Prairie tips offered

• Start with a clean slate. Seed-to-soil contact is imperative for a successful prairie planting. That means starting with a clean, firm and weed-free planting area. Often it can involve herbicide, mowing or other methods. One of the best site-preparation methods is planning to grow soybeans in rotation prior to planting prairie.
• A little seed goes a long way. Use a carrier such as oats, rice hulls or kitty litter is used to evenly disperse seed through the field, and properly flow through the planting equipment.
• Plant the prairie. There are several ways and times of the year to plant a prairie. A no-till drill can help if there’s some residue left on one’s field; just don’t plant too deep. Prairie seeds only need to be planted one-eighth- to one-quarter-inch deep. Seed also can be broadcasted if plenty of bare ground is present. Frost seeding can be helpful if planting wetter sites.
• Mow weeds. For the first few years prairie plants are working on their extensive root systems; some can extend 16 feet deep. That’s why it may look like just weeds the first few years. To help prairie establish itself, mow annual weeds once they reach knee-high down to 7 inches. That helps bring sunlight down to establishing plants but isn't low enough to damage them.
• Consider future prairie. Prairies rely on disturbance such as mowing, prescribed fire or grazing to maintain vigor and diversity. Expect to complete some kind of disturbance activity every five to six years. Activities in the fall will tend to favor flowers. Activities in the spring will tend to favor grasses.