Creating Large-Scale Monarch Habitat

Establishing a 1 acre forb planting from fescue or sod (fall start)

1. Burn, mow, hay, or graze in August or early September. Allow regrowth for two weeks.
2. Spray with 2 quart/acre of glyphosate herbicide (or a 2 percent solution) in mid-September.
3. Spray with 1 quart/acre of glyphosate herbicide (or a 1 percent solution) in mid-October.
4. Spray with 1 quart/acre glyphosate (or a 1 percent solution) in early November, but before a hard freeze. A third herbicide treatment is preferred, but not always possible depending on weather.
5. Burn residual duff (dead vegetation) if needed in late November to December.
6. Mix 5 pounds recommended forb seed with kitty litter, and broadcast on burned area from December through mid-February.
7. Immediately roll, harrow, or drive over the seed with ATV tires to ensure good seed and soil contact.
8. Follow up treatment with grass selective herbicide, including clethodim (Select) or sethoxydim (Poast), may be necessary the next spring. 
9. First growing season: Frequently mow to height of 8 inches to remove competitive annual weeds. 
10. Second growing season: Sit back and enjoy the fruits of your labor.

Note: periodic burning (about once every three years) will help maintain vigor of the forbs.

Establish a 1 acre forb planting from fescue or sod (spring start)

1. Burn, mow, hay, or graze in early spring. Allow regrowth to reach 6 to 8 inches.
2. Spray with 2 quart/acre of glyphosate herbicide (or a 2 percent solution).
3. Mow annual weeds as needed to keep them from going to seed from June to July.
4. Spray with 1 quart/acre glyphosate herbicide (or a 1 percent solution) in August.
5. Mow annual weeds as needed to keep them from going to seed.
6. Spray with 1 quart/acre glyphosate herbicide (or a 1 percent solution) in October.
7. At this point the steps are the same for both fall and spring starts. Follow steps 5-10 described in the fall start section. 

Note: periodic burning (about once every three years) will help maintain vigor of the forbs.

Alternative methods for eliminating sod

These steps work for both fall and spring starts.

1. Plant glyphosate tolerant crops for two years on site.
2. Using a tarp or plastic to cover grass for two weeks at a time in August, September, and October.  It’s important to remove tarp to give remaining seed a chance to sprout.
3. Substitute glyphosate with a mixture of 1 gallon vinegar, 1 oz (2 tablespoons) dish soap, and 1 cup salt and follow the previously described steps.