In large restoration projects, seedlings are planted to provide seeds for the following season.

Once all non-prairie vegetation has been removed, it is time to plant. On larger sites, the preferred method to plant seeds is to directly insert them into the ground without disturbing the entire surface of the site.

On smaller plots seeds can be broadcast by hand onto the soil or inserted directly one by one. Another option is to plant seedlings rather than seeds. Seedlings give the gardeners a head start in the production of seeds for the following year. They also give a look of instant prairie and will be larger and bloom more the first year than plants grown from seed.