Question about seed spreading

[Curtis B]

Does anyone know the rate of application for fescue seed when overseediing? The guy at the COOP told me 2lbs per acre, and that seems a bit light to me. I will be broadcasting. Thanks

[Bearfootfarm]

Most places recommend 15-25 lbs per acre

[glenn amolenaar]

Here in S/W Missouri they told us 2-4 lbs per acre and suggest doing it on top of snow, so this is the way we do it.
Glenn

[sirquack]

Wouldn't that just become winter bird food?

[Bearfootfarm]

Rates will vary depending on if youre planting pastures or lawns

Tall Fescue Planting Rates: Tall fescue is planted in climate zones 1,3,5,6,7,8,12 and upper parts of zone 9.

Lawns: New: 5-10 lbs. per 1000 sq. ft.
Recommended planting rate: 10 lbs. per 1000 sq. ft.
One acre requires 220-435 lbs. acre. (500-1050 lbs.@ Hectare)
Over-seeding: Apply at about 1/2 rate; 3-5 lbs. per 1000 sq. ft.
Pasture Rate: 15-30 lbs. acre.

http://www.fescue.com/

[unioncreek]

You want to seed in the early spring when the ground is still freezing and thawing, that way some of the seeds fall into the cracks and as the soil freezes and thaws it gets covered up. Grasses don't do as well as legumes, but I've had good luck with them, depends on the year. You don't want to spread it on top of snow unless it's just a skiff. It can blow around or melt quickly and move from the site where it was spread. In WA where I'm at I usually broadcast my seed in early February if we don't have any snow cover. It depends a lot on how much moisture you have after that for good seedling survival.

Bobg

[Curtis B]

Originally Posted by Bearfootfarm

Rates will vary depending on if youre planting pastures or lawns

Tall Fescue Planting Rates: Tall fescue is planted in climate zones 1,3,5,6,7,8,12 and upper parts of zone 9.



http://www.fescue.com/

I am not discounting what you or they are saying, but thats alot.

Originally Posted by unioncreek

You want to seed in the early spring when the ground is still freezing and thawing, that way some of the seeds fall into the cracks and as the soil freezes and thaws it gets covered up. Grasses don't do as well as legumes, but I've had good luck with them, depends on the year. You don't want to spread it on top of snow unless it's just a skiff. It can blow around or melt quickly and move from the site where it was spread. In WA where I'm at I usually broadcast my seed in early February if we don't have any snow cover. It depends a lot on how much moisture you have after that for good seedling survival.

Bobg

The reason for planting in the fall around here is that the summers can get very hot, so by planting within the next few weeks it has a chance to get more established and will tolerate the heat better. That and I worked it out with the guy that cuts my hay to where he will spread it for me. His 2 hours to my 2 days.

[agmantoo]

Here is zone 7 the best time of year to plant is now. We apply at 20 pounds per acre for pure stands for pasture. The only thing that I plant in the low rates that you were told is clover and a few other legumes. Here are the tools I use to sow the fescue and pic of the results

[Callieslamb]

Do you just toss the seed out on top of the grass that is already there? Do you mow the grass first? I have a pasture I need to revamp a bit and we were told you had to drill the seed in. Which includes killing everything that is there already.

[travlnusa]

You will want the pasture to be short as you can get it, so the seeds can get down to the soil.

I overseed a different part of the pasture each year. I run an electric fence in the small area and let the cows eat it way down. Then I frostseed in the fall. Works for me.

My nieghbor does it in the spring, he will let cows into a small area, let them eat grass down, then broadcast seed. He then keeps cow in that area for another week or so as the cows work the seed into the ground. Works for him

[agmantoo]

I broadcast then I either use the rotary cutter or the cattle to get the seed to have better soil contact. The rotary cutter will essentially mulch the seed and preserve moisture to enhance rooting. The cattle will walk the seed into the topsoil. I never do any land prep provided the surface of the soil is smooth enough. In the area I live, the soil is basically worn out with very little topsoil. If I do any prep I have diluted that carbon layer to the point the plants growth is hindered. Here in NC we have a good 90 to 120 days of growing season remaining this year for cool season grass such as the fescue.. It takes 3 years to get great forage and to reduce the need for commercial fertilizer. I have ceased to use commercial fertilizer however I can get enough chicken litter to spread on 1/3 of the pasture each year. I depend on legumes for the nitrogen requirements where the litter is not applied. I apply legume seeds at about 1/3 the recommended rate since I do not want the legumes to dominate. Here is a pic of the mixed forages (fescue and Alice clover plus a little vetch) this past Spring.