Native plants provide important ecosystem services, such as improved water quality and habitat and food for local wildlife, and can be a beautiful addition to your landscaping. There are many options for purchasing native plants, including our annual Plant Dane plant sale, but it is also possible to grow them on your own.
Most prairie species first require a period of cold, moist conditions (winter) in order to germinate. There are many ways to do this but we recommend a simple mini greenhouse (recycled milk jug) and Mother Nature system. Essentially you will plant the seeds in the mini greenhouse in the late fall or early winter, put them outside for the winter, and they will germinate and sprout in the spring. Use the step by step guide or video tutorial below to help you through this process.
