Make meadow a Pollinator Haven - Ask Extension
We just moved to Eldorado Springs and have 2 acres of property. The meadow has been mowed for years. We have allowed it to go natural since we arrived...
Knowledgebase
Make meadow a Pollinator Haven #735343
Asked December 15, 2020, 11:39 AM EST
We just moved to Eldorado Springs and have 2 acres of property. The meadow has been mowed for years. We have allowed it to go natural since we arrived in July and have seen so many neat things happening! In the spring, we would like to add native seed and plants to the meadow so that it can be a home to pollinators. Is there someone who you can recommend who can consult with us? Thank you, Amy
Boulder County Colorado
Expert Response
I can help you with this.
From what I see in the photo, you already have dense vegetation in the area. Because of the vegetation that is already there, I would not seed the area. The existing plants will out compete the seeds you put out and you are likely to get very few of the seeds to germinate and grow. If there are areas there there is less than 30% existing plant cover, those areas could be seeded.
For the other areas, plants would be a better option. You will need to be able to water the plants to get them established. You will need to water them at least for the first year. How much you need to water them will be based on how much precipitation we receive.
As far as what to plant here are links to some fact sheets that provide information about the plants.
https://extension.colostate.edu/topic-areas/yard-garden/native-herbaceous-perennials-for-colorado-landscapes-7-242/.
https://extension.colostate.edu/topic-areas/insects/creating-pollinator-habitat-5-616/
Please let me know if you have further questions
From what I see in the photo, you already have dense vegetation in the area. Because of the vegetation that is already there, I would not seed the area. The existing plants will out compete the seeds you put out and you are likely to get very few of the seeds to germinate and grow. If there are areas there there is less than 30% existing plant cover, those areas could be seeded.
For the other areas, plants would be a better option. You will need to be able to water the plants to get them established. You will need to water them at least for the first year. How much you need to water them will be based on how much precipitation we receive.
As far as what to plant here are links to some fact sheets that provide information about the plants.
https://extension.colostate.edu/topic-areas/yard-garden/native-herbaceous-perennials-for-colorado-landscapes-7-242/.
https://extension.colostate.edu/topic-areas/insects/creating-pollinator-habitat-5-616/
Please let me know if you have further questions
