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Using Drought-Tolerant Ornamental Grasses

Project Overview

Boldly dramatic, ornamental grasses know how to tough it out in the drought. Once established, they seldom need watering, making them perfect choices for a water-wise garden. Here's how to plant and care for these self-sustaining plants.

Maintenance

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Step 1

Match the grass to your conditions

Most ornamental grasses, including blue oat grass, bluestem, fescues, reed grass and maiden grass do best in sunny locations. A few, such as northern sea oats tolerate some shade. Select types that are best suited to the light exposure in your garden. Whether sun or shade lovers, all ornamental grasses demand well-drained soil and most prefer poor rather than nutrient-rich soils.

Step 2

Prepare the hole

Water the potted grass specimen to ensure the roots are moist prior to planting. Before digging a hole, allow enough space between other plants in the garden to accommodate the mature size of the ornamental grass you've chosen. Very tall ones might need as much surrounding space as one metre. Then, prepare the hole as deep as the pot the grass is growing in and three times as wide. Fill the hole to the rim with water and allow it to drain completely.

Step 3

Remove the plant from the pot

To remove the grass from the pot, squeeze the sides firmly to loosen the soil around the root ball. Slowly tip the pot upside down, gently guiding the plant from the container with your hands. Gently tease the roots apart.

Step 4

Plant the grass

Place the root ball into the hole, spreading out the roots, and set it so the crown of the plant sits at, or slightly above, ground level. (Adjust the level by adding or digging out soil.) Fill in the hole with soil, gently tamping down with your hands as you go to remove air pockets.

Step 5

Water well

Once planted, water the grass with the same amount of water as the size of the pot. For example, a plant growing in a one-gallon pot should take a gallon (4 litres) of water. Add a transplant fertilizer solution, such as Sea Spray Organic Kelp Fertilizer, to the water according to label directions.

Step 6

Maintenance

Once established, ornamental grasses need very little care. Shear them back in early spring to about 5 to 10 centimetres above ground level. These low-maintenance plants generally require no supplemental feeding or watering.

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Project Details

Skill Level: Intermediate

Time: 2 hours

Before you start, read this »

Due to differing conditions, tools, and individual skills, The Home Depot® assumes no responsibility for any damages, injuries suffered, or losses incurred as a result of attempting to replicate any of the home improvement ideas portrayed in this website Before beginning any home improvement project, review it thoroughly to ensure you or your contractor can finish the project and if any doubts or questions remain, consult local experts or authorities. Because codes and regulations vary greatly, you always should check with authorities to ensure that your project complies with all applicable local codes and regulations. Always read and observe all of the safety precautions provided by any tool or equipment manufacturer, and follow all accepted safety procedures.

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