The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Livestock => Sheep => Topic started by: Azzdodd on May 07, 2013, 10:46:49 am

Title: Best way to go about planting grass seed
Post by: Azzdodd on May 07, 2013, 10:46:49 am

After the TERRIBLE winter we just had my field is a little worse for wear! Yesterday I split it into 3 paddocks so I could sow grass seed. Am I waiting for a wet or sunny day to sow it? How long will I need to keep sheep of it? Plan is put them in one paddock and sow the other 2 leave for 6-8 weeks then seed the paddock they are in first?

Title: Re: Best way to go about planting grass seed
Post by: Dan on May 07, 2013, 02:50:11 pm

A calm day is more important than dry vs wet, although you do want a bit of moisture within a day or two. Harrow before sowing if possible.

As for the sheep, move them onto the newly sown paddock it if at all possible and leave them on it for a day or two. They will tread in the seed consolidating the soil, improving germination and preventing birds from eating the seed.

Keep them off for 4-5 weeks after that, and then graze it lightly.

HTH.  :)

Title: Re: Best way to go about planting grass seed
Post by: Blackbird on May 08, 2013, 01:27:22 pm

Thanks Dan, that's really helpful advice.The horses have trashed one field over the horrible winter, so I am looking to harrow, roll and partially re-seed. I hadn't considered putting the sheep in for a couple of days to 'bed' the seed in.