How to Grow Green Native Plants

Overview

Native plants, also called indigenous plants, are all those plants that you come across growing naturally in your local fields, neighborhood or hiking trails. They have naturally evolved for hundreds of years and are adapted to the climate, weather conditions and hydrology of a certain region. Growing native plants has many advantages--they are low maintenance and easier to grow and maintain than regular plants, require less watering, no fertilizers, provide natural food and shelter for wildlife, save money and reduce air pollution.

Step 1

Select the site where you want to grow green native plants. These can be in flowerbeds, along the edge of driveways or on a certain part of your lawn. Make sure the area has well-drained soil. Initially, select a small site and demarcate it with powdered chalk, extending the scale of operation in time.

Step 2

Visit your neighborhood hiking trails, open fields or any area where interesting native plants grow. Take pictures of these plants so you can show them to your local nursery for identification and also purchase them. You might want to research and gather all necessary information about the plants before purchasing, once you know the name of the plant.

Step 3

Clear and prepare the site where you want to grow native plants. This step is crucial for the success of your native plants. Rent a sod cutter to remove sod from the existing area and dispose in a wheelbarrow, or use a low toxic herbicide to remove any vegetation there. Follow label instructions if using herbicide.

Step 4

Purchase seeds or transplants from your local nursery or garden supply center. Keep in mind that native seeds take at least three years to bloom, all the while developing their extensive root systems. Transplants, albeit more costly, usually bloom as soon as the first year.

Step 5

Dig a hole that is as wide as the root ball of each native transplant but slightly deeper. Carefully lower the transplant in the hole, ensuring it is level with the surrounding soil and backfill. Space different transplants a foot apart.

Step 6

Water the native plants, ensuring the soil is evenly moist. Due to the deep and extensive root systems, these plants usually increase the capacity of the soil to store water, thus eliminating the need to water them frequently. To determine if you should water your native plants, dig your finger into the soil. Water only if the soil feels dry to the touch.