Frost-seeding line is on the move

With the arrival of Abe Lincoln’s birthday, the frost-seeding season begins in the South and pushes its way north. Though not always a sure bet, frost seeding pastures has shown to be a time-proven practice for maintaining an effective level of legumes or introducing new grass species.

Frost seeding doesn’t work well for every forage species, especially if seed is broadcasted. However, if soil conditions are dry enough and the surface is thawed, drilling seed into an existing sod can help improve seed-soil contact and expand early spring establishment options.

Even when broadcasting seed, good seed-to-soil contact is the key to a successful frost seeding. Exposing the soil surface by either removing the forage residue or grazing tight during the late fall will improve your odds for new seedling establishment. Late-fall grazing also slows the spring growth of established grasses, giving new seedlings a better chance to develop.

Sod-type grass pastures such as bluegrass are the most difficult to obtain a successful frost seeding. This is especially true if there is a heavy thatch layer. Frost seeding is also less successful on sandy soils compared to loam or clay soils.

Boosting the legume component of pastures is often the primary reason for frost seeding. Red and white (ladino) clover are the easiest to establish with a broadcast seeding and by far the most popular choices among frost seeders.

Ryegrass is the easiest and most receptive grass species for frost seeding. Other cool-season grasses will be much more variable, though orchardgrass seems to be the next best alternative. Other than ryegrass, the best approach for frost seeding grasses is to use a grain drill.

Seeding rates for successful frost seeding vary greatly with soil, subsequent weather conditions, and desired legume composition. Trial and error over a period of years will bring you to the “sweet spot.” For clovers, begin with 2 to 4 pounds per acre and adjust accordingly based on results. Also, make sure the seeder is properly calibrated.

Once seeded, give new seedlings a fighting chance. Flash-graze existing vegetation once it reaches a height that is too competitive for the young seedlings to receive sunlight and compete for moisture. Not doing so is the reason many new frost seedings fail.

Frost seeding is a cost-saving and effective means of introducing or maintaining grass and legume species into pastures. Success will vary from year-to-year based on environmental conditions. Maximizing seed-to-soil is the primary key for success.