Native plant seeds being sold
The Crow Wing Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) offers 5.5-ounce packets of native plant seeds for $30.
“Native plants bloom in beautiful hues of blue, gold and purple year after year. Natives do not need fertilizer to grow. After establishment, they need very little maintenance,” said Beth Hippert, SWCD district technician.
Three mixes are available: bank stabilization, shoreline buffer and filter garden. The mixes contain seeds of 20-30 species of native plants and each packet covers 500 square feet. Each mix contains species that are suited to dry, moist or wet conditions and full or part sun.
The species also grow deep roots that prevent erosion, grow showy flowers to attract birds and butterflies, and are drought tolerant and like sandy soils.
Examples of the plant species include Black Eyed Susan, Wild Bergamot, Blue Flag Iris, Big Bluestem, Blue Vervain and Prairie Coreopsis.
“These native seeds are local ecotypes that were packed by a local business. This is a great value and it supports our community, too,” said Melissa Barrick, SWCD district manager.
A weed-free cover crop of winter wheat is also included in each packet. Cover crop helps the native seeds get established by reducing weed pressure, controlling erosion and providing food for wildlife.
Plant the seed on a warm sunny day in January or February. Then let nature take care of the rest.
For more information, contact Beth Hippert at firstname.lastname@example.org or 218-828-6197.