Dormant prairie seeding

Listen to this radio story on dormant prairie seeding (MP3 download)

Although prairies aren't native to all regions, they can be created in most areas. In fact, planting a prairie is often a wonderful way to help bring back the original landscape for wildlife and soil conservation. November is the ideal time to plant prairie seeds, because the seeds have a built-in dormancy mechanism. After spending all winter being filled in by moisture, they'll start to germinate when the temperature hits about 60-degrees Fahrenheit. You won't need to use any herbicides, insecticides, or fertilizers, but regular weed control through weeding, burning, and mowing is extremely important for prairie maintenance. During the first few years of a prairie's existence, the seedlings must develop extensive root systems.

Radio Interview Source: John Osenbaugh, owner, Prairie Seed Farms

For additional information about planting a prairie, we suggest visiting the following links:

Wild at home: Returning native plants to your landscape gives you a view of the natural world as it existed before agriculture and civilization.

Planting Your Own Prairie: Factors to consider before beginning your prairie-planting project.

Establishing and Maintaining a Prairie Garden: Tips for creating your own prairie garden.

Getting Ready for Springtime: An explanation of how seed stratification acts as a built-in survival mechanism for native prairie species.