Prepare the area by removing weeds and any large stones, then rake the soil to create a fine, level surface.

Scatter the seeds thinly and evenly over the prepared soil. Gently press or rake them into the surface, but avoid burying them deeply.

Spring and autumn are suitable times for sowing. After sowing, water gently so you don't wash the seeds away.

Keep the soil moist while the seeds germinate and the young seedlings become established, particularly during dry weather.

Germination won't necessarily happen all at once. A wildflower mixture contains different species, so some seedlings may appear sooner than others.

Keep an eye on weeds while the seedlings establish so they don't have to compete heavily for space, light and water.

Choose an open position with plenty of light. The supplied instructions recommend full sun to partial shade, with at least 4–6 hours of sunlight each day.

Avoid areas that remain heavily shaded for much of the day.

Keep the soil moist during germination and while young seedlings establish, without leaving the ground waterlogged.

Once the wildflowers are established, they should need less attention, although watering may be helpful during prolonged dry periods.

Give your wildflowers time to establish and avoid disturbing the area unnecessarily as the young plants develop.

Different plants in the mixture will grow at different rates and may flower at different times. Don't worry if your patch doesn't develop evenly — variety is part of growing a wildflower mixture.

Some wildflowers may establish and flower quickly, while others can take longer.

Wildflowers generally don't need feeding and often perform better without rich soil or regular fertiliser.

Avoid adding unnecessary fertiliser, as this can encourage vigorous growth that competes with the wildflowers.

Don't be too quick to remove plants as soon as the flowers fade. Leaving some finished flowers and seed heads gives seeds an opportunity to develop and can also provide useful food and shelter for wildlife.

Your patch will naturally change as the growing season comes to an end.

Be patient. A wildflower patch won't necessarily look full and colourful immediately. Different species germinate, grow and flower at different rates, and some wildflowers may not bloom in their first year.