How To Grow Grasses on the Prairie

Growing native grasses on a prairie can transform a barren landscape into a thriving ecosystem. This process enhances the natural beauty of your property, promotes biodiversity, and reduces maintenance needs. In this video, Ask This Old House landscape designer Jenn Nawada explores the steps to successfully establish prairie grasses, drawing insights from ecologist Wanda Manley’s expertise. Manley demonstrates key techniques for cultivating native grasses in Wyoming’s challenging climate that you can apply to your land.

*Unless otherwise noted, costs in this article reflect an average of prices that our team found from hardware stores like Lowes and Home Depot, and on Amazon.com.

Understanding Prairie Ecosystems

Prairie ecosystems are characterized by vast open grasslands with few trees. These environments typically receive limited rainfall and experience high winds, making it challenging for a variety of plants to thrive there. However, native prairie grasses have adapted to these conditions over thousands of years, developing resilience and hardiness that make them ideal for these environments.

Native vs. Invasive Species

When establishing prairie grasses, it’s important to distinguish between native and invasive species. Native plants have naturally evolved in a specific region, while invasive species are non-native plants that can harm the local ecosystem.

Common Prairie Grasses

Several grass species are well-suited to prairie environments. Some popular choices include:

• Blue grama: A warm-season grass with distinctive eyelash-like seed heads
• Buffalo grass: A low-growing, drought-tolerant species
• Prairie June grass: A bright green bunch grass that blooms in June
• Western wheatgrass: Known for its blue-green leaves and drought resistance

These grasses not only withstand the challenging prairie conditions but also offer unique aesthetic qualities that enhance the landscape’s natural beauty.

Preparing Your Land for Prairie Grasses

Before planting prairie grasses, it’s essential to prepare your land properly. This process involves assessing your current vegetation and addressing any issues with invasive species, ensuring the native grasses have the best environment to thrive.

Identifying Existing Vegetation

Start by surveying your property to identify the types of plants already growing. Look for both desirable native species and problematic invasives. Some plants, like alfalfa and sweet clover, may not be native but can benefit your soil by fixing nitrogen. Evaluating your existing vegetation helps inform your strategy for planting and managing prairie grasses.

Removing Invasive Species

To create an ideal environment for native grasses, you’ll need to remove invasive species. This process typically involves:

1. Identifying invasive plants such as cheatgrass and smooth brome.
2. Applying a selective herbicide to target invasive species.
3. Waiting several weeks for the herbicide to take effect.
4. Preparing the soil for seeding native grasses.

By removing invasive species, you allow native plants to reclaim and restore their natural habitat.

Seeding Prairie Grasses

Once you’ve prepared your land, it’s time to seed your prairie grasses. This process requires specialized equipment and careful timing to ensure successful germination, giving your grasses the best start possible.

Choosing the Right Seed Mix

Select a seed mix that includes a variety of native grasses and wildflowers appropriate for your region. A diverse mix will create a more resilient and visually appealing prairie landscape. Consider soil type, sunlight exposure, and regional climate when selecting your seed mix to ensure the best match for your property.

Using a Seed Drill

For best results, use a specialized seed drill to plant your prairie grass seeds. This equipment:

• Creates shallow grooves in the soil
• Deposits seeds at the appropriate depth
• Covers the seeds with soil to prevent them from blowing away

Many conservation districts offer seed drills for rent, making this equipment accessible to homeowners. The precision offered by seed drills ensures a consistent planting depth, which is key to proper seed germination.

Timing Your Seeding

The best time to seed prairie grasses depends on your local climate. In many regions, fall seeding allows seeds to overwinter and germinate in spring when conditions are ideal. This timing takes advantage of natural moisture levels and temperature fluctuations, helping seeds to root firmly and begin growth as the weather warms.

Enhancing Germination with Snow Fencing

In windy prairie environments, snow fencing can help newly seeded grasses establish themselves. This technique uses natural snowfall to your advantage, providing a source of water that can be harnessed for optimum grass growth.

Benefits of Snow Fencing

Due to strong winds, snow in prairie ecosystems can travel great distances before settling. Implementing a snow fence helps slow this process, allowing snow to settle and melt in place, providing essential moisture for seed germination. With adequate moisture from the snow, prairie grasses can establish robust root systems, enhancing their resistance to drought and other stressors. Snow fencing offers several advantages for prairie grass establishment:

• Captures and distributes snow evenly across seeded areas, providing a uniform blanket of moisture
• Protects seeds and young plants from wind damage
• Provides natural irrigation as snow melts

By managing snow distribution, snow fencing creates a more stable environment for new plants to take root and grow.

Installing Snow Fencing

To install an effective snow fence:

1. Identify the direction of prevailing winds.
2. Place the fence perpendicular to wind direction for optimal snow capture.
3. Use sturdy materials like livestock panels and T-posts for support.
4. Attach plastic snow fencing to the support structure.
5. Ensure the fence is tall enough to capture sufficient snow.

Maintaining Your Prairie Grass Landscape

Once your prairie grasses are established, proper maintenance is key to their long-term success. Unlike traditional lawns, prairie landscapes require a different approach to care, emphasizing sustainability and ecology.

Mowing Practices

One of the most important aspects of prairie grass maintenance is proper mowing:

• Allow grasses to grow to their natural height (typically around 18 inches)
• Do not mow frequently, as prairie grasses don’t require it
• If mowing is necessary, do so only once or twice a year, preferably in late fall or early spring

These practices encourage robust root growth and plant health, allowing your prairie to thrive with minimal intervention.

Weed Management

While established prairie grasses are generally resistant to weeds, some management may be necessary:

• Encourage dense grass growth to naturally suppress weeds
• Monitor for invasive species and remove them promptly
• Use spot treatments of herbicide if needed, rather than broadcast applications

This proactive approach helps maintain the ecological balance of your prairie landscape while minimizing chemical interventions.

Prescribed Burns

In some cases, controlled burns can benefit prairie grass ecosystems.

• Consult local authorities and obtain necessary permits before conducting a burn
• Plan burns for early spring before new growth emerges
• Use fire to control woody plant encroachment and stimulate grass growth

Prescribed burns can rejuvenate prairie ecosystems by returning essential nutrients to the soil and fostering a healthier, more vibrant grassland.

Soil Health and Biodiversity

Healthy soil is fundamental to sustaining prairie ecosystems. Regularly assess soil conditions and amend as needed with organic matter to maintain fertility. Introduce a range of native grass and forb species to promote biodiversity. These can attract beneficial insects and wildlife, further fortifying the ecological resilience of your prairie landscape.

Resources

Nawada learned that the local conservation district can rent many of the tools required for treating or planting a yard with prairie grasses. Some of these tools can be rented from home centers, as well.

Expert assistance with this segment was provided by the Laramie County Conservation District, the University of Wyoming Extension, Nawada Landscape Design, and Wanda Manley.

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