Blog Posts
PDF format. Click drop-down menus below to view documents in each category.
For Beginners
Tips on Planting Bare Roots - The are lots of different kinds species that can be planted as a bare root, but here are some general tips!
What to Expect From a Native Plant Sale - they can be different than visiting a typical nursery, which may surprise new native gardeners! Here's the what and wherefore of NPU's sales in particular, and pictures from our past herbaceous sales!
How to Plant Natives - Helping wildlife often brings new people to gardening in general! New to the game? Welcome, and this one's for you!
Deer and Rabbit Fencing - Almost everyone needs it at some point. Here's what we've found to be effective, with pictures to demonstrate.
Sowing Native Seeds - How and when to sow native seeds, and some short examples of ways to prep the planting site. It's easier than you think!
Gardening For... Species Lists to Attract Specific Wildlife
Butterfly Garden Species: NPU's handout for species that support butterflies. Includes host species and nectaring species!
Hummingbird Garden Species: NPU's handout for flowering species that attract hummingbirds. Includes examples of species that can be planted together!
General Info
Indiana Aquatic Plants (2026): While the accessibility and awareness of native species is growing, anyone who has searched for fully aquatic species knows some research can still be… tricky. Search no more, pond people of Indiana and surrounds; this is the list is for you.
Indiana Native Carnivorous Plants & Bog Garden Run Down (2026): Yes, Indiana has native carnivores! Find here a list of state-native carnivorous species, other beginner friendly native species for the bog garden, tips, and helpful links!
Native Plant Industry Update (2025): Big changes are happening in the native plant industry. Notes on the current status if the industry and what it means for gardeners and the native plant movement.
Jumping Worms Are Here (2024):- ... and we're here with an updated blog post! The latest from NPU and the state of Minnesota, best practices, and further reading!
On Cultivars and Wildtype Natives - We use these words a lot, but what exactly do they mean, and why are they important?
Concerning Monarchs - Tips on how to help North America's most charismatic butterfly, and NPU's take on our responsibility to the creatures our plantings support. Have a butterfly garden in the works? Take a look!
On Mosquito Control by Nancy Tatum - A guest blog post! Mosquito fogging is a common practice, but kills indiscriminately. Here, Nancy Tatum supplies several other ways to keep local mosquito populations under control.
NPU Interview, Turf Grass Replacements - Here we field questions form Margo Lambert, a student at Anderson University, about making the change to native plants with a focus on turf grass replacements. Shared here with Margo's kind permission!
Invasive Jumping Worms in Indiana (2023) - They've been recorded in multiple areas of the state, and they're on the move. We share strategies for curtailing their spread and what to look out for! Check the above blog post for a more up-to-date info!
