Planting a Mixed Prairie

Planning & Seed Selection: General Overview

When planning a mixed prairie landscape, one should consider site requirements such as soil type, drainage, sun exposure, and erosion. Be sure to factor in visual aesthetics, foot traffic, and budget as well.

We typically recommend combining our Prairie 3 Plus with any of our in-house wildflower mixes to create a natural prairie-meadow! Use a 2:1 ratio of Grasses to Wildflowers to create the perfect blend. 

We offer a diverse range of in-house mixes and individual species to meet various needs! Click here to view our selection guide.

Preparation

To ensure success, plant into a clean, firm seedbed that is free of weeds, dirt clods, and debris. It's best to start your preparation a season ahead or even a year in advance.

For more detailed preparation guidelines, check out these articles on How to Plant Wildflowers and How to Plant Prairie Grasses.

1st Year Weed Control

After planting, there are limited herbicide options in a mixed stand. Manage weeds by mowing or shredding at a raised height (6-8 inches). This method allows new seedlings to compete with potential weeds by giving them more access to sunlight and preventing annual weeds from going to seed.

Maintenance Requirements

Year 1-2:

Patience is key! Prairie grasses and perennial wildflowers focus on developing their root systems during their first year of growth, becoming more competitive against weeds in following years as they establish.

Water deeply and infrequently as the prairie grasses and wildflowers work to establish.

Mow or shred once in late fall or early spring (best) to remove thatch and encourage new growth. Waiting until spring allows for the greatest chance of natural reseeding.

Year 3 & Beyond:

Continue to mow or shred to clear thatch in late fall or early spring. Alternatively, you can conduct a controlled burn in early spring. Always follow local regulations and obtain a burn permit before performing a controlled burn.

View our Long Term Prairie Management Guide here.