QUESTION: When should I plant native warm season grasses and how should I prepare the soil?

ANSWER: Warm season native grasses include but are not limited to the bluestems, buffalos, gramas, Indian rices, lovegrasses, sideoats and wheatgrasses. Planting of most of these grasses should occur just before the monsoon rainy season begins in July. Seeding rates vary between different grass species. For example Buffalo grass is seeded at 3 to 4 pounds and blue grama grass is seeded at 1 to 2 pounds per 1,000 square feet. In most situations it is advisable to mix 2 or more compatible species together and sow them so there is more diversity in the planting.

For best germination and stand, till the soil 4 to 6 inches deep, (this is very necessary on new construction sites because of compacted soil), rake smooth, spread seed, and top dress with compost or composed manure. The dark compost will warm the soil and hold moisture which aids in germination.

Many of these warm season grasses make attractive landscape areas but are not suited to heavy traffic and play. However, breeding programs are currently developing turf type lawn grasses from native warm season grass species that will withstand traffic. Also, many of these grasses are more drought tolerant than the more traditional turf grass and require less water than Bermuda grass.