Sowing & Growing: Cotswold Partridge Mix

This annual mix is designed to attract and hold partridge throughout the season. The inclusion of the aniseed smelling fennel should encourage the birds to stay near the crop, while lower growing species like linseed and leafy turnips are particularly attractive to partridge.

Suitable soils: This mix can be sown from early May to early July. Ensure soils are warm and the risk of frost has passed.

How to sow: A well worked weed-free seedbed is required. Aim to create several flushes of weeds which can be sprayed off or cultivated before sowing. 

Drill the seed mix at 10-15 mm depth. This mix can be sown on wide rows to allow  birds to move through the cover or in narrow rows to create a denser block of cover.

Management: Weed control once the mix is established is limited, so aim to create a clean seedbed before sowing.

This mix will need re-seeding each year. If left in place only the fennel will reliably survive into the second year.

Nutrient requirements: Game crops require P and K levels to be ADAS Index 2 and benefit from 20-50 kg N/ha in the seedbed or an application once established. Alternatively, the site should be spread with FYM before sowing in the spring.

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Date Posted: 12th May 2023