How to successfully Grow Sea Oats
The name of this plant speaks for itself which is the sea oats, the sea oats are a favorite to install in coastal areas which can take the salt sprays. If you have ever driven along coastal areas and seen these plants now you know if you haven’t why they are used in great abundance along the shorelines.
Too some sea oats may not be that showy but the good news is this plant has its place and serves its purpose by helping to withstand the salt sprays as mentioned, sea oats also aid in soil retention. The sea oats is a perennial plant which means you will have this plant at your service year-round which I think is a great investment for your hard-earned dollar and time.
The sea oats are also drought-tolerant, traps sand that is blown by the wind, and are known to provide food for wildlife so if you are still not sure about these plants I think this is a good enough reason to add this perennial to your landscape and garden areas.
What is important to note is that in some state harvesting the seeds are prohibited because of the vital part these plants play in bringing stability to the sand dunes. The ends of the leaves are responsible for producing seed heads. Many of these seeds are carried by the wind and can travel quite far.
Planting Location
Other than coastal areas sea oats can be planted in your home garden where there are sandy soils and full sunlight. Once you have your divisions go ahead and install them. The sea oats can grow up to 6 ft with the leaves growing anywhere from 22 inches or a bit longer.
Soil Type
As stated earlier sea oats prefer soil that is sandy or well-drained these plants once established become drought tolerant. Water your newly installed sea oats twice a week. The benefit of planting sea oats in the sand is that the sand will stimulate root growth.
How to plant sea oats
When planting sea oats dig a shallow hole in the sand, each planting hole should have a spacing of about 3-5 ft your sea oats should be planted where the ends or the plants base is located, once this part of the plant is in the hole cover or refill, press the sand around it firmly to stabilize your sea oats.
Watering Methods
Once these plants are established they are drought tolerant.
Fertilizing Methods
No fertilizer is needed except if you prefer to give them a little boost.
Garden insect pest of the sea oats
There is no known insect pest of the sea oats which is another reason this would make the almost, perfect plant.
Diseases of the sea oats
There is no known disease except to remember that these plants once establish becomes drought tolerant. Overwatering can lead to roots so keep that in mind and your sea oats will thrive.
Plant or not to plant
The sea oats have so many benefits but these grasses have been known to be invasive so the question is to plant or not to plant. The answer to that is choosing wisely the right location where the sea oats can work not against you but for you. Give them plenty of room because the last thing you would want is to install these plants only to have a maintenance issue on your hand. Below are a few places the sea oats can be installed in coastal areas.
Where to install the sea oats
1. Sea oats can be used as a border plant in a seaside garden.
2. Install them as a screen plant to protect your garden plant from the salt sprays.
3. Plant them alongside your breach walk
A diet in sea oats
Though I have never eaten them I read an article which states that the seed heads of the sea oats can be eaten which I find to very very interesting, as for me I will leave them to our wildlife to enjoy.
Sea oats and sand dunes
Sea oats play a major role in the restoration of sand dunes. Many persons that are living in coastal areas have committed to restoring the sand dunes with the use of sea oats. Two major hurricanes Irma and Hurricane Matthew did a number in many coastal areas, to correct the problem which these hurricanes the sand was replaced, and installing dune plants such as the sea oats were added.
You may be asking the question well how do sea oats work in this process? the sea oats hold the sand together with its roots system that establishes quickly which helps to bring stability I think this natural method is so cool what about you? This is why these grasses are so highly prized because of their major contribution.
Pruning your sea oats
The benefits of pruning are pruning can help your plant to retain its natural look, controlling the growth along with removing a diseased part and all of that other good stuff.
To keep your sea oats looking their best it is good to prune or cut back at the soil level just before the colder months sets in, the seeds from these plants can be collected and use to grow new plants.
Additional Information
1. The sea oats are slow-growing.
2. Is a long-living plant.
3. Sea oats are native to the Eastern North American coastline.
4. The sea oats grass can be divided and replanted in other areas.
The final word
The sea oat grass is an amazing plant that can deliver awesome results. I have seen them growing on the coastline, this plant makes the perfect plant for soil retention, salt sprays and so on that was mentioned earlier so if you are in the market for the grass of this sort look no further, sea oats will give you the results you are looking for so give them a try and watch as they go to work for you. The sea oats another wonder of nature that is worth the investment.
Newsletter
Signup Today for Our Newsletter to Receive Up to Date Information on Herbs and Other Gardening News in the Industry.
About the author
Norman loves being in the garden, both at home and for his job....
he is 'Natures Little helper' being outdoors, growing his vegetables and flowers from an early age.
Now having spent over 22 years in the profession he want to give some of his knowledge to others...
his vast array of hints and tips you will find scattered over this site will help you no end growing plants in your garden.