Seeding

Question 1

What should be done to prep the site for seed?

Answer 1

• Clear debris
• Drainage
• Tillage
• Soil Modifications
• Grading
• Fertilisation (where required)

Question 2

What time of the year is the optimal time to seed with cool-season grasses and why?

Answer 2

Mid/late August - Mid/late September

• Turfgrasses are more competitive
• WSG if present are at the end of their cycle
• Conditions are generally optimal (warm soil temperatures without the stress of peak summer temperatures.)

Question 3

Spring seeding is more challenging, explain why?

Answer 3

• Seeding to early is common
• Soil temps are still too low
• Seed assumed to have died because of no germination and area is re-seeded (cost)
• Plants will be needy and require more irrigation through its first summer.

Question 4

Cons of seeding later in the Autumn…

Answer 4

1. Seed applied when too cold will not germinate until the spring, mortality will be high.
2. Seed could be destroyed by birds or frost.
3. Establishment of seeds that do germinate may be poor and plants may be weak and or die.

Question 5

When is the best time to seed with warm-season grasses?

Answer 5

Early-mid summer.

Question 6

What are the cons of overseeding?

Answer 6

• Wastes money.
• Creates over competition for resources thus increasing mortality and potentially producing a less healthy plant.

Question 7

What factors should be considered when deciding on a seeding rate.

Answer 7

1. Species
2. Growth type (bunch/creeping)
3. Size of seed
4. Establishment rate in relationship to other species (mixes)
5. Quality/germination rate

Question 8

What amount of seedlings would you look to achieve?

Answer 8

1000-2000 seedlings per ft²

Question 9

What is the Cardinal Rule of seeding?

Answer 9

Ensure good soil/seed contact.

Question 10

What is the max depth you would want the seed to sit within the soil?

Answer 10

1.5cm

Overly deep seed may not have the resources required from seed to reach the surface with its shoot.

Question 11

What procedures should be carried out post seeding?

Answer 11

1. Soil should be kept moist until the seed is established
2. Mowing early when the sward is strong enough. This will encourage tillering and improve density.
3. Fertiliser applications of appropriate ratios. It is likely that N will need to be applied due to the consumption of the new sward.
4. Do not overwater