Preparing the seedbed
Lightly till the soil, making sure you have eliminated as
many weeds as possible. Do not till too deeply, as this will
bring weed seeds to the soil surface. A contact herbicide
may be used to kill sod and weeds before and after tillage.
Roll or pack seedbed just before planting, making sure soil
is firm, not loose.
Seeding
Thoroughly mix your seed, as some of the heavier seeds may
have worked to the bottom of the bag in shipping. Scatter
seeds evenly over the planting area. You will find it helpful
to mix the seeds with Grit-o-cob to more easily achieve
an even coverage. If possible, broadcast seed over the planting
area several times, in different directions, making sure
all areas are evenly covered. Roll or compact the seed bed
after broadcasting and raking.
Seeding dates
February-March
(Frost seeding)
Broadcast your seed onto a seedbed that was prepared in
the fall of the previous year and allow freezing and thawing
to work the seeds into the soil.
April-July
Broadcast your seed onto a firm, well prepared seedbed.
Lightly rake in the seed. Roll or compact the seedbed after
broadcasting and raking. Supply some water during the first
few weeks, especially if dry conditions occur. After that,
leave the watering to Mother Nature.
October-December
(Dormant Seeding) Broadcast your seed onto a firm, well
prepared seedbed and allow the seed to work into soil by
freezing and thawing action.
Maintenance
• First Year
Your native perennials will be estab- lishing roots this
year, and will not be particularly noticeable above ground.
Keep the area mowed to 4-6 inches the entire first season
to reduce competition from the annual weeds which are sure
to appear.
• Second Year
Keep the area mowed to 6-8 inches, especially if there is
still weed competition. Handweeding, in small sites, may
be useful.
• Third year and beyond
If possible, burn area in March or April. Your prairie plants
will thrive on fire. If burning is not possible, mowing
can substitute for some of the beneficial effects of fire.
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