Prepare the soil in late autumn or early Spring to remove any grass or weeds. Prepare the plot to a depth of 20 cm, or 10 cm in previously planted plots. Ensure the area is prepared to a fine tilth, wait a few weeks, then clear any weeds that may have grown, either with a systemic weed killer or by hand. It is most important that the site is completely free of weeds.

A quick and simple method is to mix the seeds with sand and scatter evenly over the area. The sand will help you see where you have sown. The seed needs light to germinate, so rake in trying not to bury the seed. The suggested sowing is 2-3g per square metre.

The perfectionist’s way is to divide the area to be sown into metre squares, measure out the seed required for one square metre, and pour this into a see-through plastic cup. Mark the depth on the side of the cup - this saves having to weigh the seed each time. Pour one measure of seed onto a shovel and spread evenly over one of the metre squares using a stick to tap the seeds off the end of the shovel. Gently rake the seed into the soil but don’t bury the seeds, as they need light to germinate.

At the end of the flowering season, the dead stalks should be cut off and removed, and the area sprayed to kill off any grass or weeds that have grown during the flowering season.