Hello, 

Congratulations on your grant! Can you please send a picture of the soil test results? That will help with our recommendations. 

Thank you!

The soil test results are attached. Thank you very much

Hi Tracy, 

Thanks for sending! Here are a few comments regarding your soil test report: 

1). A coarse soil texture often implies a high sand content with relatively poor water retention. Consequently, the bee lawn may be prone to drying out during the summer. Fortunately, most bee lawns are drought resistant, yet regular watering will be important. Here is a helpful link: https://www.lccmr.mn.gov/projects/2016/finals/2016_08a_installing_and_maintaining_a_bee_lawn_2pgs.pdf

2). The organic matter content (3.1%) is acceptable; however, before planting things, perhaps consider adding three inches or so of compost (available at gardening centers) and working into the soil. This will improve the water retention and partially meet the nitrogen recommendation.

3). Soil phosphorus can greatly fluctuate with time. Generally our recommendation is not to add additional phosphate to a lawn. The use of phosphorus fertilizer is quite restricted in many cases, and it can leach into waterways and cause further environmental issues.

4). As you mentioned, it is difficult to find a fertilizer with 1-2-2 (10-20-20) proportions. In this case, I think a fertilizer that is 10-0-10 may be appropriate given the soil report and your plans with the lawn. This should be easier to find. With a 10-0-10 fertilizer, one pound of fertilizer would contain 0.1 pound of nitrogen and 0.1 pound of potash. I'd recommend adding 5 pounds of 10-0-10 per 1,000 square feet now before sowing seeds and another 5 pounds/1,000 square feet in late August or early September. 

Good luck!

I've now begun my project and have a new question regarding your comment #2 above regarding compost. 

Because my space is 360 sq ft, I had the compost delivered in bulk from Ceres. It turns out that it's a "garden mix." I've spread the garden mix into my space, and I'm about to work it into the soil. Now that I know that I have a garden mix, do I still need to work it into the soil or can I plant my bee lawn seed directly into the garden mix? 

Thank you

I've now begun my project and have a new question regarding your comment #2 above regarding compost. 

Because my space is 360 sq ft, I had the compost delivered in bulk from Ceres. It turns out that it's a "garden mix." I've spread the garden mix into my space, and I'm about to work it into the soil. Now that I know that I have a garden mix, do I still need to work it into the soil or can I plant my bee lawn seed directly into the garden mix? 

Thank you

Hi Tracy, 

Yes, I would suggest mixing the compost into your soil prior to planting your seed. It will help the nutrients incorporate better into the soil bed. More "Keys to Success" with using compost can be found here: https://extension.oregonstate.edu/catalog/pub/em-9308-how-use-compost-gardens-landscapes

Good luck! 

I have one more question. After tilling, how long should I wait to plant the seeds? I've read that it needs to sit for awhile, I've seen anywhere from 1-3 weeks. The link provided is very informative but I didn't see any mention of that. What is your recommendation? Thanks again

Hi Tracy, 

Good question! It is better to plant when the soil is the right moisture and the weather is good. Planting sooner will also help reduce soil erosion. 

Here are some more helpful links: 

https://turf.umn.edu/sites/turf.umn.edu/files/2021-07/Installing%20and%20maintaining%20a%20bee%20lawn.pdf

https://www.bwsr.state.mn.us/sites/default/files/2020-05/Planting%20for%20Pollinators_updated_2020_0.pdf (read "Site Preparation" section)  

Good luck!