ESTABLISHING NATIVE GRASSES AND FORBS WITH EXISTING VEGETATION
Site Preparation
Tilling
- If the soil in the planting bed is compacted, it can be tilled to allow water and roots to penetrate into the ground. Keep your distance from trees and shrubs to reduce damage to roots.
- To reduce potential weed competition, the area can be lightly watered to germinate any existing weed seeds. The newly germinated seeds can then be killed through smothering (cover the area in black plastic for at least 6 weeks), cultivating, or herbiciding with a glyphosate (such as Round-up). Be sure to wait at least a week before seeding, and consult a professional before using chemicals near water. If weeds persist repeat the treatment.
- Immediately before seeding the soil surface should be loosened by raking it lightly. Too much disturbance may result in exposing additional weed seeds.
Not Tilling
- If the soil is not compacted, the area can be killed through smothering (cover the area in black plastic for at least 6 weeks), cultivating, or herbiciding with a glyphosate (such as Round-up). Be sure to wait at least a week before seeding.
- When the area has browned, rake out the dead vegetation and thatch to expose areas of mineral soil. If the dead vegetation is tall, mow the area prior to raking. This will help reduce the number of seeds that may get hung up in the vegetation.
- Immediately before seeding the soil surface should be loosened by raking it lightly. Too much disturbance may result in exposing additional weed seeds.
Seeding
- Because native seeds vary in size and weight it is best to mix them with an inert material for broadcasting. Slightly moistened sand, sawdust, or peat-moss (at a one to one ratio) will stick to the seeds resulting in a more even spread, make seeded areas more visible, and help extend small amounts of seed.
- Broadcast the second half walking perpendicular (e.g. east-west) to your first pass. This will ensure even coverage and you won't run out of seed before you get the whole area seeded.
- If you are seeding a large area you may want to break it up into small sections.
Raking
The site should be lightly raked following seeding to ensure good seed to soil contact. This will also help reduce the number of seeds that get hung-up in vegetation.
Packing
The site should be firmly packed following raking. Walk over the area, use a board, or any method that works well for you. After proper packing the seedbed should barely show footprints when walked on.
Mulch
The site can be mulched following packing using a weed free straw mulch or straw erosion control blanket.
Watering
Spring and summer seedings benefit from regular watering the first 4-6 weeks. Always water in the early morning, every other day for about half an hour.
