THOUGHTS ON SEEDING

By Martin Curry

 

If you are planning to use seeding to improve your property, this spring and summer is a critical time for you.  The best time to plant seeds for our region is in the fall.  With the majority of our precipitation occurring in the late winter/early spring, planting in the fall will allow the seeds to take advantage of the soil moisture.  For those who are planning to reclaim a site, this also allows ample time to prepare the site for planting.

 

When selecting the seeds for your project you will first want to answer a few questions.  The most important question being, what type of soil is present at the site? The soil type will make a difference in which plant species will grow at that location.  Soils are composed of sand, silt and clay.  The percentage in which each texture is present will determine the soil type.  The next question to be determined is what is the objective to seeding this site?  Is the seeding to improve forage for livestock grazing?  Is the planting to prevent erosion?  Are you trying to attract wildlife?  These are just a few examples.

 

Once you have determined the soil type and objectives then a seed mix can be chosen.  We recommend that native plant species be used whenever possible.  With a vast number of plant species available to choose from, contacting a local seed distributor, university extension office or local conservation district can be helpful.

 

To ensure that a recently seeded site has the best opportunity to become established it is important to consider the following.  To provide protection to seeds and young seedlings consider applying a form of mulch after seeding.  Straw mulches consisting of wheat, barley, and/or oats are the most common.  Care must be taken to ensure certified weed-free mulch is selected to prevent introduction of noxious weeds onto the site.  To ensure that mulches do not blow away, lightly crimp the straw into the soil using a disc. The mulch will also help to preserve soil moisture and maintain soil temperature. Erect a temporary fence around the site to prevent grazing and trampling from livestock.  The temporary fence should remain in place for two years after seeding.

 

In Wyoming, our springs and summers are short.  It will not be long before it is time to plant those seeds, so a little planning now can pay dividends in the fall.  For your convenience, LRCD has two seeders available for rent.  For more information, please contact LRCD.

Annual LRCD Seedling Tree and Shrub Sale and Order Pickup!

 

Albany County Fairgrounds Rabbit Barn

Friday May 2, 8:00 to 5:30

Saturday May 3, 8:30 to 12:30

 

Hundreds of seedlings are still available!

$1.00 Bare root

$2.00 Potted