Spence Restoration Nursery

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Adaptation to local soil conditions
  • Adaptation to local climate including temperature extremes and growing season length.
  • Prevent non-local genotypes from invading natural areas adjacent to plantings
  • Assurance that species are locally native
  • Preservation of the local genetic material of declining native species
  • Quicker establishment
  • Greater drought tolerance
  • Better nutrient absorption
  • Better tolerance of adverse soil conditions
  • Improve ability to compete with weeds
  • Mycorrhizal inoculant is incorporated into the soil medium for maximum root contact rather than sprayed over the top
  • Open bottom pots provide a vigorous spreading root system with no encircling tendencies
  • Straight pots sides (not tapered to a point) mean a greater volume of soil and roots when compared to other 2” diameter containers
  • Source identification is performed by the Indiana Crop Improvement Association
  • Sources of foundation seed collection are documented and surveyed to assure that they represent a remnant native plant community
  • Seed from these sources is used to establish seed production plots in a nursery setting
  • These seed production plots produce seed that qualifies for source identified labels
  • For more information visit our section on source identification
  • Dense graminoid root systems exclude weed growth. Wildflowers alone will not preclude weed growth
  • Grassy foliage covers and protects soil
  • Dense graminoid root systems increase infiltration by creating numerous root channels
  • Graminoids vegetation provides fuel for prescribed fire

There are two widows for installation of native seed mixes. Dormant sowing may occur after Nov 1 in the Great Lakes and under Midwest or after Nov 15 in the lower Ohio Valley. Dormant sowing may occur anytime the soil conditions are acceptable and there is no snow cover. The spring sowing window begins as soon as soil conditions are acceptable and continues through June 15. If soil moisture levels are high or the site may be irrigated, the spring window may be extended until July 1.

Plug installation may begin in the spring as soon as the risks of hard freezes have past. Native plants are generally tolerant of light freezes or frost. We over winter our plants in unheated conditions so they are not forced prior to early spring planting. In most of our area, we recommend planting after April 1. Native plants may be installed throughout the active growing season. Many people shy away from plating them during the heat of mid-summer, however as long as they receive adequate irrigation to get established, summer installation is usually highly successful. Fall installation is more of a gamble as frost heaving, particularly in northern areas, is a real risk if the plants are not adequately rooted. If planting must occur after September 15, the risk of heaving may be reduced with mulch or an erosion blanket staple pushed through the plug following installation.

Refer to our list of Salt Tolerant Plants when designing an area along a roadside or in a swale that will be exposed to seasonal winter salt applications.

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