By Jennifer Alexander – Poultney Mettowee Natural Resources Conservation District
What is frost seeding? Frost seeding is the practice of broadcasting seed on the soil and using the freeze thaw cycle to help the seed make good soil contact. This is an inexpensive method of adding variety to your hayfield or pasture without disturbing the soil.
While it is a simple process, there is some preparation that you can do in advance to give your seedlings the best chance of survival. In the summer/fall before you frost seed, take a soil test and make sure that your pH and soil fertility are within optimal range. Much like no-till seeding with a drill, you want to give your seedling the best opportunity at survival by having proper pH (6-6.8) and soil fertility. If you have low pH and fertility, your seedlings will struggle.
In the fall, you should create an easier pathway for the broadcast seed to reach the soil by closely grazing or mowing the pasture to reduce the amount of vegetation. If your pasture or field has a buildup of thatch, you most likely will have a poor experience frost seeding.
Then, focus on seed selection. You will want to select seeds that can germinate and grow at cooler temperatures. Red and white clovers are perhaps the best for frost seeding. I know some farms that have had good luck with orchard grass and perennial ryegrass. Alfalfa and birdsfoot trefoil are not good seeds to frost seed, due to seed size and slow germination. Don’t forget that clover seeds are heavier and will fly further than grass seeds. Because of this, they should be seeded separately. I recommend clovers and most grasses should be frost seeded at 2-4 pounds per acre.
Finally, hoof traffic after the seeding can increase the chance of good to seed soil contact, although care needs to be taken. Too much animal pressure, especially in soft ground, can cause the seed to be pushed too deep into the soil. Care also needs to be taken so that livestock doesn’t trample the young seedlings.
Additional information on successfully renovating pasture and hayland can be found at https://agriculture.vermont.gov/water-quality/additional-resources-and-…
Did you know that this year, for the first time, the Farm Agronomic Practices program can provide $30/acre to support frost seeding? Apply before April 15 at agriculture.vermont.gov/fap for any acreage you plan to do between now and June. Contact Sonia Howlett (802-522-4655) with any questions.