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planting a prairie in the summer
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Posted by sotaylor 4b WI (My Page) on Wed, Jun 2, 04 at 10:05
| Has anyone planted (by direct seeding) a prairie as late as June or July with success? I know they recommend planting earlier, when moisture conditions are better. I'm in southern Wisconsin. Thanks |
Follow-Up Postings:
RE: planting a prairie in the summer
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| It will work provided you use pre-stratified seed. You'll need to water regularly especially after mid summer. A light covering of the seed with some organic material - not enough to block out light - will help retain moisture and improve germination. Most plants will grow quickly when started late. A few species will only germinate in cool weather but most won't mind it warm. |
RE: planting a prairie in the summer
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| Hi, Prairie Moon Nursery and Prairie Nursery have a lot of info on starting a prairie. Fall is generally the best time to seed. This lets nature stratify the seed. Bed preparation is very important (both the above discuss it) as prairie seedlings do not complete well with weeds the first year, so the bed needs to be weed-free as best as possible. Both of the nurseries also provide prairie seed mixes depending on what growing conditions you have. Jeanne |
RE: planting a prairie in the summer
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| Summer seeding is ok if the area is small enough that you can keep it watered regularly otherwise if the seeds begin to sprout and it doesn't rain enough your new little seedlings will shrivel up and die along with the money that you spent for the seed. If you can't water, then I would wait and seed in the fall. |
RE: planting a prairie in the summer
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| honestly? do weed maintance for another grow season and plant in the fall. unless u are able to give it the kinda water spring gives, dont even try it. ur asking for short term weed problems and long term, poor germ rates. and frankly even WITH spring type of watering, ur still asking for it. froggy |
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