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How to Care for Ornamental Grasses in the Garden
A practical overview of ornamental grass care: choosing the right type, sun and soil, watering, feeding, cutting back, dividing and winter care.
Design and Care
Grass Care
Cutting back, dividing and fixing problems.
Cutting Back Ornamental Grasses: Spring vs Fall Trimming
When to cut back ornamental grasses: why late winter or spring suits most, when fall trimming makes sense, how low to cut, and how to do it neatly.
Do ornamental grasses do well in pots?
Yes, many ornamental grasses do well in pots. Learn which grasses suit containers, the pot and soil to use, watering, feeding, winter care and dividing.
How Far Apart to Plant Ornamental Grasses: Spacing by Size
How far apart to plant ornamental grasses: spacing by small, medium and large types, how to read mature size, and adjusting for screens, borders and walls.
How to Divide and Transplant Ornamental Grasses
How to divide and move ornamental grasses: the best time for each type, signs a clump needs splitting, tools, step-by-step method and aftercare.
How to Plant Ornamental Grasses
How to plant ornamental grasses: the best timing for warm- and cool-season types, site and soil needs, planting depth, mulch and first-year watering.
Overwintering Ornamental Grasses in the Ground and in Pots
How to overwinter ornamental grasses: what hardy grasses in the ground need, how to protect new plantings, and options for potted and tender grasses.
Should You Fertilize Ornamental Grasses? When and What to Use
Most ornamental grasses need little or no fertilizer. Learn when feeding helps, the best time in spring, what to use, and why too much nitrogen causes flopping.
What are some common names for grass plants?
Common names for ornamental grass plants and their botanical names, from maiden grass and fountain grass to switchgrass, plus why names get confusing.
What do you do with ornamental grass in the fall?
In fall, most ornamental grasses are best left standing. See a simple fall checklist: mulch, watering, no fertilizer, plus when to cut, plant or divide.
When to cut back mondo grass?
Cut back mondo grass in late winter or early spring, before new growth appears. Learn how low to cut, how to handle large patches and winter damage.
Why Ornamental Grasses Flop Over and How to Keep Them Upright
Why ornamental grasses flop over: too much nitrogen, shade, rich soil, aging clumps and weather. Practical fixes to keep them upright and sturdy.
Why Your Ornamental Grass Isn't Blooming (and What to Do)
Ornamental grass not blooming? Check timing, sun, plant age, too much nitrogen, crowding and pruning. Simple fixes to help grasses produce plumes.
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