKS FANTASTIC if not you who does? Regards paul beer
Answer:  For this years Wimbledon, there are two of our varieties on the courts, AberElf and AberImp Perennial ryegrass. These have performed consistently well in both tennis, cricket and high quality lawns

Question:  How much seed do I need to cover 18m 32m
Answer:  20kg

Question:  Is there a grass that withstands dog pee?
Answer:  No, all grass is affected by the ammonia in the urine

Question:  My new lawn, sown in October 2007, was looking great then lots of tall stalks suddenly appeared in July. Seed mix is Bargold (Perennial Ryegrass T) 50%, Barcrown (slender creeping) 20%, Bargreen (chewing fescue) 20%, and Highland Browntop Bent 10%. Any ideas why this happened?
Answer:  This is not our grass to comment on, however it will be the perennial ryegrass which is going stalky as it is trying to produce a seed head at this time of year and if not mown tightly on a regulary basis, then this will happen.

Question:  What is the best seed for a golf green?
Answer:  It will depend on the construction and type of greens surface you want to create. We have many options. If you can provide a little more detail, we can be more specific in our recommendation

Question:  Hi im thinking about building a small putting green in my back garden not a very big one only 2.5 metres x 3 metres.Unfortunatley the area im talking about only gets the Sun from 9am through to 5pm.Im going to go through the process shaping the Sub Grade,Gravel with drainage,sand then 12" Root zone and hopefully then a good putting surface.All this going about 2 ft deep.Is there a golfing grass seed that i could use that would cope with these conditions. Many Thanks Mark
Answer:  Opt for a traditional Bent/Fescue mixture such as our A11 Golf greens mixture. It sounds like you get a reasonable amount of daylight on the area, so the growing conditions should be ok

Question:  What would the best mix to plant thorny, spikey plants to keep people off a piece of land?
Answer:  Try Gorse or Berberis

Question:  How does grass seed size and weight effect grass sward establishment
Answer:  Generally the larger the seed, the more food resource the seed has for germination. Grass establishment is however affected more so depending on species, ground temperatures and available moisture. Once germinated, sward development will be determined by nutrition and the management applied.

Question:  Short term effects of letting amenity turf to dry out
Answer:  If well established, the not too detrimental as the grass can recover, however if it is freshly laid turf that has not established its roots, then the turf could well die.

Question:  How to plant wild flowers
Answer:  We offer a manual which provides detailed information on seeding and aftercare of wild flowers. Please contact our office for a copy

Question:  How do I get rid of hay rattle
Answer:  As a semi parasitic plant that lives on the root system of grass, then it is very difficult to selectively kill this species. If you wish to remove all broad leaved weeds from a grassed area, then this is a little easier by using a broad spectrum herbicide approved from control of weeds in established grassland.

Question:  What type of grass seed would you recommend for a garden in the Languedoc region of south west France? I am trying to get something that needs little attention and can survive without being watered much. I have been told that I should use a product that it is used on golf courses. The ground was previously planted with vines.
Answer:  Take a look at our A12 Golf Fairways mixture. This may not sound suitable, but will in fact produce a very nice lawn.

Question:  we have a dispute with our local authority about our bowling greens can you tell me what part of soil to sand mixture is ideal for reseeding and returfing
Answer:  70:30 Sand to Soil

Question:  I have heard that you can force germinate grass seed using a 5 gal pail put seed in pail cover with water and let set for a day. Drain off the water and fill again. Does this help the grass start faster? Thank You.
Answer:  Yes by soaking the seed prior to seeding, you are priming it to the point of germination. It does however make it difficult to spread evenly when wet and its will not reduce the requirement for irrigation of the seedbed during dry periods to sustain seedling growth.

Question:  My dogs urinate on my lawn. It is quite a small garden so can't really keep them off it. They have turned my grass yellow in several spots will this grow back or will i have to put seed down. I am going to start giving the dogs tomato juice.
Answer:  The grass will grow back, but as a dark ring initially leaving a dead patch in the middle which may require reseeding.

Question:  I am clearing an area 50 sq mtre of rhododendron and Laurel. It is shaded under Scots Pine trees so is covered in pine needles. presumably the soil is very acid and lacks nutrition. It is quite dry. Can you recommend a grass seed?
Answer:  Please refer to our A6 Suprashade which would be ideal for this area. You are quite right that the area will be acidic and this can hinder the establisment. Make sure the area is well cultivated to relieve any compaction and apply a slow release fertiser,something like the Basatop fair as seen in our fertiliser section. Also the area may require regular watering until the grass is established enough to hold its own. Soils around the base of trees can often be very dry and low in nutrients

Question:  dear team my grass seed has germinated and the grass was a lush dark green colour i have cut the grass several times but i have noticed some patches where it has started to go a pale green almost yellow but the other is still dark green could this be due to me walking on the grass or do i have a serious problem.can i use the fertiliser that you suppiied me to give the grass a little boost or is it still to tender to feed it.i sowed the seed early april this year.many thanks jase.
Answer:  It is likely that you have a variation in soil fertility and moisture levels within the soil. It is natural to have this variation. Do not stress the grass too much by close mowing. Take the height down very gradually. The grass is a little immature at this stage to apply fertiliser. Allow it to become more established before you do this.

Question:  Where do I get Bahia Seed from in the UK
Answer:  Unlikely to be stocked in the UK as no use for it in our climate

Question:  I Wish to open an account please can you send me info as i have previously bought from you before
Answer:  Please send your address details directly to simon.taylor@bshlincoln.co.uk. We can then send you an account application.

Question:  how long does it take for grass seed to germinate
Answer:  8 to 28 days depending on species and growing conditions

Question:  What is the best grass seed for a football pitch
Answer:  A20 Ryesport will provide an excellent blend of Perennial Ryegrasses that are highly rated for their performance for football pitches

Question:  what is the best grass seed for a horse paddock
Answer:  We supply a standard Horse and Pony Paddock mixture. You can obtain the details and order directly on our website. Enter the products section/Landscaping mixtures on www.bshamenity.com

Question:  I am seeding a ditch with clay soil. Is a bag of all tall fescue seed a good choice? Or should I use a mixture of rye grass, kentucky blue grass, and fescue? And What do you recommend?
Answer:  You would be better with a mixture with some Perennial Ryegrass and creeping redfescue for both quick establisment and soil stability. Kentucky blue is good for binding the bank together but can also be very slow to establish

Question:  which type of wildflower grow best under artifical light?
Answer:  There has not been any research done on this subject

Question:  i have a patch of grass which as had flowers laid on. There is only soil there now. what can i put down to make the grass grow again
Answer:  Please visit our website www.thegrassroute.co.uk . You will find a Lawn seed called Family Lawn which should be suitable.

Question:  Could you please tell me what the germination period is for professional grass seed that I have put down on my bare patches, I have put some evergreen Lawn Soil down to cover over the seeded areas. The grass seed used, was Barunbrug Extreme this is the mixture, Bargold Perennial Ryegrass 40% Barlady Perennial Ryegrass 40% Bareuro Perennial Ryegrass 20% many thanks for your help. Its been down a week at the moment, just wanted to know if it takes longer say 2-3 weeks.
Answer:  We don't really offer a service of advising on other companies mixtures. Under ideal conditions, you should see germination within 7-15days

Question:  Which type of grass seed would you recommend for an area subjected to occasional flooding?
Answer:  A15 Reclamation mixture, however if it is for a more formal lawn area then look at A24

Question:  Grass for pine tree areas
Answer:  There are no specifuc grass mixtures for Pine tree areas, however those that tolerate acidic condition will fare best. Some soil amendment by appliying Lime is usually required to reduce the acidity and the application of a slow release fertiliser will help to feed the grass. For the seed mixture, take a look at A2 Lawns whichcan be found in the Products/Landscaping mixtures section of our website.

Question:  Hi, i thought you would like you to know that after sowing my fertiser and seed that you supplied me just in 2 weeks my grass seed germinated and is almost 2inches high.The germination blankets proved to be a real winner so a big thank you to your team for your excellent advice and service.Also a special thankyou to Matt who gave me advise over the phone.will recommend you.thank you jase.
Answer:  Thanks Jase, appreciate your comments From the the Amenity Team

Question:  Do you supply wild flower seeds
Answer:  Yes, we supply a full range UK Native mixtures. Please visit the Products/wildflowers mixture section of our site for the standard mixtures. Please contact our office if you require more detailed information.

Question:  Perennial ryegrass for racecourses
Answer:  An ideal mixture for racecourses is the 'Grade' 'A'14 which contains two hard wearing, quick recovery perennial ryegrasses 'Cadix' and 'Vesuvius'. Check the mixture out within the sports mixtures section of our site.

Question:  How long a shelf life does grass seed have?
Answer:  Depends on the conditions it is stores in, but if it has been kept cool and dry, then seed stored for 12-18th would still be viable. If subjected to heat or damp conditions, then the period can be much less.

Question:  We have a bowling green whose soil pH is 4.5 and we need to increas this to avoid moss problems. Which of your feeds are alkaline in solution so that pH can be gradually increased towards 6
Answer:  Most feeds have an acidifying effect and your pH is particularly acidic. Has there been a lot of Iron Sulphate used to kill the moss as this will certainly make things more acidic. Take a look at your surface drainage which may be poor and so encouraging the moss. A programme of aeration though hollow tineing may help with this and avoid the over use of acidifying applications.

Question:  Last year a large lawn was sown on a built up plateau. Heavy machinery has created a solid capped sub soil with 8” of clay top soil, the pH is 6.5. The area is very wet with areas of surface water. I believe my client used BSH A26 mix which is not doing very well. My client does not want to go through the expense of putting in drainage and would like to get some enjoyment from the lawn this season. Do you think it would it be worth scarifying and over sowing with your A24 mixture? Many thanks Dan
Answer:  It is likely that the area became compacted at the construction stage creating poor drainage. Scarification would not be the solution. If draininage is out of the question, then improvement through hollow tineing and back filling with a samdy rootzone will help remove surface water and allow roots to penetrate into the clay soil. There should be no reason that the A26 will not perform well if the growing conditions are right, so no need to change the mixture. Overseed with A26 after the work is completed

Question:  At what ground temperatures do bents / fescue and poa start to grow
Answer:  Best temperatures are 15-20 degrees C for these species. They will germinate in lower temperatures but it can be slow. Poa requires the upper end temperatures to germinate .

Question:  Type of grass seed grown under tree cover
Answer:  Shade tolerance is the obvious characteristic for grass to survive under tree. however grass often struggles in these growing conditions because of low nutrient levels and lack of moisture. Always provide a fertiliser in these areas to support the growth and water through the growing season. Take a look at Grade A6 Supra shade mix within our landscaping mixture section of our site as a suitable grass seed blend for shaded areas

Question:  How much grass seed do i sow for a new lawn?
Answer:  The average rate of application would be 35-50g per square metre on bare ground to create a new lawn. An lawn of 100 square metres would require 4-5 kilos

Question:  Wanting to cover a north facing bank more than 30 degrees
Answer:  Use a high seeding rate of around 45-50g per square metre,apply the A6 Suprashade mixture.

Question:  I am researching an article into the increasing use of artificial turf in professional football around the world and have been told that you know of some examples and/or case studies where the new synthetic surface did not match expectations, either financially or in terms of performance during games. I was wondering if you could send me the links or names of people to contact. Many thanks.
Answer:  Please send your e-mail address so that we can forward you this information

Question:  Vesper velvet
Answer:  British Seed Houses are the UK'S sole distributor of the variety of Vevet Bent grass. It can be purchased either as a straight variety or as part of a velvet bent blend known as Level Par

Question:  I am a Turf Student doing an experiment of germination rates and would like to know at what rate should SR1119 be applied at establishment? Thank you.
Answer:  8g per square metre

Question:  Sowed grass seed 3weeks ago no sign of grass yet has the seed died,should i reseed or wait, it has been quite cold
Answer:  Stick with it. Ground temperatures have been quite low with the recent weather conditions. You should see some germination soon as the days get warmer, hopefully!!!

Question:  how early can i put down grass seed?
Answer:  Grass seed can be sown any time from now onward. We advice sowing as early in Spring as possible providing the seed bed can be prepared without causing soil smearing and compaction. In this way, the seed is taking on moisture and is primed to germinate as soon as ground temperature rise.

Question:  Regarding Zeba Smartpacks - does it contain any microrhizomes? I would be interested in this product for planting woodland and parkland trees - would it be suitable? Regards, catherine
Answer:  Zeba doesn't contain any microrhizae. It acts as a very effective totally biodegradable water reservoir for 12-18 months. The product hold 400times its weight in water and releases 95% of that back to the plant. If you would like to discuss its use in more detail, please contact our office on 01522 868714

Question:  hi,you have sent me some seed A24 and fertiliser how much fertiliser per sq metre should i use and the same with the seed.also i have been preparing the soil for several weeks but it seems that the surface has hardened of quite a bit.how soft should it be because i'm worried that the new seedling with struggle to penetrate the soil.many thanks jason.
Answer:  Apply your seed at 35g per square metre and fertiliser at 50g. Loosen up the surface with a rake to break up any surface compaction prior to seeding. The seed and fertiliser can go down all at the same time.

Question:  Can you help with A level Biology coursework, please? What is the effect of acid/alkali on seed germination? Thanks Angharad le Duc
Answer:  Generally, germination is inhibited in soils of below ph4 and can also be affected at the upper end of the scale in terms of high alkalinity. There is also variation from species to species depending on the habitat they are found in. It's not so much the effects on germination that are the problem, but more so the effect of seedling development due to the locking up of vital nutrients because of the extremes of Ph

Question:  We laid a new lawn last year and looks like the builders used soil that had Bluebell bulbs. Now they are starting to sprout up in the lawn - any danger of leaving them in? Any good way of removing?
Answer:  No problem leaving them in. If you make an early cut to your lawn, then they'll not develop. If you wish to remove, then digging up is the best option.

Question:  Can you recommend a suitable grass seed mix for an acid pH range 4.7-6.0? The end use is for small areas of new grass areas within courtyards and banks to courtyard gardens in a park setting in the Birmingham area of the uk. High potential overrun by people although paths are in between the grass areas. Many thanks Linda Krelle
Answer:  Dear Linda, this site sound particularly acidic and whilst we can provide a seed mixture for this, its growth may be restricted due to nutritional problems induced by the acidity. Our recommendation would be to go for a predominantly Fescue based seed mixture which a proportion of perennial ryegrass. Take a look at our A16 mixture in Products/Landscaping mixtures. We can add a proprtion of Perennial ryegrass to this mixture. Also you will need to consider applying fertiliser. One of our slow release types such as Basatop Fair would be suitable for this.

Question:  I need to seed a small area that has recently been levelled in order to use it in early July for a marquee. Which grass seed do you recommend for the best chances of getting it established in this time frame. The soil is slightly alkaline and North facing. Also what fertiliser/ dressing should be used and what at what rate per sq. metre ? Many thanks Doug Fisher
Answer:  Thanks Doug for your enquiry. We would suggest using the A20 Ryesport mixture for quick establishment. Sow at 30g per square metre .We supply this is minimum 10kg bags which would be an ample amount for your area. For the fertiliser, apply our Floranid Permanent fertiliser at 40g per square metre. This is supplied in 25kg bags. Both of these can be purchased directly from our site, or if you prefer, call our office where we can process a credit card transaction.

Question:  Sedum grass seed, is it correct that it is very short in growth? We are considering to use it on a grave in stead of stone and gravel infill. Therefore only a small quantity would be needed, whats the recommended amount to be able to cover the area that a grave occupies, and what would it cost to be supplied to an address in Truro, Cornwall?
Answer:  Sedum from seed is notoriously slow to establish. Your best option would be to ask at a local garden centre to obtain as plants and establish the grave area in that way. Alternatively, there are things line chamomile which can be used to create a low growing herbacious lawn

Question:  How is it best to sow pure bent seed into an old traditional push up golf green and what time of year is best.
Answer:  Best method is to use something like the Graden to remove a possible thatch layer. The most important thing is to get soil contact to enable germination. Seeding in late summer/autumn is usually best before ground temperature start to fall and mowing heights become a little more relaxed. If you require further information, please contact our office from which we can supply you with a leaflet on methods of overseeding bent grasses.

Question:  New house / garden shallow soil waterlogged in winter lots of moss at present suggest grass seed please thanks
Answer:  It's always best to sort the drainage problem first as any seed mixture will not be a solution to these conditions. Take a look at our A24 mixture which would provide the most durable mixture under these conditions

Question:  Croquet lawn
Answer:  A2 Lawns mixture found within the products/landsscaping section is ideal for croquet lawns

Question:  Would like to replace a area of 6400² of chalk with a good quality sand /soil mix what can you recommend. At a depth of 100mm
Answer:  Source a local sand and loam supplier as the quantity you require is quite large. As a Company, we don't supply the soil, but can prodive a suitable seed mixture once you have completed the ground works.

Question:  Hi Professionals, could I please have some help? I have been stupid, and overfertilised my new turf. I laid it in November, and over fertilised in February. Some of the bare patches are coming back slowly. Would it help to have some professional top quality grass seed from you, to put down on the thiner patches or should I get the same grass seed as the turf. Very sorry I should have known better. I do love grass so much, and I go and do this. Is there a learning course I could take on grass. Thanks for all your help. Leslie Hooker
Answer:  Firstly, find out what the turf was originally made up from as in the percentage of Perennial Ryegrass, Slender Creeping red fescue, Smooth stalked meadow grass. We can then match a seed mixture to your lawn to fill in the bare patches. There will be a contrast in colour for a while till the new grass matures and blends in with the existing turf.

Question:  How do i know my plant is sick or healthy?
Answer:  Any plant that is sick will show signs of stress and lack of growth. The signs are usually discolaration of the leaves, normally yellow, but can be brown or shades of purple.

Question:  What are the basic conditions for a seed to germinate?
Answer:  For most species of grass to germinate, ground temperatures of 10 degrees C plus and adequate ground moisture for 2-3 weeks are required.

Question:  Will timothy grass withstand standing water
Answer:  Timothy does survive better than many other grasses with its feet in water occassionally

Question:  My village Westcott in Surrey is entering a cometition called "Westcott in bloom". I am trying to encourage biodiversity in the village and would like the children at our school and cricket club to plant a meadow to encourage wildlife. Would you consider giving us a discount on the meadow seed to help us get started with this project? I would of course make sure that your company was given full credit for any help. Thank you Emma Cathro
Answer:  Please give me a call to discuss 01522 868714 Simon Taylor

Question:  Can i cover my grass seed with plastic due to cold temperatures
Answer:  Yes, the ground can be covered by a sheet to increase the ground temperature, but rather than a plastic sheet, it is better using a breathable germination blanket as plastic can create seeding disease due to the high humidity created. If you visit our site www.thegrassroute.co.uk, you can purchase germination blankets suitable for this use.

Question:  Can I obtain a mixture of Aberelf and Aberimp grass seed from you for my garden. I understand that this is the mixture used at Wimbledon. My garden is approx. 90 ft X 40ft
Answer:  You can purchase our A5 Tennis/Cricket mixture which contains the varieties you need. A 20kg bag will be sufficient. You can purchase directly on-line.

Question:  Could you recommend seed mixture for a top football pitch? Including the species and cultivars in the mixture? Thank you very much Terry Cash
Answer:  Please see our A20 Ryesport as used at Southampton Product Code: A 20 A four-rye blend for all round performance. Provides rapid establishment, wear tolerance and great winter colour. An ideal mixture for overseeding sportsgrounds. Mixture - A20 Cadix 30% Gallius 30% Lucius 20% Vesuvius 20%

Question:  I am looking for optimum grass seed mix for rugby pitches. One pitch is used every day or evening Whilst main pitch is used only once on Sat & once on sundays. Training pitch takes regular "beating!" whilst 1st team pitch is used only at weekend. Good sandstone base beneath 12 -24 ins of soil. I need to compare prices from numerous sources. Can you help with recommended seed type mix.tec. Thank you Richard Smith Caldy RFC grounds chairman.
Answer:  Richard, Our Grade A20 Ryesport mixture would be ideal for you. Please call Simon Taylor on 01522 868714 for further details and pricing.

Question:  I heard it is possible to grow miniature Alpine flowers in a lawn. If so, Where could I get seeds and what varieties would be recommended. Thanks
Answer:  Not something we can supply sorry. We only supply UK Native wild flower seed.

Question:  What grass seed is suitable for rocky/clay soil that is frost and drought tolerant (in Italy)
Answer:  The type of seed will depend on what altitude you are at. A mixture which contains fescues would be best. species such as Chewings, Slender, and Creeping red fescue would be more suitable for these conditions.

Question:  What's the best grass species to use for seeding a new golf tee?
Answer:  A10 Golf Tees which can be found in the Products/golf mixtures section of our site.

Question:  Im looking for a grass seed mix for a communal garden lawn to be built on a car park roof. Needs to be drought tolerant. Its in Northern Ireland and we've been asked to use as many native species as possible. Can you suggest a mix?
Answer:  The species within our A12 may not be native, but would provide the the characteristic required from such a lawn area. The A12 is used for gold fairways but is quite suitable for your needs. Take a look in products/gold mixtures for details on the mixture

Question:  When can i use grass after it is seeded
Answer:  Normally 3-4 months, but it depends on the rate of establisment relating to the weather conditions

Question:  I cant get any germination from seed on my cricket wicket block, planted 6 weeks ago and no sign of any grass.did scrafiy
Answer:  Ground Temperatures are too low and day lengths too short. Now its is coming into March, you should see establishment soon

Question:  I have a fenced in backyard. We have 2 dogs and they run all day. What type of grass will hold up to dogs, dry weather, traffic when wet and poop.
Answer:  A24 Wear and Tear is about you best bet for the wear and drought tolerance, although as with any grass it would not be urine tolerant

Question:  Which seed has the best salt tolerance for golf course greens?
Answer:  Take a look at A11 Golf Greens which has a high percentage of Slender Creeping Red fescue which has a good tolerance to salt.

Question:  What is the best grass seed for a driving range?
Answer:  A9 Outfield mixture (products section/sports mixtures) would be the most suitable as this will provide good wear tolerance against the ball collecting machine. We've used this mixture for many similar developments.

Question:  I have an entrance to a subdivision that has very sandy soil that will not be watered on a consistant basis. What is the best type grass seed to place in the sand, how do I put it down, and how much? thanks, Doug
Answer:  Take a look at A12 in our products/golf section. Although for golf fairways, this mixture would be drought tolerant and suitable for producing a lawn area.Your area will require cultivating to produce a seedbed. Sow this as soon as you can at 50g per square metre before conditions become too dry later in the spring.

Question:  I have a backgarden which is mainly clay but also has chalky areas. I wsih to grow a luxury lawn here, the Lawn Expert Book recommends Browntop Bents. What would you recommend? John Blagg
Answer:  Browntop bents will take too much looking after for a domestic lawn. Yoy are best to go for a combination of Chewings and Slender Creeping red fescue combined with bent. This is a traditional gold greens mix. Take a look at A11 greens in our product s/golf section

Question:  I am planning on sowing grass seed on sloping north facing ground with chalk soil in Surrey. The soil is several feet deep. I have rotovated, raked etc. What seed mix would you recommend for: lawn? steep bank with bushes and small trees? wildflower area? Will it be ok to sow the seed at the end of February or should I wait? Thanks, Al
Answer:  For the lawn area, we would recommend the A6 Supra Shade mixture which will provide both soil stability and shade tolerance. For a wild flower area, then RE4 would suit your location and soil type.

Question:  Can you supply detail/prices for your Horse Paddock mix.
Answer:  Horse Paddock is available to purchase on-line from our site at £49.00 per acre and is made up of the following Respect Perennial Ryegrass 44% Herald Creeping Red Fescue 16% Scots Timothy 8% Rossa Meadow Fescue 8% Foxtrot Perennial Ryegrass 24%

Question:  I have a 2 Acre Horse/Pony Paddock, with currently 2 miniature Shetland Ponies, 1 12 years old Pony and a 26 year old Horse. We are looking to do some re-seeding this year. Around their field shelters and water buckets suffer badly from poaching in the winter, and there is an area which is permanently in the shade. What do you suggest ?
Answer:  We offer a Horse Paddock mix within our range but like most grasses, they will always grow better in an open well drained field. Yes, you can re-seed but it will not solve the poaching in this area. Our advice would be to move the shelter and water buckets to an area of the field which is not shaded. In that way the grass in the non shaded area will have more capability of resisting the poaching.

Question:  Grass seed mix for backgarden
Answer:  Please visit our domestic user site www.thegrassroute.co.uk. Select either the Family Lawn or A19 mixture.

Question:  I am proposing to use WGF8 mix. Would you recommend that this is sown into subsoil or would topsoil be more/less suitable?
Answer:  Subsoil is more often more suitable due to the lower nutrient levels however good seedbed preparartion is always important to assist with establishment. Top soils can be used, but be aware that they tend to carry a weed seed bank of soil bourne weed seeds that can prove troublesome later. If using topsoil, then try to allow for a green-up period of the weedseeds and kill theseprior to seeding the WFG8

Question:  hi,i'm preparing my soil for sowing grass seed the soil has good drainage and has some sand content.the plot is open to sunlight allday being south facing.i dont mind cutting grass often as i like to have a green lush lawn.what grass seed would you recommend to create my perfect lawn.there will be some traffic on it because of my two kids.would i also need to fertilise the soil first before i sow the seed.if i do please could you recommend a suitable one for me.many thanks jason.p.s your site has alresdy been very helpful.
Answer:  Hi Jason, we would suggest you use the A24 wear&Tear mixture which will provide you with a high quality hard wearing surface. It will help with establishment if you do use a pre-seed fertiliser. Use the BSH 1 6-9-6 for this. If you have any problems locating these on our site, the please call our office on 01522 868714.

Question:  Please could you tell me how large are your germination sheets?
Answer:  20 square metres

Question:  I have a site covered in 600mm depth of hardcore to be 'greened'. What minimum depth of topsoil do you advise, together with a suitable mix. Would legume and clover mix be cheaper?
Answer:  100mm of top soil should be sufficient. The mixture you use will depend on the end application. Legumes and clovers can be ok, but will not produce the most practical of ground covers. Take a look at our A15 Reclamation mixture in the landscaping section which combines both grass and clover.

Question:  Delivery charge
Answer:  All prices quoted on our site are delivered UK mainland

Question:  How do i get rid of moss in my bowling green?
Answer:  You can either mechanically scarify out the moss or apply sulphate of Iron. After any of these processes, apply seed to ensure a tight cover of grass in maintained. The long term aim should be to improve surface drainage to prevent the moss establishing

Question:  Shipment cost of 1000kg of seeds to West Africa (Ghana)
Answer:  Please provide more details on your requirement

Question:  When can I sow down grass seed
Answer:  March onward is the ideal time, but always cultivate your soil in good conditions that minimise smearing and compaction.

Question:  Are your seeds coated with anything?
Answer:  We do not coat our seed as standard

Question:  whats the minimal temperature that grass and clover can grow at?
Answer:  7-10 degrees centigrade

Question:  Delivery charges
Answer:  All prices quoted on our site are delivered UK mainland

Question:  I have been asked to improve a lawn on poorly drained soil where the householders three large dogs have almost completely destroyed about two thirds of the lawn. I plan to suggest that i hollow tine and top-dress early in the spring (normally an autumn job but they want to get the lawn established asap) and then re-seed the entire lawn.Do you agree that this would be the best way, which of your seed mixtures would you recommend & do your prices include vat / delivery?. thanks.
Answer:  The hollow tineing will help providing the top dressing is one of predominantly sand. The best mixture for this application is our 'A24 Wear and Tear' mixture which is supplied in 20kg bags @£81.50 per 20kg inclusive of VAT and delivery.

Question:  What to do about rain causing flooding and a lot of mud in horse paddock?
Answer:  First and foremost, sort out the drainage problem before considering improving the grass.

Question:  Suitable seed mix for seeding football pitch
Answer:  Try A20 Ryesport as seen in the product section/Sports mixtures

Question:  What grass do you recommend for woodland area with several trees, ditches, and banks?
Answer:  Please refer to our mixture A6 Shade in the Products/Landscaping mixtures section of our site. This offers good shade tolerance.

Question:  What is your minimum order value.
Answer:  £50.00

Question:  Your horse paddock mixture, is it okay for ponies that prone to laminitis. Also when best to use fertliser horse paddocks
Answer:  Yes, our mixture would be suitable however spring grass is often high in nutrients and grows rapidly. Therefore grazing may need to be restricted at this time.Avoid applying high nitrogen fertilisers into the spring which will cause lush abundant growth. It is difficult for to estimate the volume of grass ta horses ingests and, quite often, it is more than required which may result in bloating and weight problems. This in turn could increase the risk of the onset of Laminitis. Prompt action may help reduce the severity of this painful condition. If you suspect your pony may be suffering with Laminitis, you should contact your veterinary surgeon immediately.

Question:  We are looking at putting a 'living green' roof on our flat felt roofed garage. It isnt strong enough to support soil, so we've been looking at a sedum system. These have a plastic drainage layer at the base, a filtration mat, about 40mm of rooting medium which is like coir matt I believe, onto which you lay a sedum blanket. But these are not really what we want. Is there any grass seed mix that would survive on a 40mm rooting medium. It wouldnt matter if it went white and dry during the summer months, infact that would be brilliant. Have you got any suggestions please? Thanks, Chris O'Neill
Answer:  Many thanks for you enquiry Chris. We have supplied many similar projects on which our A16 Country park mixture has always done well. We now also recommend using the ZEBA moisture granules in the soil profile to help retain extra moisture to support the roof vegetation. All these products can be found on our site. Any problems, then please do call our office directly on 01522 868714.

Question:  I'm after seed for a large garden on clay that gets frequently flooded. The standing water soaks away after a couple of hours, but the soil remains sticky for a few days. Cheers
Answer:  We can only advise that you sort the drainage problem first as this will affect the performance of any grass growth.

Question:  I own 11 acres and want to put my own driving range in. What's a good soil preparation, and grass seed to build a tee box?
Answer:  What ever area you are seeding, it is always best to have a free draining soil which has good structure and fertility. For a tee box, please refer to our A10 Golf tees mixture on our site. That will provide you with a hard wearing, quick recovery mixture from divots. If you need to seed the actual range, then we have used A7 or A9 for this type of application in the past.

Question:  Does grass flower
Answer:  Yes, grass does flower. not that you would see evidence of this unless close up to the developing seeding head.

Question:  I'm looking for a Sports Field mix that will do well in a salt marsh area.
Answer:  This presents a bit of a challenge. It will depend on how saline your soil is. Ideally you need to select a Sports perennial ryegrass type mixture such as our A20 Ryesport as seen via our site in products/Sports mixtures. The long term performance will be linked to how well the grass can grow and recover in your given conditions. The sportsfield will require fertilising. Ensure that you use low salt content types. Ones of a slow release form would be best for this such as the Floranid Permanent which can be found in the Fertilisers section of our site.

Question:  Which of your products would be most suitable to create a croquet lawn. Many thanks
Answer:  Take a look at A2 lawns mixture within the products/Landscape mixtures section of our site. This will give you a fine textured lawn that can be mown closely if required. As this is an all-fescue mixture, ongoing moss management may be required if the area is prone to this.

Question:  What kind of grass is appropriate for extremely heavy traffic areas that flood easy. The water doesnt sit long once it rains but the ground stays very mushy for days.
Answer:  Go for a predominantly perennial ryegrass based mixture. Please refer to our A9 Outfield mixture via the site 'products/Sports mixtures.

Question:  poa supina?
Answer:  SupraNova Poa Supina is available from BSH as an individual species or as an addition to some of our selected Grade A mixtures

Question:  I have a paddock which has an area which is very wet and water lieas on it. Can you recommend a suitable, hardy grass which can withstand the lying water?
Answer:  Your best solution is to improve the drainage. This will improve the ground cover and general performance of what ever mixture you choose to use. We offer a standard Horse Paddock mixture for this type of application.

Question:  We are looking to replace aold tarmac tennis court with a grassed area to enable football training/pitches to be developed. It will entail 9inches of top soil being brought to site. Could you advise what grass seed would be suitable for this area which will be used by all ages on a regular basis. Can you also provide us with an estimate of the quantity of seed we will need and the cost involved.
Answer:  The best mixture for this would be our A7 sportground mixture. For a tennis court and surrounds you will require approx 20kg of seed, plus 50 kg of pre-seed fertiliser. In total this will cost approx £145.

Question:  I have around a mile a fairly steep Thames bank that has been allowed to overgrow. we have cut it back and would like to plant a mix of grass seed that you would expect to see in such an area. It is a mixture of shade with a slightly clay soil.
Answer:  Please refer to our seed mixture A6 SHADE on our web site. This can be found under mixtures/landscaping

Question:  What is timothy-grass used for?
Answer:  Mostly used in agriculture as a traditional component of hay mixtures. It was used for lawns 30 years ago, but not so attractive. It can be useful in areas which are wet.

Question:  what is selfheal
Answer:  A purple flowering perennial braod leaved weed

Question:  Describe the name of grass used on cricket wickets
Answer:  A5 Cricket mixture has earned its self a reputation for producing excellent cricket wickets. The combination of fine leaved perennial ryegrasses that tolerate close mowing and recover quickly are ideal for use in cricket. The details of A5 can be found on our website within the products section/sports mixtures, or in our downloadable sports catalogue at the top of the home page.

Question:  I need to sow area under a very big tree in Scotland. Which of your mixes is the best for that? Thank you.
Answer:  Take a look at A6 Supra Shade in the Products/Landscaping mixtures section of our website.

Question:  Can you advice me which of your grass mixes is suitable for housing areas please?
Answer:  Please see our seed mixture A19 or for areas requiring extra durability A24. Both of these mixtures can be found in the Products/Landscaping mixtures section of our website.

Question:  How could you reduce water requirements without reducing quality of the sward?
Answer:  This will be very much depend on what soil type, climate and grass species you are using. Good water management starts with applying when there is minimised risk of excessive evapotranspiration, so watering in the mornings and evenings is best. Also the choice of grass will affect the amount of water required to sustain a good quality sward. Perennial ryegrasses will require more water than fescues. Finally, soil type is a huge factor. How well can your soil retain moisture. Low organic matter soils with high sand contents will not be good at retaining ground moisure.

Question:  what temperature will grass seed grow at
Answer:  Generally most grasses will grow above 10 degrees C

Question:  Can you advise which of your mixes is suitable for motorway ditch banks please asap.
Answer:  A18 Road verge mixture as seen in the productions section/Landscaping mixtures

Question:  Your mix A18 does not add up to 100% - is there a species missing or should the percentage of one of the speceis be increased. Please clarify asap.
Answer:  10% Highland Bent was missing. This has now been amended. Thank you for bringing this to our attention

Question:  Currently Im working on reclamation site in Scotland. Site needs to be used by farmers. What kind of mixture would be the best for that?
Answer:  Please refer to our mixture A25 Meadow Ley which is ideal for agricultural reinstatement of permanent pastures for grazing farm stock. You can find the details of the mixture on our site on the products tab/Landscaping mixtures.

Question:  What is your slowest growing grass.
Answer:  If you are looking for a perennial ryegrass based mixture, then A22 Low Maintenance is the lowest maintenance mixture of its type in the market. If you opt for an all fescue option, then A4 Parkland for landscaping areas, or A2 for more formal lawns.

Question:  I need to sow a golf green, in south west England, high in clay texture, high pH levels and rainfall. In a shaded area, what mix would I use.
Answer:  These are not the easiest conditions in which to produce a good greens. First of all, ensure that the drainage is good to prevent waterlogging. Your on going maintenance will require regular aeration by hollow tineing to develop good rooting. Also, as the area is in shade, there will be a tendancy for moss to develop which will also require control. Opt for our mixture A1 Green which is a blend of bents and fescues for a more tradition type greens mixture.

Question:  How does an acid soil affect plant growth
Answer:  There's enough information to write a book on this subject. In short plant growth is dependant on many factors. Extremes of acidity will make some essential nutrients unavailable to the plant.

Question:  what is duchess good for
Answer:  Duchess was an Agrostis capillaris used for golf greens. The cultivar has now been superseeded by AberRoyal

Question:  what are the short term effects of allowing waterlogging to occur on amenity turf?
Answer:  Not a huge problem if only waterlogged for a few days. Generally the effect will be to cause denitrofication which will leave the turf looking yellow. This can easily rectified through the application of fertiliser.

Question:  how long will grass seed take to germinate ie bent grass and fescues and smooth stalked meadow grass it for my nvq at collage if you can help thanks
Answer:  In normal growing conditions, which is ground temperatures above 10 centigrade and sufficient moisture:- Bent grass 8-14 days Fescues 10-14 days Smooth stalks 18-26 days Perennial Ryegrass 7-10 days

Question:  Just put down grass seed at the end of October, expecting some germination. If it gets too cold, will the grass seed that is outside now (late October) germinate in the spring? Does seed have a life span after it's laid out? If I see some germinination will it last through the winter?
Answer:  Generally, grass seed that has not germinated in autumn will not last through the winter and remain viable for the spring. Anything that does germinate will however overwinter ok.

Question:  Could you tell me what seed mix i would need to oversow a lawn where Rye Sport turfs were used.
Answer:  Check out our A24 Wear and Tear mixture in the Landscaping section of products on our site. This will provide you with an excellent lawn quality that is hard wearing and compatible with sports ryegrasses.

Question:  Hello,ive read somewhere about roundup ready creeping bentgrass,is this for the near future?,Is iron sulfate a good worm control & where can i get it from? Regards.
Answer:  Roundup ready bents are more widely available in the States, however there are environmental issues in using them. For worms, then iron sulphate will increase the soil acidity which the worms do not like. Try a local horticultural suppliers or DIY store who may be able to help you with this.

Question:  I was wondering if you could sent me the Data sheet on Browtop Bent cultivar Duchess. as i could not find it on your website. thank you.
Answer:  We no longer handle Duchess bent. It has been superseeded with AberRoyal

Question:  A16 specification
Answer:  Please visit our site and enter the products tab/Landscaping mixtures. You can find the full specification there.

Question:  We have tried unsuccessfully to grown a lawn on our south facing bank in Devon. Water runs straight off the bank and is also near to woodland which appears to sap any moisture and nutrients. We wonder if the grass commonly grown in Spain & Portugal would be suitable. Not sure if it is frost tolerant. Think it is called Grama. Do you sell it/something similar? Thank you
Answer:  We don't sell this particular species, however there are species more suited to our conditions than using Grama. A seed mixture containing perennial ryegrass for quick establishment, combined with fescues and smooth stalked meadow grasses will be suitable. Take a look at our A18 mixture in the products/landscaping section of our site. Although the name of the mixture may not sound right for your application, it will give you the properties you need for your site.

Question:  What temperature does grass need to germinate?
Answer:  Generally most grasses will germinate in sustained soil temperatures above 10 degrees C

Question:  Hi there,if i use peat as part of my top dress mix will that help keep worms away as it will be increasing acidity?Is there a certain month during autumn/winter you can top dress up to or can you light top dress throughout as long as its mild enough?Which of your BSH fertiliser's do i need for velvet bent during spring/summer?,and how often do i need to feed.With other types of grass ive fed every 6 weeks but velvet's a little different.Thank you.
Answer:  It would take a considerable amount of peat top dressing to sustantially change the acidity and to be effective. It really needs to be incorporated into the soil profile. Best way is to apply iron sulphate once the grass is mature in the Spring For fertilise, apply the our Floranid Eagle slow release fertiliser. Its not on the site yet, but will be for the spring. This will give you a controlled feed for 2-4 months depending on the weather.

Question:  How does salt affect the growth of rye grass seeds?
Answer:  Soils having high salt contents will cause stress within perennial ryegrass through the restriction of available nutrients and moisture.

Question:  hello,my 16 day old velvet bent lawn seems to be romping away now after the rain's last week I thought had ruined the seed bed.The height of growth ranges from newly germinated seedlings to 1/4''to 1/2'' to 1''.The ground at the moment is reasonably dry,when should i do my 1st cut and what height?,i have a new petrol cylinder 14''with 10 blades,i'm just a bit worried the roller on the mower will damage the very thin tender blades of velvet.Should i do a light top dressing in a week or 2 in aide to esstablishing the turf canopy?also do i need to feed?many thanks once again.
Answer:  Give your seedlings a couple more weeks to establish more of a root system before cutting to prevent them being ripped out of the seedbed by the mower. Let the average height get to approx 1.5 inches, and than mow back to 1 inch. Any further cuts thsi autumn/Winter will depend on how mild it is. Future cuts should be progressively lower as the grass matures. Avoid feeding until spring and when you do feed, only apply little and often using a low nitrogen analysis fertiliser.

Question:  Hi there,please HELP,firstly thanks for the response regarding the question about germination time for velvet bent for this time of year.But all the rain we had in the week has totally wreaked the seed bed i fear,even though i rolled the seed bed to push the fine v,bent seed into the ground ,it rained so much that the ground puddled and washed quite a lot of seed into slight depressions even though the bed is quite level,the seed was sown 11 days ago,what do you advise i should do next?thanks. ps.this site is great.
Answer:  Best to let it run its course with what you have now and avoid disturbing the ground. If you find that there are areas which a a bit thin come Spring, then you can overseed then and also top dress with a sand/soil mix to to level out any hollows.

Question:  Which of your products do you recomend I use for seeding a 5 a side football pitch at the end of the garden? We are in West sussex on clay and the soil does not drain well. I want the pitch to meld into the end of the Garden. I was thinking of A7 or A20. What would you suggest?
Answer:  Thankyou for your enquiry. To blend into a domestic garden, but have the durability for playing soccer on, then go for the A24 Wear and Tear mixture. This will be adaptable to either close mowing, or left longer for footnball.

Question:  Hello,i seeded a vesper velvet bent lawn 8 days ago, 30.9.07,how long do you think it will take to germinate this time of year?its been very mild since i set it,i'm keeping the ground moist but not wet.Many thanks.
Answer:  You should see germination between 10-14 day providing we do not get any adverse weather.

Question:  Above what temperature does grass grow?
Answer:  Generally most grasses will grow above 10 degrees C

Question:  How much grass seed do i need per acre
Answer:  It depends on the end use and soil conditions. Generally for amenity areas and average rate of 140kg/acre is used

Question:  What is the origin/history of the term "Vesper Velvet" bent grass? It is my understanding that in the 1950s,a noted Massachusetts greenskeeper, Manuel Francis, developed/refined this variety grass while he was he was the course superintendent at Vesper Country Club in Tyngsboro, MA. Hence, the "Vesper Velvet" appelation. Any information on the subject is much appreciated. Thank you.
Answer:  The original Vesper was a vegetative velvet developed by Manuel Francis on the Vesper Country Club, one of the oldest courses in the united States. It was used extensively in New England as a vegetative bentgrass since no seed of velvet was available for many years. The seeded Vesper is not related to this. There are still some greens in New England that are this original Vesper.

Question:  I need a fungicide to be used as a preventative disease measure for a new velvet bent lawn,what do you recommend and where can i get it?col from Donny.
Answer:  Please advise us what disease you are talking about

Question:  Can you recommend a shade tolerant seed mix suitable for a well used park ?
Answer:  We would suggest you use our A6 Shade mixture with the inclusion of 20% Perennial ryegrass to give it added wear tolerance. Please visit our products section/Landscape mixtures

Question:  Hi, can you please describe the influences of soil type, aspect and use on grass seed rates. Thanks
Answer:  The siimple rule to seeding rates is 35g per square metre. If conditions are adverse such as north facing, or poors soil, then rates should be increased by 15-25%.

Question:  What is meant by A4 Golf Green Grass.
Answer:  A4 is a variety of Creeping bents grass

Question:  What seed mix shall I use to overseed a grass tennis court in Kidderminster
Answer:  Please look at our A5 mixture in the products section/sports mixtures. Two varieties in this mixture are used at Wimbledon.

Question:  Can you recommend grass mix for very calcareous land
Answer:  20% Crested Dogstail 40% Sheeps Fescue 5% Smooth Stalked Meadow Grass 15% Slender Creeping Red Fescue 20% Perennial Ryegrass

Question:  How much grass seed is needed for 1 acre of land
Answer:  It all depends on its end use. If it is a horse paddock you are establishing, then 13kg per acre will be sufficient. If it is a lawn area, then 140kg is required.

Question:  Why would someone apply a 14.4.4 this time of year, as i was under the impression Nitrogen isn't usually applied this time of year
Answer:  Correct, it is always best to apply a low N analysis at this time of year. What you are looking for is strong healthy growth to go through the winter with rather than soft lush growth that will be prone to disease.

Question:  what type of soil does timothy grass grow the quickest in?
Answer:  Timothy can be found on a wide range of soils, however due to its shallow rooting its is best suited to heavier moist soils to sustain good growth.

Question:  What type of soil is needed for a rugby pitch
Answer:  Like any sports pitch, a free draining soil structure is required to prevent surface water and produce optimum growth for the grass. Stone free soils with a a relatively high sand content of medium to coarse grains would be most suitable.

Question:  what part of the plant could be considered the highway for getting water and nutrients to the leaves
Answer:  The Xylem transport tissue found in vascular plants, whose main function is to conduct water and dissolved mineral nutrients from the roots to other parts of the plant.

Question:  Can i sow grass seed later than september?
Answer:  Usually no problem sowing well into october, but as it gets later the establishment will be slower. So long as we are not getting regular ground frosts or a long period of waterlogging which cools the ground down at this time of year, then you will be fine to seed.

Question:  Can you recommend a grass mix for river bank stabilisation.
Answer:  Grade A3 Embankments Mixture will be ideal for this. The mixture specification can be found in the products section/Landscaping mixtures.

Question:  What temperature does grass need to grow?
Answer:  There is temperature required for germination, and temperature to keep grass growing. For germination this will vary on the species, but normally is within the range of 10-18 Degrees Celcius. Once established, most grasses will grow at an optimum rate between 16-22 degrees. They will grow either side on this, but at a reduced rate.

Question:  what is 'grade'A'?
Answer:  Grade 'a' is the British Seed Houses brand name given to its Amenity Seed Mixture range.

Question:  What do I need to grow lawn/sport turf
Answer:  We would suggest you look at A7 in the products section under sportsground mixtures. This will provide a very hard wearing lawn, but with the characteristics on a lawn mixture that gives dense ground cover.

Question:  what is the best grass seed for a horse paddock
Answer:  The best grass to use is a blend of agricultural grasses which you will find in our Horse and Pony Paddock mixture in the product section of our website.

Question:  What would be a premium golf greenmix?
Answer:  A11 Golf Greens contains Slender Creeping Red Fescue,Chewings fescue and Browntop bent. This combination will provide the base for producing an excellent greens surface. The mixture can be found on the site under products/Golf mixtures.

Question:  what is the best specie of grass for a football pitch
Answer:  Pyrennial ryegrass is the best species to use for a football pitch due to its wear tolerance. We have a sports pitch mixture called A20 which is a blend of four ryegrasses and can be found in our product range.

Question:  Hi I'm making a putting green in my garden in france 50mm of topsoil on clay high rainfall similar to Cornwall Please advise low maintenance seed when and how to plant
Answer:  Take a look at our A11 Greens mixture within our products section. Sow as soon as you can this autumn to ensure establishment before winter. The key to a good putting green will be in the ground preparation. Getting you levels right and ensuring it is weed free will stand you in good stead later.

Question:  Where do your wild flower seeds come from?
Answer:  All our wildflower seed used in our mixtures is of UK Native origin

Question:  HI I'm thinking of building my own putting green. I've cleared the area but I will need to use a new seed. Do I need to kill the current grass that's there and if so how? and will this affect the new seed
Answer:  Ideally you need to kill all the existing grass so that you can establish grasses such as bents and fescues that will be suitable for creating a greens surface. There are a number of weed killers on the market that you can use to kill the grass. Please consult your nearest garden centre or horticultural supplier who will be able to advise you on the correct product to use.

Question:  Is rye grass tolorent of drought?
Answer:  Ryegrass is drought tolerant. It will show the signs of stress like any other grass, however the root system of ryegrass will regenerate grass cover even after periods of summer droughting and burning off.

Question:  which grasses are drought tolorent?
Answer:  Smooth Stalked Meadow Grass Slender Creeping Red Fescue Tall fescue

Question:  Can you recommend a Wild flower mix for a steep hillside in Sparrowpit Village in the Peak National Park? We have carried out a contract here and would welcome your recommendation.
Answer:  Are we right in thinking that the soil of that areas is generally derived from a limestone bedrock. If this is the case, then oor RE6 Upland Limestone mixture would be suitable. The details of this can be found on the website within the products section/Wildflowers. If you require further advise, or would like a quote, please contact our office.

Question:  Is velvet bent more aggressive than creeping?what is the autumn/winter cutting height of velvet bent?is a once a month light top dressing during spring and summer months sufficient to keep thatch in check in velvet bent?do lawn spreaders sufficiently sow bent grass seed? many thanks, col from doncaster.
Answer:  The two species are just as agressive as each other, although velvet has a higher shoot density. The feeding is the critcial thing. Do not over feed the velvet. With low nutrition, and cutting say every 3-4 weeks, then this should be sufficient to maintain velvet without building up too much thatch. Some scaricication will be needed to keep the grass in good order. If you use a lawn spreader to sow the velvet, then you bill need to bulk it up with silica sand as a carrier as the seed is very fine. Autumn/Winter cuitting height for a lawn should be 8-12mm.

Question:  we are creating a new football pitch from scratch ,with topsoil and grass seed . Does the topsoil need to be pure soil or is it better with stones close to the surface?
Answer:  The soil does not necessarily need to be stone free, but it is preferable that the stone content is buried to avoid injury when under use.

Question:  Do you supply a mixed reed seed mix suitable for the bases of swales and ponds? Will plugs be more suitable than seed mixes for establishment in areas that are predominantly wet? We are specifying WFG9 WETLAND AND POND AREAS for marginal areas, which appears to be the most appropriate mix you offer? Thanks, Simon
Answer:  We do not supply a reed seed mixture. It would be more successful to establish them as plant/plugs. WFG9 would suit a swale. The establishment is critical as it needs to be done when there is least risk of flooding to enable the grasses to take sufficient root to protect the flowers.

Question:  which is best for a typical fine putting surface,with lowest maintanence from the following 2 options-velvet or creeping bent?and which of the 2 spreads the quickest?
Answer:  The maintenance of these two species is not particularly low if they are to be kept in prime condition for a putting surface. Neither has any other grass for that matter if it is to produce a putting surface. Velvet such as Avalon or Vesper will produce a very fine,high density surface with lower inputs in terms of fertiliser and water, than creeping bent. In fact it is important not to over feed velvet bent. Both bent grasses colonise at a similar rate. In general Velvets are more suited to the UK climate.

Question:  I am grass seeding a bank next to a river but want to use a wildflower mix. The river floods regulary during the winter. What mix would be strong enough to survive the force of flooding on the bank but be dry during other periods during the year?
Answer:  In this situation, soil stability is the most important consideration. To acheive this you need to select seed mixtures that have species with a creeping growth habit, as well as seed at a high rate to establish a good plant population that will hold the bank together. Take a look at of mixture 'A3' Embankments in the product section/landscaping mixtures. Apply this at a rate of 45g per square metre. Now the issue of wild flowers. In using a high grass seeding rate, then the wild flowers can tend to be out competed. We would suggest that you add say a 10% inclusion of a general purpose mixture like WF3 into the 'A3' to provide some floral interest, however establishment of these could be a little hit and miss.

Question:  What is the best way to remove thatch
Answer:  The most effective method we have found to remove thatch from golf greens is by using the Graden sand injection. We have found that a combined programme of dethatching and overseeding with varieties of our bent grasses such as AberRoyal or Avalon vevet bent, has been very successful. Please contact our office for a copy of our overseeding leaflet which covers thatch reduction methods.

Question:  i am preparing a site for planting wildflower plugs. The ground is contoured sub soil with a PH of 5.3, a large amount of stone which will be reduced. I would be grateful for advice on a suitable grass mix to be applied this autumn. many thanks Peter
Answer:  Best to go for a fescue type mixture which will suit the acidic conditions. Take a look at our A4 in the products section/landscaping mixtures. We have used this mixture often for sowing with wild flowers.

Question:  I want to export a suitable grass seed for a football pitch in the Philippines. The climate is tropical, temperture between 28 and 40 degrees centigrade with a reasonable amount of rain. Irrigation is installed. What type of seed would be suitable and is it easy to export?
Answer:  A mixture of perennial ryegrass and Smooth Stalked Meadow gress would provide the most durable surface, however the high temperature would require that the grass is well irrigated. For export, it is always advisable to contact the Department of Agriculture to ask them if there are any specific restrictions on imports of seed. Normally an import permit is required prior to shipment. Please contact our office 01522 868715 for more detail.

Question:  Material data sheets for seed compounds
Answer:  Please provide more detail in your request

Question:  What types of grasses are resistant to drought, fast growing after establishment and agressive
Answer:  It is always good practise to use a grass seed mixture rather than a single species to provide all round performance. For tolerance of drought in the UK, a combination of perennial ryegrass, Fescue and Velvet bent will produce an aggressive, wear tolerant mixture which can also recover from the stresses of drought. An example of such a mixture is A24, which can be found in the products section/landscaping mixtures.

Question:  Do you supply heather?
Answer:  Yes, we supply the species Calluna vulgaris which is the common heather

Question:  What is the best seed to use on a salt affected green?
Answer:  Depends on what level of salt contamination you are dealing with. If there is a natural salt level that may be found on a links course. Then Slender creeping Red Fescues can be good in this environment. If you are dealing with irrigation using water which is salt contaminated, the Paspalum is another option.

Question:  What is a suitable seed mixture for use on a swale?
Answer:  As these areas are often damp or laying in water, you require grasses that will recover from being waterloggerd. Generally a mixture of perennial ryegrasses, Timothy and crested Dogstail. You can obtain a quote for this by contacting our office on 01522 868714

Question:  Hello, Your site is great. Regards, Valintino Guxxi
Answer:  Glad you find the site useful. We always welcome any feedback on how we can make improvements.

Question:  What is the best quick growing hard wearing grass seed
Answer:  It all depends on what you want to use it for, but as a general rule perennial ryegrass fits this description. Check out our seed mixture A7 on the products section/sports mixture. This will establish quickly and provide excellent wear tolerance.

Question:  How do i manage a tradional hay meadow?
Answer:  We have available a wild flower management manual priced at £6.95. This provides comprehensive on management of various types of mixtures. To order one, somply contact our office on 01522 868714

Question:  When ordering on-line, how long from order to delivery?
Answer:  Orders placed on-line are delivered within 3-5 working days from receipt of order. If you require a next day service, please contact our office on 01522 868714 from which it can be arranged

Question:  Do you have a seed mix suitable for use within new woodland areas (containing some clover) to suppress other weeds as the new woodland establishes? The woodland planting will be whips planted at 2m centres and the ground will be ploughed. Many thanks, Tina
Answer:  Please refer to our seed mixture Grade A4 in the product section/Landscaping mixture. We have used A4 for many tree planting projects as it provides a low maintenance ground cover. Also to this mixture we can add 5% AberAce white clover which is small leaved and low growing making it ideal for inclusion.

Question:  what does the cat's ear look like
Answer:  This is a species about 1 foot tall, is covered with rough hairs and has short bracts on the stem with a yellow flower. It is common in grassy places and can become a troublesome weed on lawns as its flat rosettes of leaves smothers the grass beneath them

Question:  Would Avalon and Vesper mix be suitable for overseeding a lawn to reduce poa annua?
Answer:  Yes, Avalon and Vesper would be ideal for competing against Poa annua in a lawn. Just avoid overfeeding with fertiliser as Velvets do not require too much nitrogen.

Question:  what are the optimum growing conditions for birdsfoot trefoil?
Answer:  It is widespread and common in dry places, especially sand and gravel based soils

Question:  What is the best grass for a horse paddock
Answer:  Please refer to our product section/Landscaping and look for the Horse and Pony Paddock. This is supplied in 1 acre packs. The mixture provides balanced grazing and it resistant to poaching.

Question:  what are ideal soil temperatures for grass growth
Answer:  Most rapid grass growth occurs between soil temperatures 12-18 degrees centigrade. Either side of this, growth will be restricted. There are also many other factors that will affect the growth such as moisture and nutrition.

Question:  what effects does temperature have on grass seed germination
Answer:  Different species have varying requirements for successful germination. Given adequate moisture most species will germinate quickly in soil temperatures of around 10 degrees centigrade and above. In the UK, ground temperatures in most lowland situations fall within this from March to October, however the weather influences this greatly.

Question:  What is the Family name ribworth plantain
Answer:  Plantago lanceolata

Question:  Do you provide a specification suitable for top soil preparation prior to sowing grass seed and coverage rates for landscaping areas
Answer:  The only requirement for seedbed preparation in top soil is that the seedbed is weed free and the soil is cultivated under suitable conditions that do not cause smearing and compaction.

Question:  Will a mix of 24% kentucky blue, 34% perrenial rye and 42% fescue blend into existing laid sod which is 85% kentucky blue and 15% fescue?
Answer:  The kentucky blue and fescue will blend in ok, but the addition of perennial ryegrass will change the composition of the turf. If you use a fine leaved amenity type perennial ryegrass, then the quality of the sod should not be affected in any detremental way.

Question:  What is the best mix for a fine lawn
Answer:  Grade A2 will produce a fine textured, high density lawn capable of being mown closely. Please visit the products/landscaping mixture section of our site for more details.

Question:  What are the four main areas of grass on a golf course
Answer:  Greens, Tees, Fairways and Roughs for which British Seed Houses provides a comprehensive range of Bent Grasses and Grade 'A' Amenity seed mixtures

Question:  What wild flower seed mix would be appropriate for use on thin soil on the chalk north downs? It should be of indigenous plants naturally found in the location around Guildford.
Answer:  Please refer to our wildflora seed mixture RE4 which is based on a CG2 grassland communities classification for your area.

Question:  Do you have a guide book to grass identificaion
Answer:  We do not currently publish one ourselves but we can recommend 'Grasses' by C.E. Hubbard Third edition ISBN 0-14-013227-9 printed by Penguin

Question:  What type of grass seed mixtures is best for sandy areas
Answer:  It will depend on the end use and applications of fertiliser. Sandy soil can be both drought prone and lacking in nutrients. A seed mixture containing some amenity perennial ryegrass, but with a high content of fescues will be best suited to these conditions. Take a look at mixtures such as Grade A12 Golf fairways, or A24 Wear and Tear which will give both resistance to wear as well as tolerate sandy soil conditions

Question:  Hi there, Quick question for info, what amount of time should be allowed typically between placing an order and delivery? I understand that cost of delivery (to UK mainland) is covered in the prices quoted on line, can you confirm that this is the case? Thanks
Answer:  Yes, prices displayed on our site are inclusive of delivery to the UK mainland. Typical delivery can be 2/3 days from receipt of order however, we do operate a next day service for orders placed prior to midday.

Question:  What is the planting density of Bluebells per m2
Answer:  Plant at a rate of 6 to 10 per square metre to give you sufficient coverage

Question:  Where can I buy agrostis capillaris seed?
Answer:  British Seed Houses sells Agrostis capillaris. See our cultivar ' AberRoyal' in the golf section of the products tab on our site.

Question:  What seeding rate would you sow down a creeping bent green from new
Answer:  8 g per square metre

Question:  How much seed is needed for a football pitch?
Answer:  Working on an average of 7000 square metres, 260kg is required for a newly seeded project. If it is for renovation of an existing pitch, then 140kg is required. Take a look at our mixtures Grade A20 Ryesport and A8 Renovation, both of which contain excellent cultivars to produce a high performance pitch.

Question:  What seed mixture would you use on general lawn?
Answer:  For domestic lawn seed, visit our site www.thegrassroute.co.uk. For general use, the 'Family Lawn' will provide a hard wearing attractive lawn.

Question:  What is the meadow buttercup root type
Answer:  Meadow buttercup tends to develop a strong rooting system which varies in depth according to soil type and structure. Unlike the creeping buttercup, Meadow buttercup confines its roots to each individual plant and reproduces new plants through dispersal of seed.

Question:  What grass species like low PH
Answer:  Fescues, as in Chewings, Slender Creeping Red, Strong creeping red, Sheeps and Hard all tend to favour more acidic growing conditions. The bents grasses also will favour lower PH

Question:  For a low cut lawn or putting green, how does velvet bent compare with the creeping or browntop bent?
Answer:  Cultivars of Velvet bent such as Avalon or Vesper can be used for a close mown lawn. The difference you will find with Velvets is that they are much finer leaved than the creeping or browntop bents. Also Velvets will hold a much greener colour through both summer and winter. Furthermore Velvets require minimal feeding. As with all bent grassses, regular thatch control is required to keep the lawn in good order.

Question:  I'm looking for some advice. We have an 6 acre field of which 1 acre has been disturbed by the water board so it needs rotivating and seeding for horses. We are clay soil and want this acre to establish as quickly as possible. We also want to spread some seed over the other 5 acres and also fertilize the whole paddock. Could you advise on the best products and quantities. Many Thanks
Answer:  Please refer to our product section/Landscaping and look for the Horse and Pony Paddock. This is supplied in 1 acre packs. Apply 1 of the to the new area and 1/2 a pack to overseed the existing area,so say 4 packs in total. Also for fertiliser, the BSH 5 in the fertiliser section. 1000kg(40x25kg) will be required for the 6 acres

Question:  Does a high alkaline soil affect seed growth
Answer:  Hi alkalinity will not necessarily affect seedling germination, but can affect the ongoing development of the plant, as it starts to demand more nutrients. Extreme alkalinity can make some of the essential nutrients to be locked up in the soil profile making them unavailable to plants. Alkaline soils are also associated with areas of chalk and limestone, which are free draining and prone to drought, which can be an additional factor restricting growth.

Question:  What type of wild flowers can be used for highway verges
Answer:  Most highway verges receive very little maintenance and for this reason only some of the more robust wild flowers survive due to the competition from the grasses. Look for mixtures containing Oxeye Daisy, Red Campion, Birdsfoot Trefoil, Selfheal, Ribwort Plantain and meadow Buttercup and Knapweed. Take a look at our range of mixtures. WFG4 is one that would offer most of these species.

Question:  Can I buy on line?
Answer:  All British Seed Houses amenity products can be bought directly on-line. Through our bshamenity.com site we cater for the professional markets in Golf, Landscaping, Turf, Sports and Conservation. We welcome enquiries to open trade accounts.

Question:  Can you please advise on management requirements for Lowland Meadow mix - best time to cut and frequency/height. I was not going to use a pre-seed fertiliser - is that best Thanks Karen
Answer:  Absolutely no to the fertiliser for use on wild flowers. It will only make the grasses grow too vigorously. For maintenance. If you have sown this spring, then cut approx every 2 month until October down to 50mm. If it is an autumn seeding, then 1 cut early the following spring if the grass is longer than 50mm. A second cut can then be made at the end of the summer(late September) down to 50mm. In all cases, remove the cuttings.

Question:   which is the best grass type for use in football
Answer:  A20 Ryesport, which is a blend of four high shoot density, wear tolerant cultivars to provide fast recovery for areas such as goal mouths. A20 can be found via the products tab/Sportsground mixtures on our web site.

Question:  Where can i get fertiliser with an analysis of 19-19-19
Answer:  We do not supply the above analysis, however we do have a 16-16-16. This can be applied at a rate of 16% more than the 19-19-19 to give the same application of nutrients.

Question:  What are the short term effects of letting amenity turf dry out?
Answer:  Amenity turf that is well established will suffer minimal effects from short term drying out as it will have a rooting structure suitable for sustaining the grass plants. The main effect will be to stress the grass which can lead to the grass being susceptible to disease. Also a turf that has dried out is more prone to wear as the grass blades are damaged more easily either by machinery or foot traffic.

Question:  Which flowers can grow in clay soils?
Answer:   Achillea millefolium (YARROW) Anthyllis vulneria (KIDNEY VETCH) Centaurea nigra (COMMON KNAPWEED) Filipendula ulmaria (MEADOW SWEET) Geranium pratense (MEADOW CRANESBILL) Hypochoeris radicata (CAT'S EAR) Leucanthemum vulgare (OX-EYE DAISY) Lotus corniculatus (COMMON BIRDSFOOT TREFOIL) Lychnis flos - cuculi (RAGGED ROBIN) Medicago lupulina (BLACK MEDICK) Plantago Ianceolata (RIBWORTH PLANTAIN) Prunella vulgaris (SELFHEAL) Ranunculus acris (MEADOW BUTTERCUP) Rhinanthus minor (YELLOW RATTLE) Rumex acetosa (COMMON SORREL) Silene alba (WHITE CAMPION) Stachys officinalis (BETONY)

Question:  Is there a carriage charge on your seed
Answer:  All our prices found on this website are inclusive of carriage for the quantities stated delivered to the UK mainland.

Question:  What type of fertiliser do I use for grass seed
Answer:  We offer a range of fertilisers for use on amenity grass. If it is for establishment purposes, BSH1 6-9-6 OR BSH2 10-15-10 Pre-Seed fertilisers can be incorporated into the seedbed as the time of seeding. For established grass there are a range of spring/summer and autumn/winter types depending on the situation. For more details, visit the products section/fertilisers.

Question:  What is the flower type and colour of agrostis capillaris
Answer:  Agrostis capillaris or Browtop Bent is a grass species rather than a flower. Its a species found quite widespread thoughout the UK and forms part of a range of grassland and wild flower communities.

Question:  How do you deal with over used playing fields and turf?
Answer:  There are many factors involved with the durability of sports turf. Given that the soil structure, drainage and nutrition are all in order, then it's down to the grass species and cultivars you choose. Take a look at mixtures such as Grade 'A'20 or 'A'8' which can be used for pitch renovation to improve the density and wear resistance of your pitch.

Question:  What is the maintenanace for WF3 wild flower seed mixture
Answer:  WF3 Neutral Soils wild flora mixture contains 100% wild flowers and no grasses. Normally maintenance is required to control the grass element of the mixture to prevent it swamping the wild flowers. For a summary maintenance schedule, you can download the wild flower brocher from our site in which you will find the information required.

Question:  Does the type of soil you have mean that that you have to adjust the amount of grass seeds you need per square metre
Answer:  Generally, if a soil has good structure and contains good levels of organic matter then lower seeding can be adopted. Once you move to less fertile soils then higher seeding rates are used to compensate for higher seedling mortality.

Question:  Does dawn chorus need fertilizer
Answer:  Yes, a normal balanced NPK fertiliser will ahlp with good establishment

Question:  Is it possible to customise your WFG8 mix to include a greater number of foxgloves and blubells? Also can this seed mix be sown onto an existing scarified lawn?
Answer:  We can include increased quantities of foxglove and bluebell into WFG8. It is not always the best way to establish into an existing lawn. Better results are always achieved by killing the existing lawn and sowing into a fresh seedbed.

Question:  What grass seeds are best in really acid soil. I had many pine trees
Answer:  Normally fescues and bent grasses will favour more acidic condition, however what usually causes poor growth near pine trees is the lack of nutrients available for the grass as well as moisture, both of which are being consumed by the trees. Applications of a balanced turf fertiliser and regular irrigation can help with this. For a suitable mixture, refer to our seed mixture A6 Supra shade within the landscaping section of the 'Products'

Question:  If I plant wild flower seeds in my borders under trees will they flower every year
Answer:  yes, if they are perennial species

Question:  What's the general "shelf life" of your bent seeds? I'm looking to order for Septembe overseeding.
Answer:  Bent grass can have a 12 month shelf life without any problems providing it is stored in cool, dry conditions. By cool, we mean not near any artificial heating or in a steel container box that may get very hot in sunlight.

Question:  we need to overseed our paddocks with a hardy fast growing grass that will be grazed by horses,sheep and cattle. the area is chalk based so drains quickly. the original lay was some ten years ago, and we want to gradually overseed all the paddocks but we have 70 acres in all so unable to do it all at once.how long from sowing to use of the paddock should we allow? when is the best time to sow for us, we understand from march onwards is this correct?
Answer:  please contact our office on 01522 868714 regarding this enquiry

Question:  What is the best seed for football pitches
Answer:  For football renovation, please refer to our mixtures A20 Ryesport and A8 Pitch Renovator.These can be found under products/Sports mixtures.

Question:  What temperature is needed for grass seed to germinate
Answer:  8-10 degrees celcius for soil temperature will normally be sufficient for germination of most species of grass, providing there is adequate ground moisture avialable.

Question:  Our local farmer no longer wishes to rent our 13 acre field so we want to sow a suitable paddock grass for horese. He has grown cereal crops for the last 8 years in succession. What grass would be suitable, what sowing quantity and do we need to do anything special to prepare the field first to optimise growth? J Mason
Answer:  We can provide a specific Horse paddock mixture. This is supplied in 1 acre packs(13KG per acre) This will be a sufficient seeding rate if you have several months to establish before turning the horses in. If you are wanting better ground cover more quickly, then increase the rate up to double the above. No special preparation is require. It sounds like you are on reasonably fertile ground, so the usual seedbed preparation followed by seeding as soon as possible this spring will be fine. Please contact our office directly 01522 868714 should you require a price.

Question:  What is the best seed for a horse paddock.
Answer:  For a paddock type mixture, please refer to our A25 Meadow Ley which is a long term grazing mixture. This can be found under products/landscaping mixtures. If you require a 'non' clover based mixture for horses, then please contact our office directly.

Question:  Should i use bent/festuca Grasses for a driving range
Answer:  Usually mixtures including perennial ryegrass are used for driving ranges as they provide better durability under the ball collector. For a fescue/bent blend, please refer to A11 in products/golf mixtures. A11 is a blend of Chewings fescue/Slender creeping red fescue and browntop bent.

Question:  Do you have wild flower seeds I can grow on summer house roof
Answer:  For a roof garden you are looking for two properties, drought tolerance and low maintenance. If you refer to our Grade A seed mixture A4 within the products section/Landscape mixture, this will provide you with the specification suitable for such a project. You can include in this mixture various wild flora species. We would suggest you stick to the lower growing ones such as Self heal, Creeping Buttercup, Ribwort plantain, black medick, small leaved white clover and birdsfoot trefoil

Question:  What frequency of cutting should i apply to Grade A4 mixture
Answer:  A4 Parkland mixture can be maintained under various regimes. It is capable of being close mown, however in a low maintenance situation 6 cuts through the growing season, maintaining to a height of 4 to 5cm should be sufficient on most soils.

Question:  I have a couple of areas which I want to seed but need some advice on the best mix for each. The first is on a soil mound which is comprised of soil/subsoil which came fom the footings of a new build. This has been covered with Grade 2 top soil . I want to sow a mix that can tolerate children running over it but only want to cut it twice yearly if possible. the second area is a former field which is being incorpoarted into the garden. the soil is quite heavy clay, but the top layer has been scraped and levelled and fresh topsoil broughtin. Eventually the idea is to make this into four formal squares of grass (possibly with some wild flower but defintiley with a tree and bulbs planted in each section, to be mown appropriately, with mown paths in between. There is a further area near this similarly prepared which is to be used mainly for football and other childrens games! Please could you advise which mixes would be most suitable, and also sowing rates so that i can work out quantities. Thank you. John Evans
Answer:  Hello John, there is a level of compromise here between something than is hard wearing and surable for sporting activities, whilst being low maintenance. For the play areas, we would suggest the A24 Wear and Tear mixture(see products/landscaping mixtures). You could only mow this twice a year, however it would grow reasonable tall in between cuts. This mixture is seeded at 35g per square metre. For the areas where you anticipate planting trees and bulbs, then the mixture A4 (products/landscaping mixtures) will provide a low maintenance mixture that can be maintained to varying cut heights. A4 is sown at 35g per square metre. The mixture is not a durable under wear like the A24. For wild flowers, we would suggest the RE1 Traditional hay meadow which would suit the heavy clay sub soil(products/wild flora). This mixture is sown at 5g per square metre.

Question:  What is a good mix for a lightly used horse verge next to a cycle track. 50% Manhatten rye has been suggested but will A14 racecourse mix be lower growing and require less maintainence?
Answer:  Manhatten Perennial ryegrass is no longer commercially available, In fact it was one of the first amenity bred perennial ryegrasses to be produced some 30 years back. Yes, the A14 Racecourse mixture will be suitable for your project and the perennial ryegrasses used in this mixture will be of a much higher shoot density, better wear tolerance and lower maintenance/lower growing than Manhatten.

Question:  green roof
Answer:  We have supplied numerous green roof projects. Please specify the nature of the project to enable a more precise recommendation.

Question:  do i water the field before or after aeriation?
Answer:  Watering will depend on the soil structure you are dealing with. If it is of a particularly high sand content, then a little moisture is beificial to act as lubrication for the machinery being used. If however the soil has a higher level of clay, then avoid pre-watering to prevent any smearing and compaction.

Question:  What is the most suitable mix for use on new golf fairways/roughs built on sand? Would dwarf rye survive in the conditions mentioned above?
Answer:  A fescue blend would be most suitable for a sand based soil due to the lower nutrient availability. Dwarf ryegrass will survive quite adequately in these situations, but will require more regular applications of fertiliser to maintain the proportion of ryegrass. It all depends on how much wear the fairways may sustain. If you anticipate high wear, then use a mixture containing perennial ryegrass. Please refere to our mixture A12 in products/golf mixtures.

Question:  seed mix for fairways
Answer:  A12 Fairways mixture can be found in products/golf mixtures. This is a mixture of fine leaved low maintenance perennial ryegrasses and fescues.

Question:  what seed mixture for tees
Answer:  A10 Tee found in products/golf mixtures will provide a resilient grass cover that recovered from divots quickly.

Question:  what seed/cultivars would you recommend for a heavy, slightly alkaline soil?
Answer:  Presuming this is a sports application, then a ryegrass based mixture will suit this soil type best. Either A20 Ryesport, or A8 Renovation. As with all soil types, good aeration will assist with good root development and with heavy soils this is essential.

Question:  what species are in your hay meadow mix
Answer:  Festuca rubra ssp litoralis (SLENDER CREEPING RED FESCUE) 22 Cynosurus cristatus (CRESTED DOGSTAIL) 18 Dactylis glomerata (COCKSFOOT) 14 Agrostis capillaris (COMMON BENT) 14 Festuca pratensis (MEADOW FESCUE) 6 Anthoxanthum odoratum (SWEET VERNAL GRASS) 2 Plantago Ianceolata (RIBWORTH PLANTAIN) 2 Leucanthemum vulgare (OX-EYE DAISY) 1.5 Achillea millefolium (YARROW) 1.5 Centaurea nigra (COMMON KNAPWEED) 1.5 Galium verum (LADY'S BEDSTRAW) 1.5 Ranunculus bulbosus (BULBOUS BUTTERCUP) 1.5 Prunella vulgaris (SELFHEAL) 1.5 Ranunculus acris (MEADOW BUTTERCUP) 1.5 Filipendula ulmaria (MEADOW SWEET) 1.5 Rhinanthus minor (YELLOW RATTLE) 1 Agrimona eupatorium (AGRIMONY) 1 Leontodon hispidus (ROUGH HAWKBIT) 1 Lotus corniculatus (COMMON BIRDSFOOT TREFOIL) 0.5 Sanguisorba minor (SALAD BURNET) 0.5

Question:  Is your product available in the Republic of Ireland
Answer:  British Seed Houses are part of the Germinal Holdings Group. Depending on where you are located, you can obtain some of our material within mixtures from either Germinal Seeds 00 35 350 441100 who are located at Horse & Jockey, Co. Tipperary, or James Coburns 028 4066 2207 who are located in Banbridge, Co. Down. If however you require a specific BSH brand mixture, then please contact our Lincoln office 01522 868714.

Question:  The creek behind our home has flooded twice in the last year. The first flood washed away and covered the grass we had. What is the best type of grass to plant? When it rains the yard stays wet for several days, so I need something that can handle lots of water. Thanks
Answer:  Grass establishement is the real key to getting a resilient grass cover for flood areas. Try to establish a good cover of grasses in mid spring/early summer to enable sufficient root development before winter flooding occurs. A mixture of Perennial ryegrass, creeping red fescue and Timothy would help to stabilise the soil. This is not available as at standard mixture, however it can be formulated by request.

Question:  slow growing low maintainance parkland grass
Answer:  Check out our product section/Landscaping mixures where you will find a seed mixture called 'Grade 'A'22' Low Maintenance. This mixture is based on a perennial ryegrass called 'AberSprite' which has the best rating for its low maintenance characteristics of all perennial ryegrasses tested in the UK.

Question:  how do site conditions influence sowing rates
Answer:  Sowing rates can vary according to the site condition. The general rule is to increase seeding rates where seedbed conditions are not favourable. Site which are of heavy clay, steep gradients or North facing all require increased seeding rates from the normal 25-30g per square metre to 40-50g per square metre.

Question:  site conditions and sowing rates
Answer:  Sowing rates can vary according to the site condition. The general rule is to increase seeding rates where seedbed condition are not favourable. Site which are of heavy clay, steep gradients or North facing all require increased seeding rates from the normal 25-30g per square metre to 40-50g per square metre.

Question:  STRI Seed list
Answer:  The 2007 STRI booklet is now available on our website as free download. Just click onto the top right banner of the home page and this will take you through to the booklet as well as all the 2007 BSH Seed brochures.

Question:  what is the best seed to use on a golf green
Answer:  There are various approached to the type of seed used on golf greens. There are several choices depending on the type of rootzone and ongoing management. Traditionally, UK greens were sown with a Bent/Fescue blend. Now overseeding renovation work tends to be carried out using pure bent grass species or blends. Browntop and Velvet bents such as AberRoyal and Avalon will suit soils with a higher organic matter content. If its is pure sand greens you are working with, then creeping bent grasses such as SR1119 could be considered.

Question:  does the type of water effect how tall plants grow?
Answer:  Water quality can affect plant growth especially if it contains a high salt content. If the plants are not of a salt tolerant type, the salt will interfere with the normal functions of the plant in transprting water and nutrients around the plants system. This will ultimately stunt growth or lead to death if levels are too high

Question:  wild flora seeding, what is the establishment rate on stone screed
Answer:  For seeding wild flora mixture which are of a 20% flora to 80% grass combination, apply them at a rate of 10g per square metre for stone screed areas

Question:  What is the best seed mix to revert a Cotswold brash field back to a wild flower state?
Answer:  On Cotswold brash, please refer to our seed mixture RE4 Calcareous wild flora mixture. This can be found in our products section/wild flower mixtures. This will provide you the species specification and application rates.

Question:  which grass germinates at the lowest temperatures
Answer:  Most grasses require a sustained minimum ground temperature of around 10 degrees Celcius. Ground temperature is the important temperature because although during this winter we have regularly seen 10-12 degrees day time temperatures, this is not reflected in ground temperature. The general rule is that the larger seeds are more capable of germinating at lower temperatures because they have a larger food source and so can cope with more temperature fluctations. Perennial ryerass would be one of the grass species that would tend to establish in lower temperatures. Light, heat and moisture are the key and the norm would be to sow seed from early March onwards for best germination.

Question:  when should I plant the meadow grass mix
Answer:  For all wild flora mixtures, seeding can take place from as early as February right through to October. As with any seeding it is important to prepare the seedbed well and avoid cultivation during wet periods. Adequate ground moisture is however required to provide good germination. Many perennial species will require an over wintering period to break their dormancy and form a flower the following year.

Question:  What should the cutting schedule be for mix RE1
Answer:  RE1 Traditional hay meadow wild flora mixture should be cut as follows:- Spring sowing:- Cut every two months down to a height of 5-7cm each time the sward reaches 12-15cm removing all cuttings Autumn sowing:- Cut early following spring (March/early April) down to 5cm if sufficient grass growth, then leave till late September and cut resulting sward down to 4cm to overwinter removing all cuutings. Each and every year after that, repeat autumn cut.

Question:  what grass specie is the cultivar supra.
Answer:  Supra is a cultivar of the species Poa supina. It provides a shade tolerant component of the Grade 'A' sports ground mixtures or landscaping mixtures.

Question:  More information on Cardamine pratensis. Do you have diploid seeds of this species?
Answer:   The Cardamine Pratensis(Cuckoo flower) that we offer in our mixtures is of a UK Native origin. This is a perennial species which has a smooth stem growing about 30-45cm in height and a basal rosette of stalked leaves, divided into slightly toothed, rounded leaflets. As in all Cruciferea, the flowers have 4 sepals and petals and 6 stamens. We can offer seed of this species.

Question:  why is adinda a good culitvar
Answer:  Adinda creeping red fescue offers high shoot density, good red thread resistance and dark green summer colour. For further details please visit our cultivar section on the website. You can download a product data sheet.

Question:  A culitvar you do is called Camilla, what is it
Answer:  Camilla is a strong creeping red fescue. We no longer market this cultivar as we have superseeded it with a better performing cultivar called 'Adinda' which can be found in various mixtures within our Grade 'A' mixture range

Question:  I need to specify 3 seed mixtures to define different zones of the Antonine Wall Scheduled Ancient Monument in Central Scotland. Most of area formerly the site of a coalyard and currently sparse rough grassland with scrub woodland edge to the northern side. Am thinking possibly U13 with added bilberry & heather and WFG 13 separated by a strip of A4 low maintenance grass for contrast. What do you think?
Answer:  From what you have described, the U13 (RE11) Heath and scrubland mixture will form a good contrast against the other mixtures. RE11 will provide a more natural grassland look. The WFG 13 will give you some colour and the A4 will produce a more formal grass area if maintained more often.

Question:  what mixture of seeds would you use for a motorway verge?
Answer:  Please visit our product section on the website and select Landscape mixtures and select the A18 Road verge mixture. This mixture conforms to Department of Transport specifications and will provide a low maintenance, salt tolerant ground cover.

Question:  More in formation on Bahima grass
Answer:  Bahima grass is a native grass of Uganda. This is not a species we handle as the majority of our grasses are cool season types. There is also a species called Bahia grass that is used as a warm season grass in amenity situations. Maybe this is the grass you are looking for?

Question:  How does water affect the growth of plants
Answer:  Basically, if water is restricted, then a plant cannot reach its full potential in terms of its characteristics of growth. From the point of germination through to maturity and ongoing survival every function of the plant relys on water. In grass, the shortage of water affects performance such as wear durabilty. Also induced stress can cause susceptibilty to disease which can further affect the plant to function. There is a great deal of information available on the web about this subject.

Question:  could you recommend a seed mix for a well used lawn in a primary school? The area has heavy soil and is partially beneath a tree.
Answer:  A24 Wear and Tear mixture will provide you with an excellent quality lawn mixture suitable for your school. The specification can be found on our web site under products/Landscape mixtures

Question:  Crested dogs tail
Answer:  Crested dogstail, Cynosorus cristatus is widely distributed throughout the British isles and found in more or less every county from near sea level to 600 metres. It occurs on a wide range of soils from acid to basic and light to heavy and in dry or damp situations.

Question:  specific uses of creeping bent grass seeds
Answer:  Creeping Bent grasses are most commonly used for golf course greens. For this application there are two cultivars available from British Seed Houses, SR1119 and Providence. Creeping bent as a species is frequent to very common within the natural environment within the British Isles in a wide range of situations in lowland and hill grasslands,saltmarhes, on chalk downs, roadsides, inland and coastal sands, on cliffs and open woodland.

Question:  seed mix for a roof garden
Answer:  For a roof garden you are looking for two properties, drought tolerance and low maintenance. If you refer to our Grade A seed mixture A4 within the products section/Landscape mixture, this will provide you with the specification suitable for such a project.

Question:  desricbe how light soil tpyes and sitation affect the choice of grass seed
Answer:  Light soil types tend to be reasonable free draining due to thie higher sand content. This often leads to leaching of essential nutrients. These types of soils can also be of a more acidic nature. When it comes to the choice of seed on such soils, then it is a question of the final use. In a natural situation with little management, then fescues will favour these lighter soils as they will demand less nutrients, water and favour more acidic growing conditions. A fescue based seed mixture for use in golf faiways for instance would be more than acceptable. If however you are looking for high wear durability, then ryegrasses may need to be considered. These will require more in the way of nutrient to be supplied in the form of fertilisers to maintain healthy ground cover. Your best approach is to consider the end use and then how it will be managed in the future.

Question:  what seed mixture would you use for a football goal mouth
Answer:  A20 Ryesport, which is a blend of four high shoot density, wear tolerant cultivars to provide fast recovery for areas such as goal mouths. A20 can be found via the products tab/Sportsground mixtures on our web site.

Question:  a grass with ph tolerance
Answer:  This will depend on if it is low PH(Acidity) or high PH(Alkalinity). One grass that will tolerate both end of the spectrum is Reubens Poa Compressa. This component can be found in our mixtures A15 and A16, which we have found very successful for reclamation schemes where PH levels of 3.7 have been found.

Question:  Can you recommend a low maintenance grass seed mix that would be suitable for sowing on a swale in Lincolnshire? The seed mix needs to include some species that are resistant to waterlogging, as the swale will allow water to percolate through it.
Answer:  Please refer to our product section, wild flowers and look for mixture reference RE3 Water Meadow. This mixture is suitable for seasonally flooded lowlands containing both grasses and wild flora species that are happy having their feet in water from time to time.

Question:  Does soil type and aspect have any influence on grass seed rate?
Answer:  Yes, grass seed application rates do vary according to soil type and aspect. On average, seeding of a general landscaping mixture containing Perennial ryegrass is around 25g per metre square. For soils which are heavier in texture such as clay loams, or soils with extreams of acidity or alkalinity, then seeding rates should be increased to between 35-50g per metre square. This helps to compensate for seedling mortality.Also on sites which have more northerly aspects, or upland situations, then the higher seeding rates should be adopted. In all instances, the preparation of a good seedbed will aid establishment.

Question:  What is a suitable wildflower mix for a well drained dis-used viaduct roof?
Answer:  Please refer to WFG4 Neutral soils. This mixture provides a broad range of perennial wild flowers combined with a range of grasses that will tolerate dry conditions that are likely to be experienced. In all situations, we would advise that any existing vegetation is killed back so that it does not regenerate and cause a problem later. This is particularly true of plants such as brambles and rosebay willow herb which tend to colonise the type of sites you are describing

Question:  What is the sowing rate for A19 please?
Answer:  For newly prepared areas sow A19 at 25-35g per square metre. For overseeding of existing grass areas, apply at 20g per square metre.

Question:  Can you recommend a low maintenance seed mix for highway verges?
Answer:  There are a couple of options for this. Either our A18 Road Verge Mixture which is very similar to the highways specification. You can also consider the A22 Low maintenance which requires 50% of the cutting input compared with other general purpose landscaping mixtures.

Question:  What species are in WFG1?
Answer:  Please visit our site section-Products,wildflowers, scroll down to WF1 and click on 'more info'. This will then list the species contained in the mixture.

Question:  what types of cool season grasses have you researched at that would require less watering on golf courses
Answer:  We have found that the Velvet bent grasses have been particularly efficient in their use of water. The are capable of developing a tremendous root system which is able to extract any available moisture, Also they have been shown to transpire less moisture than other grass species. We currently have two Cultivars available, AVALON and VESPER. Please contact our office should you require more indepth information.

Question:  What is the seeding rate for MG6? Does this need additional grass seed mixed in?
Answer:  MG6 is an 80% grass 20% wild flower mix. We would reccomend a sowing rate of 5 grammes per m2

Question:  I was hoping to find information on your site for pre seeding and turfing fertilisers......please advise as I am writing a specification for a project in Dorset at the moment.
Answer:  It depends on the soil type you are dealing with, however in most instances the BSH 1. 6-9-6 NPK fertiliser will provide the necessary nutrients for healthy establishment. If the soil is of a sandy, free draning nature, then use the BSH 2. 10-15-10 NPK analysis.

Question:  Can you advise on a suitable grass seed mixture for Sustainable Drainage elements - swales, detention ponds etc? Regards Paul Morsley
Answer:  Please refer to the A15 Reclamation mixture under the Landscaping section of our site. This grass seed mixture combines perennail ryegrass and fescue to provide a persistent ground cover under ocassional flooding. There is also an element of clover to provide some natural nitrogen to keep the grass green.

Question:  can you give me infomation on cocktail - smooth stalked meadow grass
Answer:  Cocktail is not a British Seed Houses Cultivar. If it is for Lawns and Landscaping use, then it appears on the 2006 STRI listing. It is similar to our cultivar'Eva' which has a slightly higher shoot density rating at 7.6.

Question:  what are the uses and management to the species of duchess
Answer:  Duchess is and Agrostis Capillaris. It has now been seperseeded by our new cultivar 'AberRoyal'. This species is best suited to Golf greens management, but can also be used for fairways.

Question:  Are tall fescues a suitable replacement for perennial ryegrass in seed mixtures to resist drought and will they look just as good.
Answer:  Tall fescues are undoubtedly drought tolerant. They were traditionally use in agriculture, but not so widely in the UK. There are some new amenity strains which have hit the market of the 'Rhizomatous' type. The ability of tall fescues to produce these rhizomes(lateral running roots) is variable from one variety to another, and further selection and breeding is required. One thing the UK is good at growing is perennial ryegrass. The drought this year has highlighted the need for grasses that require less water, however perennial ryegrass is very resilient and after this years drought has shown tremendous recovery. The new amenity Perennial ryegrasses are superior to tall fescues in there quality in terms of appearance and overall performance in lawns and sports. Tall fescues tend to be quite course and not as aesthetically pleasing. If you are considering using tall fescue in you mixture, then only replace a proportion of the ryegrass and not all of it.

Question:  Please could you advise if your wild flower mixtures contain UK native species only. We have a project which requires seed for a lowland meadow approximately 6000 square metres in size. Do you offer a site visit service.
Answer:  All our wild flora mixtures either in the Regional or 'WF' range use UK Native flower species only. We can offer several mixtures for lowland meadow use. Take a look at RE1 Traditional Hay Meadow on our site. There are other options that may also be suitable. For your area you will require 30kg of a grass and wild flower seed mixture. We can provide a site visit if you feel a site specific mixture is required. Please contact our office on 01522 868714 to arrange.

Question:  What type of seed mixture specification would you recommend for the seeding of a new sports field construction for a school. The soil is of a sandy nature ,although there is no special root zone being used, and a drainage system will be installed prior to seeding. The requirement from the sports area is for multi sports use throughout the year.
Answer:  From your description, is sound like you require something that is very durable and recovers quickly from damage, especially if it is to be used for football or Rugby. As the soil is sandy, it is likely to suffer from summer drought if there is no irrigation,we would recommend the Grade'A' 7 Olympic Sports Ground mixture which combines hard wearing, quick recovering Ryegrasses such as 'CADIX' , with Smooth Stalked Meadow Grass and Fescue for drought tolerance, excellent ground cover and all round durability.Please visit our product page on our website for more details.

Question:  I am looking for a grass seed mixture which provides low maintenance, but quick establishment. I am lead to believe I can not use ryegrass as it requires too much cutting.
Answer:  In recent years, grass breeding has moved on considerably. There is such a thing as a low maintenance Perennial Ryegrass which offers fast establishment, but low productivity of top growth. The Grade 'A'22 Lo Maintenance mixture includes 'AberImp' Perennial Ryegrass, one of the best rated Ryegrasses in the STRI Booklet for slow regrowth. The mixture also includes Slender Creeping Red Fescue and Bent grass for compact ground cover to suppress weeds.Please visit our product page on our website for more details.

Question:  I am considering using Velvet Bent as part of my overseeding programme on a sand/soil based root zone. Are there any special requirements I should consider to obtain successful establishment and encourage its development on my golf greens.
Answer:  The approach to establishing Velvet bent seed is no different to establishing an other type of bent grass. A sand/soil based root zone is perfect for Velvets. We would recommend that you undertake a renovation programme that removes the thatch layer so that applied seed is in contact with the soil to assist germination. The Graden Sand injection machine is ideal for removing large amounts of thatch and creating a slot that the seed can germinate into. A combination of the Graden and hollow coring combined with a regular overseeding programme will help to transform your greens quickly. There are currently two cultivar available from our portfolio, Avalon and Vesper. These are offered as individual cultivars, or as a blend. Remember that once established, Velvet bents require less feeding compared with other bent grasses, For sand based greens, 45-55 kilos of Nitrogen per year split as a little and often application is usually sufficient.Please visit our product page on our website for more details.

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