Switch Grass

Plant in spring or fall, spacing 3–4 feet apart. Switch grass is a native prairie grass that thrives in a wide range of soils, including poor, dry, and clay soils. No soil amendment is needed. Water regularly through the first growing season to establish the root system, then reduce as the plant becomes drought tolerant. A light mulch helps during establishment.

Cut plants back hard to 4–6 inches above the ground in late winter or very early spring before new growth begins. This is the most important maintenance task — cutting too late will damage emerging shoots. Switch grass provides excellent movement in the garden, with airy seed heads that persist through winter and attract birds. No fertilizing is needed in average soils.