How to Grow Tall Grasses

Tall grasses, also called ornamental grasses, are used in landscaping design and also used as a filler for people with large property. Animals live in the grass and use it as shelter. Tall grass is different from the grass used in most lawns. It's usually stiffer, giving it the ability to grow upright rather than folding over as it grows. It's a choice for gardens because many types stay green through winter. Long grasses need water and sunlight to grown. In many climates, the water that naturally falls is enough, but drier climates require watering.

Step 1

Till the area six to eight inches deep in the fall.

Step 2

Take a soil sample to test for acidity level. Send the sample to your local extension for the testing.

Step 3

Spread fertilizer all over the area and till again after you get results from the soil sample. The results will help you know how much fertilizer to add. In general, add about a pound of 10-10-10 fertilizer per 100 square feet.

Step 4

Place a black tarp over the area. Keep the tarp on the entire winter. The tarp will keep weeds to a minimum and warm the soil up faster in the spring. If you're covering a large area, you might need several steps, or you might have to skip this step if it's impractical.

Step 5

Plant the seeds. More than one method works for planting grass seeds, so use one you prefer. You can spread the seeds by hand by shaking over the area, spread using a lawn spreader or mechanical seeder or use a grass seed drill. The instructions on the seed package will give detail about seed spacing and when to plant in the spring in your area.

Step 6

Water the seeds generously. Keep the soil moist until the seeds begin to grow. While the plants are young, water weekly. After the grass grows many types require little watering. Pull weeds as soon as you notice them. If you prefer, you can use a commercial weed killer like those herbicide because they don't kill grass.

Skill ~ Moderate

Things You'll Need

~ 10-10-10 Fertilizer
~ Tiller
~ Seeds
~ Plastic tarp


Reference

Colorado State University Extension: Ornamental Grasses [http://www.ext.colostate.edu/pubs/garden/07232.html]

Outside Pride: Ornamental Planting Instructions [http://www.outsidepride.com/resources/planting/Ornamental-Instructions.html]

The Garden Helper: How to Grow and Care for Ornamental Grasses [http://www.thegardenhelper.com/grasses.html]

NDSU: Soil Sampling as a Basis for Fertilizer Application [http://www.ag.ndsu.edu/pubs/plantsci/soilfert/sf-990.htm]

Planet Natural: Weed Control for a Healthy Lawn [http://www.planetnatural.com/site/xdpy/kb/about-weeds.html]

GreenView Fertilizer: How to Plant Grass Seed [http://www.greenviewfertilizer.com/articles/how-to-plant-grass-seed]