Frost seeding is simply, broadcast spreading of seeds in late winter or early spring, while there is still some snow (2"or less) on the ground or frost that also melts/thaws during the day. It is this thawing that helps the seeds find their way into the soil. Frost seeding needs the freeze-thaw cycle as well as Spring showers to move those little seeds to the soil to grow little seed, grow.
To give those seeds a head start in the process of seed to soil contact, this time we cut the pastures that we will be seeding down to about 2- 3 inches.
And we accomplished that with our old timer, older and bolder, 1949 Ford 8N tractor and rotary cutter attachment. We then ran back over that cutting with a riding lawn mower to mulch it all.
We frost seeded last year, sadly, with little results.
And, when at first you don’t succeed….
You read more about it, talk more about it and try, try, try again.
This spring we will be seeding perennial ryegrass and red clover, and broadcasting each seed type separately to ensure an even spread of seeds (grass seed is lighter then clover seeds).
We use this Earthway broadcaster spreader and we love it. It is super easy to hand turn, it gives an even spread and holds up to 25 pounds of seed.
Here is an excellent article if you want to know more about frost seeding in the Midwest.
Thank you University of Wisconsin-Extension, Go Badgers!
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