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Caring for Grass Seedlings
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How to Plant Native Grasses from Seed
After your native seeds have germinated, help them establish into their new home by following these tips.
1. Encourage deep root systems:
When grass seedlings have 3 to 5 blades per sprout, reduce the frequency of waterings to 2 or 3 times weekly. Increase water per application to achieve greater soaking depths. Alternate soil moisture from good deep soakings to moderately dry in between waterings. Roots need a balance of oxygen. Reduce frequency of waterings over time as plants become established.
2. Fair playing field:
Create an equal chance for your native seedling's survival by controlling weed growth. (Please make sure to correctly identify weeds so you don't accidentally take out natives). Hand pull weeds carefully not to disturb seelings. Or, for larger areas, keep weeds mowed so they do not block much needed sunlight - it's ok to mow over seedlings.
3. Be patient:
Those who plant seeds, play an intimate role in the experience of life. 150 years ago only native plants grew here. Though many changes have occurred, they would love to come back home. |
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Preparing for Wildflower Planting
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Native wildflowers such as the Texas Yellowstar (pictured above) go to seed naturally thru late summer. This means fall is the time to plant wildflower seeds and now is the time to start planning for a wildflower meadow or butterfly habitat area. Successful fall seed plantings start with right land preparation.
Think...
Issues to consider are sun, drainage, soils, planting time, weather, existing plants and dormant weed seeds, residual chemical, your tools and equipment, expectations and your budget.
Read the land...
We have already done the research to gather the right seeds for your space & purpose offering them as wildflower mixes. You can also find individual wildflower species available - or try adding a d-pak to your mix for extra diversity.
Bed preparation...
A "weedy" site may signal that special attention be required. Reduce invasive perennial weeds such as bermuda, KR bluestem, buffel, vasey and johnsongrass prior to planting native seeds. For small plots consider using black plastic to solarize and kill weeds during hot summer months. For large areas, consider plowing with a tractor and various implements several times before seeding to expose an dry unwanted roots. If you choose chemical weed killers, get advice from your county extension agent.
The least amount of soil disturbance will have the most favorable results. Almost all soils contain dormant weed seeds, which will be awakened by excesive tilling. If you need assistance, please call us. Our staff is ready to help you.
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