noob question on planting seed

[shdybrady]

Ilk check on the ground temperature but this is our wettest year on record. For now I'm going to try to lay seed on just the part I feel that needs to be plowed the most. Being the compacted mud pit. I will just aerate the rest and see if the grass will spread. That way if it doesn't take I haven't invested alot of money.

 

[Carl_NH]

Well the box blade and rippers will dig up clods of existing grass too and chunks of soil so I would start with a small area 50x100 and rip in both directions about 3-4" deep and on the second pass a poor mans roller (a 10-12" x your BB width log with a 10" spike with a loop/washer attached in the center on both ends) chained to the back of the BB.

The log will break up the clumps and level things out a bit better, then seed and roll one more time.

 

[shdybrady]

The log idea is a good idea. Ill make one when i get home. When i do the final roll should i raise the bb alittle so Im not moving the seeds around too much?

 

[Carl_NH]

Yes - ideally its sort of rough then seed then final roll. A loop of chain in front of the roll will level the soil some more and spread the seed around some then cover and roll.

Some of the best grass grows where you loosen up the soil well.

 

[flusher]

I am about to start renovating my pasture. And my tool of choice is my box blade for this. Mainly because its the only thing I have and the pasture is pretty compacted. The only thing I am unsure about its after i throw the seed out should I drag the box blade back over with the diggers up to bury the seed. It is on a hill so I think just over seeding will get get blown away or washed down.

Forget about using your box blade--wrong tool for planting pasture grass.
YOu need to disc the soil 4-6 inches deep, break up the clods with a cultipacker, smooth the surface with a drag, spread the seed (broadcast seeder, drop seeder) and press the seed into the soil about 1/4" deep with a roller.

The best seeder for pasture renovation is the Brillion seeder. You get better germination with the Brillion compared to broadcasting the seed, i.e. you need less seed with the Brillion to get a solid stand of grass. You may be able to rent one of these locally.

Good luck.

 

[Carl_NH]

I agree with you 100% flusher - the OP does not have a disc and cultipacker and is trying to use what he does have.

 

[powerpace]

Box blade is more of a problem unless your trying to cut and fill your low lying area. Disk or spring harrow if your tractor is up to it.
Check with your County Extension Agent through your Agricultural College if you have one. They will have a better idea of what preparation works for your type of soil and proper grass seed. A good fertilizer schedule, proper drainage and correct carrying capacity for livestock will keep a pasture healthy. The fertilizer will promote root growth and help with the compaction problem.
I live in the "Grass Seed Capital of the World" and nobody I know plugs their fields. Golf courses, playing fields, and lawns but not pasture. The underlying clay layer "one to two feet" necessitates tiling in some areas.