Sowing seeds for grassland restoration

All our seed is collected within the watershed for our restoration projects. This year, in addition to growing for our regular restoration projects, we will grow approximately 3200 grass plugs for increase plots on a neighboring property owned by the Elkhorn Slough Foundation. Once planted and growing, we can harvest the seed in a way that resembles farming.

First we mix vermiculite and a peat/coir mix.



I mix 3 parts vermiculite to 1 part peat/coir. This mix is moistened until it feels like a moist sponge and holds together when squeezed in your hand but shouldn't drip water. We fill seed trays with the mix and press down on top with an empty seed tray to create small dimples to lay the seeds in.

The seeds shown above are blue wild rye (Elymus glaucus). One of four species we are growing for the increase plots. The other species are California oat grass (Danthonia californica), hairgrass (Deschampsia cespitosa), and nodding needlegrass (Nassella cernua).


Shown above is the "toothpick method" of covering up the seeds. Rule of thumb is most seeds are covered approximately 2x the diameter of the seed. The equation can be difficult to judge. This is where the toothpick comes in. Slide the toothpick around the edges of the cell to dislodge and move the mix to the center and over the seed. Gently press for good seed to soil contact. If you can see the seed, place a bit more mix on top.

These amazing and wonderful Elkhorn Slough volunteers and staff demonstrate the joy of propagation. It's a party in the greenhouse.

Grow seeds grow!