Wildflowers might be the last thing you are thinking about in winter. As the nights have drawn in, the temperature has dropped and snow has fallen across the country, little seems to be growing in the garden. But just below the surface layer, your garden will be teeming with life, waiting for the change in temperature, as Spring approaches, to burst into action.
Now is a good time to be thinking about what native plants to introduce to your wildlife garden. Plants won’t be available from the garden centre just yet so have a look online for wildflower seed specialists or pick up a few packets in your local supermarket and get sowing indoors. Utility room windowsills or conservatories are spots in the house which provide an ideal temperature to help germinate seeds ready for planting out when the outside temperature rises.
Try and choose hardy, nectar rich and easy to grow varieties, to make sure you will attract as many insects into your garden in the summer. Take a look at our favourite flower seed list below to get a few ideas!
Seeds which can be sown in January indoors
- Tobacco plant – great for moths as well as bees as it is night-scented!
- Love-in-the-mist
- Nasturtium –can also be used in salads
- Sunflowers – Great for birds and children!
- Foxglove
- Sweet William
- Teasel – Once the flowers have died back, leave for birds such as Goldfinch, to feast on in the Autumn
- Sweet Pea – OK, a cottage garden variety but we love them and so do the bees!
- Larkspur – Beautiful, stately plant that gives height and bags of nectar
- Night scented stock – Another plant the moths in your garden will love
Written by Emma Fraser