Management

Weed control is the most common problem to be addressed and often depends on proper seeding. Of course, the weed pressure of the plot in the past also has a major influence.

• One possible solution is to chemically control the weeds locally, but this method is obviously better avoided.
• A second solution is to mow the field margin. Late June is often a good time for this, when the weeds (e.g. melde) are higher than the flowers. After about three weeks there will be flowering again and the weed will remain smaller than the flowers. The mowing can be done in phases so that there is always a food supply for pollinators and beneficial insects. For example, you can mow one half in mid-June and the other half at the end of June.

In addition, perennial field margins should also be mowed annually with removal of the clippings. This is necessary to get light to the bottom so the seeds can germinate again. Mowing can be done in autumn after the last flowering, usually from the end of September onward. However, you can also choose to wait until February, so that the border acts as a shelter for wildlife and a wintering place for insects. Do not mow too deeply (about 0.2 metres above ground level), so that the rosette of the plant remains intact.

In the Dutch rapport 'FAB and field margins' (Dutch) you can find more information about management of the field margins.