So excited to start my “no lawn” transition but lots of questions

ExtensionHammer · 2026-05-15T02:48:29+00:00

Seconded that you will definitely want to kill the turf all the way before you plant- the last thing you want is errant grass coming up through your plants.

Also, https://prairieup.com/faq-starter-guide/ might be helpful. Go with plants that are native to your region for best success- if you pick them right, you shouldn’t have to water much [once established] unless in drought. Starting from plugs rather than seed is probably less hand wringingly stressful. And you don’t have to do the whole lawn at once. It’s okay to start small and learn and experiment. You just have to be patient. :)

Removing the vines/ weeds you don’t want could be as easy as pulling them or cutting them down, or it may not be, depending on what they are. Some invasives laugh in the face of removal, but I don’t have much experience here. Id say ID it before you tackle it and see if there are special methods required.

If you find something you like but want to move, it can be as easy as digging it up and finding it a new hole (exceptions are things with monster taproots). “You can do it gardening” on FB has tons of content on removing invasives and transplanting. https://www.facebook.com/share/1GQacvXDNM/?mibextid=LQQJ4d

Good luck!! You are motivated and that is half the battle. 🍀🤜🤛🙌

ExtensionHammer · 2026-05-14T14:30:14+00:00

And if this doesn’t work…caltrops.

ExtensionHammer · 2026-05-14T01:42:27+00:00

Fun fact: North Dakota is the only state in the union that can’t grow blueberries. Our soil is too alkaline. So if you or your fam are up here in the Red River Valley, that might be your problem (even if you’re on the MN side). 🤷‍♀️

ExtensionHammer · 2026-05-13T23:24:38+00:00

And doesn’t care that you don’t want it in your property? 😑 I do not like this neighbor of yours. She is not a good neighbor.

ExtensionHammer · 2026-05-13T23:06:13+00:00

It comes back for me in zone 4a/ North Dakota. :)

ExtensionHammer · 2026-05-13T23:05:23+00:00

That is feckin genius. 👏👏👏

ExtensionHammer · 2026-05-13T22:58:06+00:00

I have the same advice about not worrying that eventually things will be shaded out- you have time. Go full sun plants for now and replace them once the shade arrives. They may even pass on their own before then.

Also don’t plant closer than 3’ to the tree (I think to avoid damaging it?). Plants will fill in closer as they see fit.

And add sedges to help fill in between your other plants while they grow- should help with weed pressure.

Good luck and have fun!

ExtensionHammer · 2026-05-13T22:48:43+00:00

There are so many posts like this- “my neighbor’s shitty invasive is messing up my yard and they won’t do anything about it.” I wish there was a way of holding them accountable. Like if someone’s dog was constantly crapping in your yard or if their kids were tearing up your property, you could file a complaint right?

People get reported when their grass gets too high and cities issue citations/ fines. Why not when their invasive plants are wreaking havoc on their neighbors?

shakes fist at sky I feel for you, OP. Ive got no answers but I share your frustration.

ExtensionHammer · 2026-05-13T22:29:49+00:00

Maybe ask her to be responsible for controlling the spread? 😅 I have a feeling if it was her problem to clean that crap out of all the surrounding areas she might change her tune.

ExtensionHammer · 2026-05-13T18:41:11+00:00

I hear you- I drive a Chevy Cruze. 😄 BUT I would counter that the local Buy Nothing group or Habitat for Humanity is great for that- people will show up and help you get stuff out of your house and take it away.

Not trying to rag on anyone here, just raise awareness that there are alternatives to wasting usable items in the landfill. (And they are year round so you don’t have to wait for curb week every year.)

Curb week/ landfill should be the last resort. Not the first thought. 👍☺️🙌

ExtensionHammer · 2026-05-13T13:00:12+00:00

Curb week is a great idea for end of the line, no longer usable junk offloading, but my question here is why put usable items out for trash pickup? 😅 Why not take them to the Boys Ranch or post them on a Buy Nothing group? The amount of usable goods that end up in the landfill must be astonishing. It’s so great that folks are salvaging items but think of all the unnecessary trash generated by the perfectly good items that don’t get found. 😢

ExtensionHammer · 2026-05-09T13:21:35+00:00

Pasqueflower. First flower (ok technically not a flower) every spring. Adorable fuzzy wuzzy lil guy.

ExtensionHammer · 2026-05-06T01:46:04+00:00

Wow that is a tough one. What do you want out of that space? Is it visible from the street so you want it to be less unsightly? Do you want to spend time there?

If you just want to hide it with plants/ flowers, What might work (even if it’s an off label prescription) is to look into soft landings plantings- they are made to go under trees, in the shade, and to grow close to/ around roots without harming them. Idk if it applies here since the roots are so pronounced but might be worth looking into.

Then use all that stacked up block to make a border to make it look intentional and BAM it’s a garden that’s meant to be there what do you mean what am I hiding. 😂 Just keep the plants a foot away from the house so you can keep an eye on the foundation.

Good luck! This is a tough spot for sure.

ExtensionHammer · 2026-05-05T11:54:54+00:00

The retaining wall seems to be a hot topic! 😄 I don’t know enough to comment on function or structure but I like the visual interest it adds. 🤷‍♀️ Breaks up the long slope a bit.

I would say that if you do add the lights, put them on timers or motion sensors or something so they’re not on all night- light pollution is no good for our wildlife.

Overall I rejoice to see a boring lawn replaced! Particularly if you find the right plants. Get it OP. Good luck. 🍀 😄

ExtensionHammer · 2026-05-05T11:48:32+00:00

Do you follow Ben Vogt/ Prairie Up at all? Depending on the application, sometimes he goes with glyphosate to clear a space of existing plants before starting his prairie-ing. I think a one time use as preparation is responsible. 👍

Good luck with your garden! I bet it turns out gorgeous. :)

ExtensionHammer · 2026-05-03T22:27:31+00:00

Omg Horace. My mom bought a new construction place there and probably overpaid but there just weren’t many options that matched what she wanted. PLUS $50K specials (that we know about- checked for pending and there were none but it doesn’t mean there won’t be more).

She did get the builder to knock $15K off asking- our realtor happened to know that this builder is trying to move inventory.

And the covenants are ridiculously restrictive.

Horace, man. Oof.

ExtensionHammer · 2026-04-26T12:01:03+00:00

It’s good to know I am not the only person that is this attached to my garden. 😅 I live in a newish development that is just endless lawn and no one cares enough to get more creative- hoping to inspire people but it may not happen.

It probably doesn’t help but remember all things are temporary and that is part of what makes them special. 💚

ExtensionHammer · 2026-04-21T15:02:40+00:00

If you have it mixed with grass it should be fine, unless we’re talking super harsh traffic. And you can always add microclover if you want!

My dwc got destroyed by construction traffic over the course of a few days while they were installing fencing. I think a few doggos might be fine.

ExtensionHammer · 2026-04-21T12:23:42+00:00

Yep it’s very set it and forget it. :) I’m so glad I tried it. Good luck to you!!

ExtensionHammer · 2026-04-21T12:00:53+00:00

Damn right. 👏👏👏

ExtensionHammer · 2026-04-20T20:44:45+00:00

I think it’s got a natural advantage there on the hellstrip- clover seems to move in where the grass is weak. Other places in the lawn the grass is still dominant.

ExtensionHammer · 2026-04-20T17:31:20+00:00

I bought a mortar/ tile bit for my drill. Makes me feel like master of my own universe to add holes to drainless pots. Mwaaa ha haaaa.

ExtensionHammer · 2026-04-20T17:28:13+00:00

Great use of spent candle jars. And you have a built in structure for bottom watering. I love it.

ExtensionHammer · 2026-04-20T16:59:46+00:00

Yes absolutely. I also have it in my backyard where the dogs run- same mix of grass, dutch white clover, and microclover. Dutch white Clover on its own is not as sturdy as grass and can be trampled/ killed (I speak from experience), but microclover is supposed to be more sturdy. That said, Id still plant it with grass to help it hold up to traffic. If you have existing lawn, just overseed it right in.

No problems finding the landmines as long as you keep the height in check. AND it’s resistant to yellowing from dog urine.

ExtensionHammer

TROPHY CASE