Beginning process to begin establishing/re-establishing pollinator plots - Ask Extension
I am in the process of beginning establishing/re-establishing pollinator plots that have been taken over with a variety of broadleafs and grasses. I ...
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Beginning process to begin establishing/re-establishing pollinator plots #876320
Asked July 08, 2024, 11:52 AM EDT
I am in the process of beginning establishing/re-establishing pollinator plots that have been taken over with a variety of broadleafs and grasses. I have (2) soil types. Clay and sandy loam. The plots have the following broadleaf weed: Buckhorn, Plantain, canada thistle, queen anns lace, wild onion, curly dock.
I just mowed everything and want to put together a plan moving forward.
Mason County Michigan
Expert Response
I applaud your desire to (re)establish pollinator plots. I'm assuming you plan to populate them with pollinator plants native to Michigan or the midwest. Your weed list includes shallow rooted weeds that would be killed by tilling and deep rooted ones that could come back even after tilling several times. Do these plots contain plants you wish to keep or are you going back to bare soil as a starting point? If bare soil, I'd consider glyphosate (a non-selective herbicide) to eliminate everything.
Be sure to so a soil test as you plan your pollinator area. Knowing the type and fertility of your soil is the starting point to establishing & maintaining a strong turf alternative that can resist diseases, weeds, moss and insects/grubs, look great and at an optimal cost. More info here: Don't Guess-Soil Test-MSU and MSU Home Soil Test-self mailer
What is your plan for pollinator plot establishment - adding plants or seeding a native plant pollinator seed mix? What size are the plots? Seeds are cheaper than plants to establish but take longer. Some native plant nurseries have fall sales but the selection is usually limited. Native plant (seed) establishment info can be found in catalogs from Prairie Moon Nursery (prairiemoon.com) and Prairie Nursery (prairienursery.com - go to their websites to request catalogs). Both nurseries have pollinator seed mixes and plants. Sources of native plants/seed in Michigan include Michigan Wildflower Farm (https://www.michiganwildflowerfarm.com), Wildtypes (https://www.wildtypeplants.com) and East Michigan Native Plants (https://www.eastmichnatives.com). There may be others as well. MSU Extension does not endorse any retailers or brands.
The Mason County Conservation District may also be able to provide guidance (https://www.mason-lakeconservation.org/index.php/services - go to programs & services.
More info in the attached links:
Establishing Pollinator Habitat-MSUNative MI plant lists-MSU
Native Plants for MI Landscapes-Shrubs
Native Plant Bloom Time Chart - MSU
Invite Pollinators By Creating a Habitat-SG-MSU
I hope this helps. Tell me more about your plans and I can provide more info.
Be sure to so a soil test as you plan your pollinator area. Knowing the type and fertility of your soil is the starting point to establishing & maintaining a strong turf alternative that can resist diseases, weeds, moss and insects/grubs, look great and at an optimal cost. More info here: Don't Guess-Soil Test-MSU and MSU Home Soil Test-self mailer
What is your plan for pollinator plot establishment - adding plants or seeding a native plant pollinator seed mix? What size are the plots? Seeds are cheaper than plants to establish but take longer. Some native plant nurseries have fall sales but the selection is usually limited. Native plant (seed) establishment info can be found in catalogs from Prairie Moon Nursery (prairiemoon.com) and Prairie Nursery (prairienursery.com - go to their websites to request catalogs). Both nurseries have pollinator seed mixes and plants. Sources of native plants/seed in Michigan include Michigan Wildflower Farm (https://www.michiganwildflowerfarm.com), Wildtypes (https://www.wildtypeplants.com) and East Michigan Native Plants (https://www.eastmichnatives.com). There may be others as well. MSU Extension does not endorse any retailers or brands.
The Mason County Conservation District may also be able to provide guidance (https://www.mason-lakeconservation.org/index.php/services - go to programs & services.
More info in the attached links:
Establishing Pollinator Habitat-MSUNative MI plant lists-MSU
Native Plants for MI Landscapes-Shrubs
Native Plant Bloom Time Chart - MSU
Invite Pollinators By Creating a Habitat-SG-MSU
I hope this helps. Tell me more about your plans and I can provide more info.
