Frost Seeding

The days are getting longer and before we know it spring will be here. With that comes the work to get ready for spring and an opportunity to revive old seedings to create better hay or pasture. This can be accomplished by frost seeding certain crops into the existing stand, letting the remaining freeze and thaw naturally incorporate the seed. The best time to do this is usually in late Febuary and March if there is little or no snow cover. Common crops used to frost seed in my area are red and white clovers, and orchard grass. All three of these establish really well by using frost seeding and are easy to do. Most frost seeding is done by broadcasting using either a tractor seeder or an ATV with a seeder on it. I have attached below the common seeding rates for each of these crops to help in case you were planning some frost seeding this season. If you have questions about frost seeding contact your local SFG agronomist and they would be happy to assist in making a decision for frost seeding.
 
Red Clover: 4-10 lbs
White Clover: 1-4 lbs
Orchard Grass: 2-4 lbs