Materials Needed:

• 1oz prairie seed packet (mix of native grasses and wildflowers)

• 4 to 8 cups of sand (for mixing with seeds)

• Garden rake

• Watering can or hose with a gentle spray nozzle

• Light wood mulch or leaf mulch (for covering seeds)

• Large mixing bowl or bucket

• Measuring cup (optional)

Site Selection:

1. Sunlight: Choose a location that gets at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day.

2. Soil: Prairies thrive in various soil types but prefer well-drained soil. If uncertain, a simple soil test can help determine if any amendments are needed.

3. Area: Your 1oz seed packet will cover:

• 100 square feet for dense planting

• 200 square feet for lighter coverage

Time of Planting:

• Spring Planting: Planting in early spring (March to May) allows seeds to take advantage of spring rains and warm soil temperatures. 

• Fall Dormant Seeding: Alternatively, you can plant in late fall (November to early December) before the ground freezes.

• Frost Seeding: Done in late winter or early spring (e.g., February to March). Seeds are broadcast on frozen ground, and freeze-thaw cycles help them settle into the soil and naturally stratify over winter, which can enhance germination. 

• Avoid Planting in Hot Summer Months: Prairie seeds require consistent moisture to germinate, which can be challenging to maintain during hot, dry summer months. If you plant in late spring or summer, be prepared to water frequently.

Site Preparation:

1. Clear Existing Vegetation: Remove grass and weeds without using chemicals. Hand-pull or dig out roots, or cover the area with cardboard and mulch for a few weeks to smother existing plants.

2. Prepare the Soil: Use a rake to lightly roughen the soil surface, creating shallow grooves that will help the seeds settle.

Mixing the Seeds:

1. Measure the Area:

• For 100 square feet, use the full 1oz of seed.

• For 200 square feet, use the full 1oz of seed but spread it thinner.

2. Mix with Sand:

• In a large mixing bowl or bucket, combine the seeds with 4 cups of sand for a 100 square foot area or 8 cups of sand for a 200 square foot area. The sand helps ensure even distribution of the seeds.

• Alternative to Sand: You can use finely shredded wood mulch or leaf mulch instead of sand. Use about 4 to 8 cups, depending on your area size.

3. Mix Thoroughly: Stir the mixture well to ensure that the seeds are evenly distributed throughout the sand or mulch.

Distributing the Seeds:

1. Hand-Broadcasting:

• Grip the mixed seeds in your hand. Take a handful of the seed and sand (or mulch) mixture.

• Starting at one edge of the area, scatter the seeds evenly by flicking your wrist in a smooth, side-to-side motion, while squeezing your seed mix tightly. Aim to spread the seeds in a wide, even arc as you walk. It will seem like you are ‘dusting’ the area rather than seeding.

• Move methodically across the planting area, ensuring even coverage by overlapping slightly with each pass. You’ll likely feel like you need to seed more heavily but it’s best to be scant and cover the area several times to ensure even distribution of your seed mix.

2. Tips for Even Distribution:

• Divide the mixture into equal parts (e.g., half or quarters) and cover the area in sections. This helps ensure that you don’t run out of seeds before the area is fully covered.

• If you’re unsure, consider broadcasting the area twice with half the mixture each time, walking in perpendicular directions to ensure even coverage.

Pressing the Seeds into the Soil for Spring and Fall plantings:

1. Lightly Press: After broadcasting the seeds, use the back of a rake to gently press the seeds into the soil. This helps ensure good seed-to-soil contact, which is crucial for germination.

2. Alternative Method: For small areas, you can simply walk over the planted area to press the seeds into the soil.

Covering the Seeds:

1. Mulching (optional for Spring and Fall plantings):

• Lightly cover the seeded area with a thin layer of finely shredded wood mulch or leaf mulch. Use just enough to barely cover the seeds; this protects them from birds and helps retain moisture.

• For 100 square feet, use about 1 to 2 cups of mulch.

• For 200 square feet, use about 2 to 4 cups of mulch.

Watering:

• Initial Watering: Gently water the area immediately after planting to settle the seeds into the soil. Use a watering can or hose with a gentle spray nozzle to avoid washing away the seeds.

• Ongoing Care: Keep the soil consistently moist until seeds germinate, which can take a few weeks. After the plants are established, water as needed, especially during dry periods.

Ongoing Maintenance:

1. First Year:

• Growth Expectations: Prairie plants invest heavily in root development during their first year, which means above-ground growth will be slow. This is normal, and the prairie may look sparse and weedy during this time.

• Weed Control: Hand-pull weeds regularly to prevent them from overshadowing the young prairie plants. This is crucial during the first year to give your prairie plants the best chance to establish.

• Mowing: Mow the area regularly (2 to 3 times) during the growing season to a height of 4-6 inches. This reduces competition from fast-growing weeds and allows more light to reach the prairie seedlings. Avoid mowing too low, as this can damage the young prairie plants.

2. Second Year:

• Continued Mowing: Continue to mow the prairie 1-2 times during the growing season to a height of 8-10 inches. By now, the prairie plants should start to become more visible, and the mowing will help control any persistent weeds.

• Spot Weeding: Hand-pull any remaining invasive or aggressive weeds that threaten to outcompete your prairie plants.

3. Third Year and Beyond:

• Reduced Maintenance: By the third year, your prairie should be well-established, and mowing can be reduced or eliminated. Occasional mowing or cutting in late fall or early spring every 2-3 years helps manage growth and promotes plant diversity.

• Prescribed Burns (Optional): If possible, consider conducting a prescribed burn every 3-5 years. Fire is a natural part of the prairie ecosystem and helps to reduce thatch, control woody plants, and stimulate new growth. If burning is not an option, mowing and raking off the cut material can achieve similar benefits.

Enjoying Your Prairie:

As your prairie matures, it will become a thriving ecosystem full of native grasses, wildflowers, and the pollinators they attract. Each year, the diversity and beauty of the prairie will increase, providing a lasting source of enjoyment and environmental benefits.