HOW do we do it?

1. Pick a plant friend. Look in the plant guide. Ask a native plant nursery which ones fit your sun and soil.
2. Wait for fall. In Southern California, fall is a great time to plant. The roots can grow while it is cool and the rain is coming.
3. Dig a hole. Make it about twice as wide as the pot and just as deep.
4. Take the plant out gently. Loosen the roots with your fingers.
5. Plant it. The top of the roots should be level with the ground. Fill in the soil and press down gently.
6. Water and mulch. Give it a good drink. Add a layer of leaves or wood chips around it, but not touching the stem.
7. Water less over time. Native plants learn to live on rain, so after the first months they need much less water.

1. Ask a grown-up first. Parks and wild places have rules. Never pull plants on public land without permission.
2. Be sure what the plant is. Check the plant guide. Some bully plants, like castor bean, are poisonous. If you are not sure, do not touch it.
3. Dress for the job. Wear gloves, long sleeves, and closed shoes.
4. Pull small plants after rain. The soil is soft, so you can get the roots out.
5. Bag the seeds and flowers. Put them in the trash. Do not leave them on the ground, or the bully will spread.
6. Plant natives in the empty spot. That keeps the bullies from coming back.

1. Get native seeds. Buy them from a local native plant nursery or seed seller. Do not take seeds from wild places unless you have permission.
2. Fill pots with soil. Use pots with holes in the bottom so extra water can drain.
3. Sprinkle the seeds. Cover them with a thin layer of soil.
4. Water gently and label. Write the plant name and date on a stick.
5. Find a sunny spot. Check your seeds every day.
6. Plant outside in the fall once the seedlings are strong.

Want to try something different? Test a seed spray!

1. Find a sunny spot at home or at school (with permission).
2. Pick native flowers. Monarch butterflies depend on milkweed. Check the plant guide for more flowers.
3. Plant in groups. Bees and butterflies find big patches of flowers more easily.
4. Leave some bare soil and a little water in a shallow dish with pebbles so bugs can land and drink.
5. Watch and count. Write down which visitors come each week.

1. Look closely. What shape are the leaves? What color are the flowers? How tall is it?
2. Take a photo or draw it. Do not pick it or eat it.
3. Write down the place. Was it sunny or shady? Wet or dry?
4. Compare it with the plant guide.
5. Ask an expert if you are not sure. Plant nurseries and nature centers can help. A grown-up can also use a plant ID app.

1. Play the games with a friend and see who gets the best score.
2. Teach one thing. Tell someone the difference between a plant friend and a plant bully.
3. Share this website with your class, your family, and your neighbors.