This is the side yard and I want to start planting native stuff but have no idea where to start. I would like to have some low maintenance plants that can survive mostly by themselves at some point in Ohio. I figured I would leave a tarp on a section for a bit to kill the grass then use a hand tiller after it's mostly dead then start planting in that section.
by cdrw1987
1 Comment
I recommend you start by planning what you want it to look like when you are done. If you start clearing patches without a plan, you may get discouraged.
I would think about a path, maybe a seating area along the middle with groupings of native plants. I would plant a large keystone tree like an oak. The area for the tree is the first I’d clear.
The rest I would clear in strips staring along the fence line where I would plant smaller native trees and shrubs.
What you don’t want to do is clear large areas of grass without a planting plan and then struggle to keep it clear of unwanted plants while you plan and purchase.
Also, planning in stages will allow you to use the winter for seed planting in pots to minimize costs next spring.