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Planting a bee lawn #865303

Asked April 21, 2024, 12:44 PM EDT

My wife and I have the typical 1/3 acre lawn in Richfield and we want to turn it into a bee lawn. The lawn is currently healthy, but a little stressed from last years lack of rain. I plan to aerate the lawn, then thatch it to remove any dead grass, then mow it down to 1 inch or so. Can you recommend a good source for a bee lawn mixture? I will rent a re-seeder and sow the bee mixture into the sod. I got an estimate from a local lawn care company and they would cut it short, lay down a thin layer of cardboard, bring in topsoil to put over the top, then sow the bee lawn seeds. Too time consuming and expensive. I want to start it this spring. When is a good time to sow the seeds? And finally, how much seed per square foot? Thank you, Mike Supple Richfield<personal data hidden> <personal data hidden>

Hennepin County Minnesota

Expert Response

I am pleased to hear that you are not going with the proposal given you.  Placing cardboard and then a thin layer of soil will only cause a layering of the soil.  Eventually the cardboard will decompose and that layer will be on top of your native soil instead of incorporated.  That can lead to drainage and other problems.  You will be able to seed yet this spring.  Bee lawn mixes are available at your locally owned garden center. You need Dutch White Clover, Creeping Thyme and Self-Heal.  The link I  am giving you will walk you through the process along with the percentage of each seed you need and follow up care.  Open the drop down boxes.  Thank you for your interest.  Once established, I believe you will be happy with the result.  https://extension.umn.edu/landscape-design/planting-and-maintaining-bee-lawn#when-to-establish-a-bee-lawn-2941610
Barbara, Anoka County MG, TCA Replied April 21, 2024, 3:10 PM EDT

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