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Spacing for Planting Natives #681566

Asked February 23, 2021, 4:57 PM EST

I have a large open area (full sun, approx 10' x 100') where I will be planting native perennials and grasses. I will be ordering about a dozen (or more?) (18 count) flats of plants from Glacial Ridge Growers. I'm not sure how large their plants are, but the individual plants are planted in sections of the flat that are 12.17 fl. oz or 365 ml in size. Though I may not be able to plant the whole area this year, ideally I'd like to get at least 2/3 of the area planted. I plan to use 10 - 12 different species and plant them in drifts of multiple plants of the same variety. My question is, for plants of this size, how far apart do you recommend that I plant them? Should I space the varieties in each drift closer together, with more spacing between the different varieties? I'd appreciate your recommendations and advice. Thanks.

Anoka County Minnesota

Expert Response

Once you have the names of the native plants you can look up their mature height and width. Plant them odd numbers in a triangle like pattern verses a long line. The perennials should be planted based on their mature size. You can plant annuals between the small perennials. The annuals will shade the soil so you have less weeds. Organic mulch will also help to control weeds.

Pat M MN master gardener and TCA Replied February 23, 2021, 7:34 PM EST

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