Prairie gardening: Tips and tricks

Two hundred years ago, Minnesota was covered by more than 18 million acres of prairie.

Today, less than 2 percent of that original prairie remains, according to the DNR.

The habitat loss has been devastating for native plants, insects and birds. Though backyards may seem minuscule in comparison with the millions of lost prairie acres, homeowners can take steps to plant gardens that promote pollinators and other native species.

Dr. Karen Oberhauser, a professor in the Department of Fisheries, Wildlife and Conservation Biology at the University of Minnesota, and Ron Bowen, founder and president of Prairie Restorations, joined MPR News guest host Marianne Combs to share gardening strategies that support native plants and species.

Highlights

Avoid pesticide use

"The insecticides we use to kill pest insects also kill beneficial insects, so we need to be really careful about those," said Oberhauser. If the aim of your garden is to provide space for bees and butterflies, avoid insecticide use.

Encourage diversity in your garden

"The more species that are out there, the more checks and balances we have," Bowen said. "Let your garden find its own balance, and I think that's very possible: If you a diversity of species of plants, you will get a diversity of insects."

Allow grazing — to a point

Many people try to restrict rabbits, deer or other animals from eating their garden plants, but that's more about aesthetic goals than anything else, Bowen said.

"Grazing is a natural part of the ecosystem, so allowing for some might not be all bad — although it's not as pretty to look at a chewed-off blazing star," he said.

For the full conversation on prairie gardening, use the audio player above.