Transcript Planting a Prairie

Planting a Prairie
By Mary Knutson RN, BSN, NFPP
MSN Viterbo Student
Planting a Prairie
 Restoration
of areas to native grasses and forbs
(wildflowers) is innately satisfying, especially in
erosion-prone areas
 Once the prairie is well-established, it takes very
little maintenance, except periodic burning for
weed control
 Very good for the environment and wildlife,
especially birds and butterflies
Planting a Prairie
Observe other natural
prairies (sometimes called
goat prairies)
 Decide what grasses and
forbs to plant
 Research the seed
preparation and proper
planting time

Planting a Prairie
Site preparation is very
important
 Planting can be done by
hand or by a seeder
 Weed control is a very big
problem for the first 3
years until the prairie
plants are well established
 Mowing can be very
helpful

Planting a Prairie
Seeds are more expensive than
the usual garden or grass seeds
 Some are in very short supply
 You must not dig up plants
that are growing wild because
ofter the transplanting in
unsuccessful, and the wild
planting can be irreparably
damaged.

Planting a Prairie
Landowner
Family/workers to help weed
County Extension Office
Township Fire Warden
Native Seed companies
Native Plant Organizations
Internet Resources
Planting a Prairie
Scientific
Name
Liatrus
pycnostachya
Phlox
Maculata
Coreopsis
Palmata
Aster laevis
Common
Name
Prairie
Blazing Star
Wild Sweet
William
Prairie
Coreopsis
Smooth Blue
Aster
Seeds per
ounce
11,000
Cost per
pound
$150.00
11,000
$1125.00
20,000
$450.00
55,000
$375.00
Cost of planting a prairie using “Prudent Prairie Mix” from Ion
Exchange Native Seed and Plant Nursery
1000
900
800
amount of
seed mix
needed
700
600
500
cost of seed
400
300
200
100
0
1000 2000 5000 10,000 1/2
sq. ft. sq. ft. sq. ft. sq. ft. acre
1 acre
Planting a Prairie
 It
is worth all the work and cost because it will be
there for generations
 Peaceful and unique setting
 Excellent place for Nature study and appreciation
 Enjoy you own prairie garden!