How to Establish a Native Prairie in Your Yard

Converting part of your yard into a native prairie is a rewarding way to enhance biodiversity, mitigate flooding, and create a beautiful, low-maintenance landscape. Whether you’re just getting started or looking for additional guidance, this step-by-step guide will help you successfully establish your own prairie.

Step 1: Remove Existing Lawn and Weeds

Before planting, you’ll need to clear the area of existing grass and weeds. There are several methods to achieve this:

• Smothering – Mow your lawn close to the ground, then cover it with cardboard or a tarp during the growing season. This blocks sunlight, eventually killing the grass and weeds. Over time, the decomposing plant material will enrich your soil.
• Digging/Cutting – Use a sod cutter, rototiller, or tow-behind disc harrow to remove grass and weeds. This is an effective method for larger plots. It’s best to repeat this process a few times throughout the growing season to prevent weed regrowth. If you need equipment, you can rent a rototiller in the Quad Cities at QC Rental Guys.
• Herbicide – While chemicals can be used to kill existing vegetation, they should be applied with caution. Always use protective gear and follow application guidelines carefully.

Step 2: Order Native Seeds

Choosing the right seeds is essential for a thriving prairie. Prairie Moon Nursery is a highly recommended source, offering well-researched seed mixes, including options that attract pollinators and support local wildlife.

Step 3: Plant Your Prairie

Once your site is prepared, you can plant your seeds by broadcasting them by hand or using a seed spreader. For even distribution, mix your seeds with four parts sand to one part seed.

For best results, prepare your site during the summer and plant in the fall. This allows seeds to naturally stratify over winter, improving their germination rate in the spring.

Step 4: Maintain Your Prairie

With thorough preparation, native prairie plants will gradually outcompete invasive species, reducing the need for intensive weed management. However, in the early stages, some maintenance is required:

• First-Year Mowing – Keep your prairie mowed to about 6”-8” in the first year. This helps control weeds while allowing sunlight to reach the young native plants.
• Weed Removal – As your prairie matures, invasive species will become less of an issue. In the second and third years, occasional hand removal of invasive plants may be necessary.
• Watering – Newly planted seeds may benefit from occasional watering to aid germination. Once established, native plants require no additional watering, as they are well-adapted to local climate conditions.

Additional Resources

For more information on site preparation, check out Prairie Moon’s Site Prep Guide.

If you live within Davenport city limits, you may be eligible to register your prairie with the Davenport Native Roots Program. This certification exempts registered properties from city mowing ordinances.

Get Started Today!

Creating a native prairie takes time and patience, but the long-term benefits to the environment and your landscape are well worth the effort. If you have questions or need guidance along the way, feel free to reach out!

Contact River Action at (563) 322-2969 or email jlasher@riveraction.org for more information.

Enjoy the journey of transforming your yard into a thriving native prairie!