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Q. Who is Mr. Smarty Plants?

A: There are those who suspect Wildflower Center volunteers are the culpable and capable culprits. Yet, others think staff members play some, albeit small, role. You can torture us with your plant questions, but we will never reveal the Green Guru's secret identity.

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Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.

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Saturday - April 25, 2009

From: Jonesboro, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Seed and Plant Sources
Title: Preparing to plant buffalograss in Jonesboro, TX
Answered by: Barbara Medford

QUESTION:

Our current lawn is full of broad-leaf weeds, KR bluestem, a little native grass, lots of wildflowers and in spots, lots of rocks . We are in the country in Hamilton Co., TX. We want to plant buffalo grass. Four questions: Should we buy Texoka or Topgun seed? What do we need to do to prepare the soil? Do we need to add soil to cover the rocks? If we wait until after the bluebonnets seed, will that be too late for the grass seed to get established?

ANSWER:

Concerning which grass mix to purchase, you might go to the Native American Seed Online Catalog and look at their grasses and grass mixes.  Their Native Sun Turfgrass mix is 66% Bouteloua dactyloides (buffalograss) and 34% Bouteloua gracilis (blue grama). This company can also provide you with planting instructions, amount to plant and does mail order.

The rest of your questions can be addressed by reading our How-To Article Native Lawns: Buffalograss.


Bouteloua dactyloides

 


Bouteloua gracilis
 

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