How to Plan for Ornamental Grasses

Prepare soil with fertilizer before planting ornamental grasses.

Ornamental grasses add an extra zing to your landscaping. They may be used as borders or highlights in flower beds or showcased on their own. Ornamental grasses need soil preparation in advance of planting to ensure they grow and flourish during the warm months.Planning for ornamental grass begins in the fall as you determine the perfect spot for the plants. You may till and fertilize in the fall or spring, but the fall is preferred to ensure better soil preparation.

Things You'll Need

• Tiller or hoe
• Triple 10 or triple 12 fertilizer

Instructions

1. Select an area for the ornamental grasses that receives four to five hours of direct sunlight each day and can provide good drainage. If the area does not drain well, mound up the area after tilling and before planting so the water runs off after a rain or watering. Poor drainage will lead to root rot.

2. Till the ground from 8 to 10 inches deep. Continue tilling until the soil is completely worked up. This may require four to five passes with the tiller or hoe.

3. Add one pound of triple 10 or triple 12 fertilizer per 100 square feet of soil for the ornamental grass. Sprinkle the fertilizer onto the soil then till into the ground.

4. Choose ornamental grasses that work the best in your type of soil and climate before purchasing. Evaluate spacing requirements for each ornamental grass before buying so you know how many grass plants you need for the bedding area. Each ornamental grass grows and spreads out differently, so you want to prepare ahead of time so you do not over-crowd your grasses.

References

• University of Illinois: How to Plant Ornamental Grass
• The Garden Helper: Ornamental Grasses