Sowing seeds is less expensive than landscaping with transplants. However, native plants grow slowly from seed, often not blooming until the third year. The first few years are spent growing long, extensive root systems. Weeds grow quickly. If you use seeds, keeping your landscaped area cut to six inches during the first year will help control weeds. Most seeded native flowers and grasses will not grow taller than six inches the first year.

Transplants grow more quickly than seeds, often blooming in the first year. A good way to keep costs down is by buying the smallest plants available. Space the plants one foot apart and mark for later identification.