(Editor’s note – This information is being shared from Gretchen Reeh-Robinson from BackyardAbundance.org as a potential starting point for people looking to plant native plants in their backyards. Mount Vernon and Lisbon do not allow burning, so it would be advised to follow the directions on height of mowing in the mid-spring for any native plants (a height of three to four inches in height).
Year 1: Preparation and Seeding The best time to broadcast native plant seed is in early winter (late October through November), just before the first snowfall and before the ground fully freezes, so if you’re thinking about this, develop a plan for the site then.
1. Cover the area you plan for natives to grow for 4-6 months to kill existing vegetation. For small areas, use cardboard and landscaping fabric. Use weed fabric or tarps for large areas. (A sod cutter can be used for very small areas.)
2. Measure the area and purchase the seed according to the square footage. When in doubt about the exact size of the area, purchase more seed rather than too little. Consider purchasing additional species to increase diversity.
3. Once vegetation is dead, use a metal rake and/or a motorized power rake to get the area to bare soil. This step is very important: native plant seeds require direct contact with soil to germinate successfully.
4. To ensure even distribution, mix the seed with loose, dampened compost (sand or peat moss work too) in a large bin or wheel barrow. In general, every 1,000 square feet of area requires approximately 8 gallons of this filler material.
5. Broadcast the seed mixture. To help with an even distribution over large areas, consider dividing the mixture into two parts and distributing it over the entire area in two passes.
6. Tamp it down by stepping on the area with a large piece of cardboard.
7. On steep slopes, cover the seed with a thin layer of straw or an erosion control blanket.
Year 2: First Growing Season
Most sites need maintenance trimming to keep weeds from going to seed and to allow light to reach the ground and encourage growth of the of natives. You may get some blooms this year, but you must sacrifice those beautiful flowers if you want the other species to establish. Keep the area cut to 6-8 inches in height this year using a weed trimmer. Don’t pull weeds: this will disturb the root systems of the nearby natives that are trying to establish.
Year 3: Second Growing Season
This may or may not be the year you start enjoying the fruits of your labor. You may need to trim once this year. Be patient—although some species may reach flowering stages in year 3, many could take 5 years or more.
Burning or Mowing
After the first growing season, if possible and legal in your area, consider burning the site in mid-spring every two to three years. Fire reduces weeds while stimulating native plants and seed germination. It is a vastly superior way to manage your site when compared to mowing and manually pulling weeds. Hiring a prairie management company is likely the best and safest way to burn your site. If burning is not possible, then mow to 3-4 inches in height in mid-spring.