PLANTING NATIVE GRASSES AND HABITAT BLENDS
Your success in planting native grass and habitat blends depends on the
quality of seeds purchased and climatic conditions. At Wildseed Farms our
seeds are tested twice yearly to ensure that our valued customers receive
the highest quality seed on the market. The seeds you purchase from
Wildseed Farms contain no inert material to bulk up the weight of the seeds
(clovers, kitty litter, or sand). With over 24 years’ experience in growing
wildflowers, Wildseed Farms continues to be the leader of the wildflower and
grass seed industry.
FIRST STEP
- Begin with site evaluation making sure the area supports other grasses or vegetation. Areas void of existing vegetation or sparse in weed growth will not be suitable for the grass. Heavily shaded areas, bottoms of ditches, extreme slopes, and creek beds should be avoided. The native grasses will require at least 6-8 hours of direct sun, not dabbled shade but full sun!
- Determine how many square feet you intend to plant and purchase the correct amount of seed. Remember it is better to over seed an area than not to have enough seed.
- Ground preparation in small areas will be the same as planting a
vegetable garden or flowerbed. Remove the existing vegetation using a roto
tiller. A garden rake should be used to remove the roots and dead plant material.
Raking also helps break up any large clods of dirt and smoothes the
uneven areas.
- You can mix the seeds with a carrier (potting soil or masonry sand at a ration of 4-6 pounds of inert material to each pound of seeds Plant the seeds by using a criss-cross pattern. Broadcast half of the seeds over the entire area walking first in a North to South direction, and then broadcast the remaining seed by walking in an East to West direction.
- The seed should be raked into the soil and covered about 1/4 of an in depth some seeds may remain visible on the surface. Then roll with a sod roller or culti-packer. If you have a riding mower you can simply drive back and forth (blades disengaged) over the site using the tires to help press the seeds into the soil.
- Water daily to start the germination process keeping the first ½ inch of soil moist.
- In larger areas, regular farm equipment plows; culti-packers, disc, tractors, and seed drills can be used to achieve the same results.
- Have patience when planting native grasses they often take 1-2 years to become established depending on climatic conditions and your ability to water. You will not get a lush green lawn in 30 days!
WHEN TO PLANT
The ideal planting time (for all zones) is in early spring until the hot part of the summer, or late in the fall when soil temperatures will remain below 50 degrees. Fall plantings allow the seed to hibernate thru the cold winter months and germinate in the early spring. Do not plant in during the hot summer months usually JULY, August and early September the ground is too hot and the seeds will not germinate even if watered daily
HOW MUCH WATER THEY NEED
Native grasses and habitat blends will require moisture after planting. A light watering daily for 2-3 weeks will help start germination with soil temperatures above 75 degrees. Once the grass is emerged then a heavy deep watering every ten days will improve growth. Most native grasses require little water when established however if drought conditions exist please try to provide moisture.
WEED CONTROL
Controlling broadleaf weeds is not to much of a problem, however the grass should be established before using broadleaf herbicides. Most of your turf grass weed and feed fertilizers will suffice, however please read the specification sheet before applying. Remember if you are mixing wildflowers with the native grasses no chemicals should be used once the meadow is established! For other chemicals used to control broadleaf weeds in the native grasses, check with your local county extension agent or a garden center.
For more information you may contact our customer service department toll free 800-848-0078
