Knowledgebase
Planting a Ditch with a Culvert & Previous Drainage System #826295
Asked April 19, 2023, 9:49 AM EDT
Mower County Minnesota
Expert Response
Hi Jana,
Sounds like you have the perfect spot for a rain garden. When it gets a little warmer and you see the "weeds" are actively growing is the time to spray them with an herbicide.
https://hgic.clemson.edu/factsheet/lawn-weed-control-timing-chart/
Make sure you have really killed or dug out everything you can. Weed seeds will remain in the ground for several years so you will either have to hand pull them out or paint brush them with herbicide. If you can get your hands on any actual prairie plants to jump start the seed mix all the better. Put the word out on local social media that you are looking for native drought/water tolerant plants and I bet you will get a few and meet some new people in the process. When using seed make sure to sprinkle over some kind of light covering and try to keep them damp.
https://extension.umn.edu/landscape-design/rain-gardens#choose-plants-1778663
It will probably take a few years to really get established so don't get frustrated. I did this at my parents house in the country and we started getting toads ! Also, the turn off was so much prettier all three seasons.
Sally Granath, MG St. Louis County