Need advice on what seed

philbuilt · Mar 30, 2006

Hi All,
I know this is not tractor related but, I have leveled one side of the pond now i need to reseed. What type of spreader and what type of seed to make hay for neigbors horse and errotion controll. 1 acre to start
Thanks
phil /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

MrSteve · Mar 30, 2006

Can't help you on the spreader (I need one soon as well) but I can tell you about what to use for seed. Up in your part of the world, use Timothy @ 60% and Alfalfa @ 40%. You can go lower on the Alfalfa if you like but don't go higher (thinking of the horses). Now if you don't know about Alfalfa, it is candy to a horse and they will love you for it, but it is VERY high in protein (that is why you shouldn't go above 40%, it wouldn't good for the horses) and also Alfalfa is kind of a nice seed to use because you will get "Purple" flowers on it once a year if the horses will let it get that high and it also should pull in deer and other animals (if you want that). T-n-A is a great grass to use on any farm and should be great for your plans.

Farmwithjunk · Mar 31, 2006

Can't help but notice you're a Maine-iac. (Had to say that!) What works here in Kentucky might not work so well in your colder climate. For pond banks, I like to use fescue. Good soil holding qualities, drought resistant, and doesn't need constant attention. If you're running horses, stay with ENDOPHITE-FREE fescue.

When we re-seed pastures, I try to get a variety in the mix. Some fescue, some rye (for quick cover and "instant green") some timothy, some orchard grass, MAYBE some clover (horse owners don't shoot me) and some alfalfa.

Best advice I can give is get LOCALIZED advice. Again, what works well in the south might not be the hot set-up way up north.

MrSteve · Mar 31, 2006

I should of added above that I am from Western New York and I am giving advice from living there, not from me living here in Florida. We are moving from this state to get farther North (Tennessee) in hopes to grow what I said to you above for our horses.

Also just like Farmwithjunk said... Adding some Clover would be good as well. With Clover and Alfalfa you will have all the deer you would ever want, horses will be happy and you will have the hardiness you need for your pond.

philbuilt · Mar 31, 2006

Thanks for the help. My wife likes to see the deer in the yard so it sounds like you guys have the right mix. I will order some tomorrow.
Thanks again
Phil /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

mark4Jesus · Mar 31, 2006

Mr. Steve,
Are you moving to east, middle or west TN?

Mark

MrSteve · Mar 31, 2006

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( Mr. Steve,
Are you moving to east, middle or west TN?

Mark )</font>

Well we are stuck to where we would like to go. The wife will be going up there in a month or so to look around. Right now she is out taking care of the horses so I can't ask of one other place she is thinking of, but we started to look in the Crossville area. This other place I "think" is in the Western part of Tennessee. She has 2 co-workers that have moved in that area and for her that would be nice to know someone there.

If you like, you can check out this thread that I made about our plans... Call out to Tennessee Farmers, I have lots of ???

mark4Jesus · Mar 31, 2006

I'll go look at you other post. But since we are on the Massey forum.....Crossville is a beautiful place! And there is a very good M-F dealer there also. I didn't get mine there, but I got my Kubota from them and they are great people to deal with. The Kubota was my first tractor and I wore out the salesman with questions on the phone and he was always helpful and couteous. I'll look at the other post, happy hunting!