![\"comparison_yr1yr2\"](\"https:\/\/www.purdue.edu\/fnr\/extension\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/comparison.png\")
<\/a>This planting was full of \u201cweeds\u201d in year 1, but by year 2 planted wildflowers were abundant on the site.<\/p><\/div>\n
1. Weed pressure Controlling these weeds may require mowing during the growing season before they produce seed, which can help planting success. But this mowing can come at a cost. Many of these weeds like common ragweed, provide cover and food for wildlife. Mowing the field may temporarily reduce its value to many wildlife species. When evaluating weed pressure, we need to decide if weeds are dense or thick enough to reduce the germination and growth of what we planted. Generally, if the weed pressure in the field is high and it is shading out the ground, you should think about mowing to control weeds. If weed pressure is not high and sunlight is still reaching the ground, you may want to consider skipping or delaying the mowing until later in the summer.<\/p>\n This field that was planting to native grasses and wildflowers is now dominated by foxtail. This would be a situation where mowing may improve the establishment of the what you planted.<\/p><\/div>\n <\/p>\n 2. Look for rows or drill marks See the bronzish\/orange grass in rows? That\u2019s little bluestem. This landowner thought they had a failed planting, but it wasn’t until the following winter when the drilled rows of little bluestem were obvious.<\/p><\/div>\n <\/p>\n 3. Identify indicator plants Partridge pea is a commonly planted species that grows and flowers during the first summer after planting. Their yellow flowers and compound leaves make them easy to identify.<\/p><\/div>\n <\/p>\n 4. Scout for invasives Looking for these four signs when evaluating your newly established planting can help you determine if it\u2019s on the right track and help you keep it there. But, many of the species you planted are perennials, and will not be very obvious the first growing season. They are putting most of their energy towards below ground (roots), not above ground (stems) growth. So, if you don\u2019t see them during the first growing season, it doesn\u2019t mean they are not there. Establishing a native grass and wildflower planting for wildlife takes a bit of patience and persistence.<\/p>\n Video:<\/strong> Tips for Evaluating a First Year Native Grass and Forb Planting<\/a> expands even further regarding the tips on how to evaluate your first-year planting.<\/p>\n Resources<\/strong>
\n<\/strong>Inevitably when you plant these diverse mixes of native grasses and wildflowers you will get weeds. Even if you control weeds before planting (which you should), some weeds will still show up, especially annual weeds like foxtail, ragweed, and horseweed. In the past, we used herbicides like imazapic (Plateau) to help control weeds during the first growing season after planting \u2013 which is still an option in native grass only stands or with certain wildflowers. But, with more diverse plantings we do not have any herbicide options to control weeds without harming what we planted. Therefore, weeds may be more of an issue in diverse plantings like pollinator plantings.<\/p>\n<\/a>
\n<\/strong>If you plant the field with a no-till drill, you may see rows of plants appear during the first growing season. This is a sure indication that what you planted has germinated and is growing. However, if you frost seeded the field by broadcasting the seed on top of the ground, you will not see rows. Sometimes the rows of plants will not be obvious at first, but will be very obvious later on.<\/p>\n<\/a>
\n<\/strong>One the best ways I could calm the nerves of a landowner who thought they had a failed planting was by identifying species of wildflowers or grasses that they did indeed plant. Some of the annual or biennial wildflowers such as black-eyed susan or partridge pea will germinate quickly and may even flower during the first growing season. Learning how to identify some of the species you planted will help you determine if what you planted is indeed germinating and growing.<\/p>\n<\/a>
\n<\/strong>Another topic of discussion on a site visit is invasive plants. It is important to catch invasive early in a planting so they do not cause problems later on. Some of the common invasive plants that show up early in the life of native grass and wildflower planting are Canada thistle, sericea lespedeza, and johnsongrass. Control of these species often requires herbicide. Catching them early when they can be spot-sprayed will save you time, money, and headaches.<\/p>\n
\nPurdue Extension Pond and Wildlife Management Website<\/a>
\nRenovating Native Warm-Season Grass Stands for Wildlife: A Land Manager\u2019s Guide<\/a>, The Education Store, Purdue Extension resource center
\nCalibrating a No-Till Drill for Conservation Plantings and Wildlife Food Plots<\/a>, Video
\nHabitat Help LIVE Q&A \u2013 Native Grasses and Forbs for Wildlife<\/a>, Video, Purdue Extension – Forestry and Natural Resources Youtube channel<\/p>\n