Plant Native Species: Seed - Seeding Methods

This is a good method to use when the site is smaller than one acre or located on slopes not easily accessible by a mechanical seeder.

Broadcast seeding by hand produces a more natural-looking appearance since seeds are not planted in rows.

Broadcast Seeding into Cover Crop

Seed a cover crop in areas subject to erosion and ready to plant in midsummer to late summer.

Follow with the native crop seeding in the fall: Following site preparation, sow an oats cover crop (90 lbs/acre). Frost will kill the oats in the fall before they set seed.

In late October, hand seed the native mix into the standing dead oats.

Frost action will work the seed into the soil surface. The dead oats will mat down over the winter, providing good conditions for spring germination and also preventing soil erosion.

General Guidelines

Loosen topsoil to a depth of 3 inches Mixing seeds with a slightly dampened filler (sawdust, peat moss, or vermiculite) will result in a more even distribution on the ground Divide seeds and spread first half of the mixture Spread second half over the same area, walking perpendicular to the first pass Seed the nurse cover crop Cover seeds with soil equal to twice the thickness of the seed - use a rake or drag the area lightly Very small seeds that need light to germinate should be seeded on top and not covered Pack the site to ensure good seed-to-soil contact Avoid broadcast seeding when the weather is hot and dry, or when soil moisture is low