Over the last 150 years more than 99% of the Midwestern tallgrass prairies were converted to other uses. In recent years, interest in prairies has soared. Even though prairies aren't native to all regions, they can be created in most areas.

PLANNING A PRAIRIE GARDEN

Site selection:

• Prairie plants grow best in full sun and open spaces. Look for areas with maximum sun exposure and minimal root competition from trees.
• Know your soil type and surface drainage when selecting plants. Standing water on a site or water that does not drain from a 1 foot deep hole within 24 hours indicate wet and poorly drained soil.
• Determine if there are weed ordinances in your city.

Site preparation is very important in determining the success of a prairie garden. The method you choose depends on soil type, size of planting, existing plants and seed bank. The following methods are suggested:

• Cultivate the soil regularly for a complete growing season. The idea is to have much of the unwanted vegetation grow and be cultivated and end with an open, fairly clean site. This involves repeated shallow tilling to kill existing weeds as they germinate.

• Apply a nonselective herbicide containing the active ingredient glyphosate, such as Roundup® or Kleenup®, to kill all existing vegetation. READ AND FOLLOW ALL LABEL DIRECTIONS. When the vegetation dies in about two weeks, till to a depth of 12" or more. For small areas an alternative method involves killing existing vegetation by covering with black plastic, a tarp or plywood, or 8 layers of newspaper for at least two months. Plants can be placed in cut holes of the newspaper. The plastic, tarp and plywood methods work best in summer and fall for planting next spring.

• Use herbicide as above; follow by mowing instead of tilling. Dead vegetation is left as a mulch. Seed is then sown with a drill into the soil using a slit-seeder or Truax drill. This is especially good for steep slopes where erosion is a concern.

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