Traditionally used in Native American ceremonies, sweetgrass is revered for its soothing fragrance, and it adds a unique aesthetic appeal to any garden or green space. This guide will provide you with comprehensive instructions on how to plant and care for your newly acquired sweetgrass plugs from Sacred Plant Co.
Preparing for Your Sweetgrass Arrival
When purchasing your sweetgrass plugs from Sacred Plant Co, you'll be getting a sturdy, ready-to-plant product. It's crucial to plan ahead and prepare for your sweetgrass's arrival by selecting an appropriate planting location. Remember, sweetgrass is partial to full sun exposure and well-draining soil.
Planting Your Sweetgrass Plugs
1. Site Selection
Choose a location that offers full sun. Sweetgrass thrives in moist conditions, similar to its natural habitats of marshes and riverbanks, but it also needs well-draining soil to avoid waterlogging. Enriching the soil with organic matter or compost before planting can provide added nutrients and enhance soil structure.
2. Planting Process
Once the threat of the last frost has passed, you can begin planting your sweetgrass plugs. Dig a hole that is roughly twice the width and the same depth as the plug. Place the sweetgrass into the hole, ensuring the top of the plug is level with the soil surface. Backfill the hole with soil, pressing down firmly to remove any air pockets, and water generously.
Taking Care of Your Sweetgrass
1. Watering
Sweetgrass enjoys moisture, but it's essential to avoid oversaturating the soil. Overwatering can lead to root rot. Generally, watering once a week should suffice, though during particularly dry periods, more frequent watering might be necessary. Aim for consistently moist, but not waterlogged, soil.
2. Fertilizing
While sweetgrass isn't a demanding plant in terms of nutrients, a little boost can stimulate growth for exceptional results. We apply Ancient Wisdom GROWTH once per month to get best results and to encourage the plant to grow and spread.
3. Pruning
To keep your sweetgrass manageable and encourage new growth, prune or mow it in late winter or early spring. Cut the plant back to about 4 inches in height.
4. Pests and Diseases
When well-maintained, sweetgrass is relatively resistant to diseases and pests. However, slugs and snails may find the plant attractive, especially in damp conditions. These pests can be manually removed or repelled with organic solutions like crushed eggshells or diatomaceous earth.
5. Growing Zones
Sweetgrass is a hardy perennial, thriving in USDA zones 3 to 9. This means it can survive winters with minimum temperatures down to -40 degrees Fahrenheit (zone 3) and is comfortable in areas where winter temperatures do not drop below 20 degrees Fahrenheit (zone 9).
Harvesting Your Sweetgrass
Sweetgrass can typically be harvested in late summer when the blades are long and healthy. Cut the leaves close to the base, taking care not to uproot the plant.
Planting and caring for sweetgrass plugs from Sacred Plant Co is a meaningful horticultural endeavor, allowing you to immerse yourself in an age-old tradition while enhancing the beauty and fragrance of your garden. Happy gardening!
