Although, as discussed previously, planting or seeding in new plants may not be needed, sometimes you can improve existing aquatic habitat by introducing plants.

Plugs of wetland plants can be planted into the site. Seed may be planted or scattered; but most emergent plants need mudflats to sprout on, so don't scatter seed into the water. Plants and rootstocks may be planted right into the mud, even under water, provided the water isn't too deep for the plant.

Introducing plants or seeds after a site has dried up and been burned is a recommended method. The seedbed is exposed and easily planted once existing vegetation has been removed. Also, interseeding into a thick stand of cattails, cordgrass, or sedges will likely be unsuccessful, even if the above-ground portions of the plants have been temporarily eliminated through burning. The plants will return in the spring with vigor and quickly outcompete most plants you've tried to introduce. Plant only in areas with sparse vegetation.

Planting annual food plants such as millet or buckwheat to supplement natural moist-soil plants on mudflats is a common way to increase the abundance of food available for waterfowl in the fall. Be sure to concentrate on planting annuals, and do not plant non-native plants that are known to spread and cause problems to natural communities.