At North Branch Natives, we love little plants… at least at first! When we plant gardens, we prefer densely tucking in small plugs rather than spacing out larger pots. First year plant plugs may look humble, but these carefully grown seedlings come with strong root systems that set them up for long-term success. They’re easier to plant, quicker to establish, and, when given consistent watering and a little weeding, are remarkably fast to fill in.
Plugs are the Building Blocks of Matrix Planting
What is Matrix Planting?
Matrix planting is a design strategy that layers plants to mimic natural ecosystems. It’s the practice of grouping compatible native plants together so they grow as a cohesive community.
Each plant species finds its niche:
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Some spread by fibrous root systems that knit tightly into the soil.
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Others send down long taproots that mine nutrients deep underground.
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Still others spread via rhizomes or reseeding, quickly filling open space.
Together, these plants create a resilient, weed-suppressing quilt of vegetation that:
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Mimics natural patterns of growth
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Outcompetes weeds naturally
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Adapts to changing weather and climate conditions
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Provides food and shelter for pollinators, insects, and birds
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Reduces long-term maintenance
Over time, the matrix shifts and flows. Spring starts with shorter flowers, summer builds height and drama, fall brings color and seed heads, and winter offers texture and subtle movement. The planting changes through the seasons but remains cohesive year after year.
A Garden Glow-Up ☀️
This Northwest side Chicago garden is a perfect example of matrix planting in action. The first photo shows planting day in mid-May. Less than 80 days later, by early August, the second photo captures the space overflowing with blooms and alive with buzzing, happy pollinator visitors!
How to Plant Plugs Successfully
Planting plugs is simple, but a few details make all the difference:
🌱 Rustle up the roots a bit before putting them in the ground. This helps them stretch into the surrounding soil.
🌱 Pack them in snug, avoiding gaps and air pockets that could dry out or over-saturate roots.
🌱 Set the base of the plant level with the soil—not too low (where water can pool) and not too high (where roots may be exposed).
🌱 Pat down the soil firmly before moving on to the next plug.
Because plugs are small, they don’t require deep digging. That means faster planting and quicker establishment—perfect for filling a new space or tucking into existing beds.
When’s the Best Time to Plug In? 🔌🌱
In the Chicago area, we pay attention to the first and last frosts when planning to plant, meaning the planting window is usually mid-May through mid-October.
As summer winds down, fall might not be the season you associate with planting, but it’s actually one of the best times to get plugs into the ground. Cooler weather reduces stress on new plants (and gardeners), soil moisture levels are often higher, and roots have time to establish before winter. By the time spring arrives, plugs are ready to take off.
That’s why we’re offering Native Garden Plant Kits this season: intentionally curated combinations of species designed to thrive in Chicagoland conditions. Whether you’re starting fresh or filling in gaps, these kits make it easy to plant with confidence.
Each Native Garden Kit includes:
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38 straight-species, pollinator-approved plants (enough for a new densely planted 5’ x 8’ garden)
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A designed layout + detailed planting instructions
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Our expert-created watering & stewardship guide
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Delivery to your door + ongoing gardener support
And if you’re looking for personalized support, we also offer consultations to help you plan and install a garden tailored to your space.
Shop Native Plant Garden Kits for Chicago Gardens!
Book a Chicagoland Native Plant Expert Consultation!
Keep Growing Your Knowledge
Want to dig deeper into native gardening? Explore our free resources:
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Collaborate with us on a community or school garden project. Our team is small, but incredibly mighty, with multiple decades of combined experience in gardening, teaching, horticulture, design, and community advocacy. Got an idea for a native gardening project? We'd love to help! Let's chat!