Cultivating Native Foliation: A Detailed Handbook
Transforming Your Garden into a Native Haven: A Comprehensive Guide
For those looking to create a thriving native garden, here's a step-by-step guide to help you along the way.
1. Eliminating Existing Weeds and Grass
The first step in establishing a native garden is to remove existing weeds and grass. This can be achieved through the use of non-selective herbicides like glyphosate (e.g., Roundup), manual removal, or renting a sod cutter.
- Glyphosate will kill all plants it comes into contact with, so use it carefully to avoid damaging your desired native plants.
- Manual removal involves digging out the entire root system to prevent regrowth. Tools like digging forks or garden knives can aid in this process.
- A sod cutter, which cuts roots 2-3 inches deep, can be an effective method for deeply clearing an area without chemicals.
2. Soil Preparation
Once the weeds or lawn have been removed, it's crucial to loosen the soil without excessive disturbance. A garden fork is ideal for this task. After loosening, smooth the soil surface and remove debris such as sticks and rocks.
3. Planting and Ongoing Maintenance
After soil preparation, it's time to plant your native plants. Start planting soon after clearing the area, even if some grass/weeds remain. Continue regular maintenance by weeding, mowing, or trimming around the native plants to reduce competition.
Over time, the natives will outcompete remaining weeds as they grow larger and denser. Use mulch to suppress weed regrowth and retain soil moisture, especially for creeping or spreading weeds.
4. Planting Techniques
- Dig a hole for your native plant that is slightly bigger than the size of the plant's current pot and deep enough so that the plant will sit at the same level it was in the pot.
- Avoid adding any amendments, fertilizer, or compost to the planting hole.
- After applying compost, plant native plants directly into the prepared bed.
- Backfill the hole with the native soil without adding store-bought soil or amendments.
- Water your plants deeply after planting, and continue to water them regularly during the establishment period.
- For trees and shrubs, apply a layer of mulch around them, ensuring it does not touch the main stem.
5. Mulching
Mulch can be added to maintain and enhance your planting area, helping suppress weeds, conserve moisture, and provide food for soil microorganisms.
6. Herbicide Use
Herbicides should be used sparingly and selectively, particularly if you do not have aggressive invasive grasses like Bermuda or Kikuyu. For less aggressive grasses, manual removal plus maintenance often suffice.
In summary, effective removal of existing weeds and grass is a combination of killing or digging out, careful soil preparation, early planting of native plants, and consistent maintenance. Manual removal combined with strategic use of herbicides where appropriate offers longer-term control while supporting native plant establishment.
[1] University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources. (2014). Removing grass and weeds before planting native plants. [online] Available at: https://ucanr.edu/sites/sustainableagriculture/files/282671.pdf [2] National Wildlife Federation. (2020). Creating a Wildlife Habitat: Establishing a Native Plant Garden. [online] Available at: https://www.nwf.org/Garden-for-Wildlife/Certification/How-to-Create-a-Garden/Establishing-a-Native-Plant-Garden [3] Oregon State University Extension Service. (2019). Removing Grass and Weeds Before Planting Native Plants. [online] Available at: https://extension.oregonstate.edu/gardening/removing-grass-and-weeds-before-planting-native-plants [4] The Nature Trust. (2020). How to Plant Native Plants. [online] Available at: https://www.naturetrust.ca/how-to-plant-native-plants/ [5] Missouri Department of Conservation. (2019). Planting Native Plants. [online] Available at: https://mdc.mo.gov/discover-nature/field-guide/planting-native-plants
Replacing your lawn with a native garden can greatly enhance your home-and-garden landscape, showcasing a unique lifestyle that promotes biodiversity. As you work through the steps of eliminating existing weeds and grass, preparing the soil, planting, and maintaining your native garden, remember to use mulch to conserve moisture and suppress weeds, and herbicides sparingly to control invasive grasses. Your new native garden can thrive and serve as a haven for local wildlife, contributing to a more sustainable home-and-gardening lifestyle.
