Tallgrass Prairie Restoration Mix

Weed control before seeding is the most important investment in a prairie restoration. Kill existing sod or weeds with herbicide in fall, allow a second weed flush, terminate again before seeding.

Clean, weed-suppressed ground gives slow-germinating native species the competitive edge they need during the vulnerable first-year window.

Drill at 1/8 inch depth with a native grass drill or Brillion seeder. Do not bury seed deeper than 1/4 inch.

For dormant seeding, broadcast in November–December before freeze-up and allow natural snow cover to press seed into soil contact. Spring seedings should be completed before soil temperatures exceed 60 F to avoid competing weed flushes.

Year one is a root-building year. Expect 3–6 inch rosettes on native grasses with little showy growth.

Mow at 8 inches if annual weeds threaten to shade out seedlings — but do not mow below 6 inches. Coneflower and Black-Eyed Susan may bloom in year one or two.

Native grasses typically begin vertical growth in year two.

This is permanent native infrastructure — not intended for termination. Manage with prescribed fire every 3–5 years, late-winter mowing, or light grazing during the dormant season.

Prevent woody encroachment by removing shrubs and trees in the stand perimeter annually. Leave standing seed heads through winter for wildlife value.