Seeding Grasses and Forbs 
The methods of seeding grasses and forbs depend on the site and 
the kinds of vegetation to be established. Seeding steep roadside 
cuts and fills, for example, may require the use of a hydro-type 
seeder-fertilizer-mulcher, whereas plowing and drilling may be all 
that is required on other sites. 
Although many seeding methods can be used, applying a few 
tested principles will assure good results. It is usually necessary to 
remove undesirable competing vegetation. ‘Then seedbeds are im- 
proved as necessary by plowing, disking, or other means. Seeding 
is done when enough moisture can be expected for seed germination 
and seedling growth. The seed must be covered with soil, ordinar- 
ily at depths less than 1 inch so as to allow emergence of shoots. 
Drilling accomplishes this best. If seed is broadcast, it must be 
covered adequately by some special treatment. In general, grass 
can be seeded at 2 to 12 pounds per acre. The type of seedbed and 
efficiency of planting methods, purity and viability of seed, size of 
seed, growth characteristics, and productive capacity of the site all 
influence the proper amount of seed to sow. 
Some species of grass, such as Bermuda and St. Augustine, can 
be started more effectively and rapidly by planting sprigs from estab- 
lished sod. ‘The best planting time for sprigs is from early to mid- 
spring. ‘To insure a rapid coverage of bare areas, spacing should be 
no more than 12 by 12 inches. If possible, sprigs should be obtained 
from sod growing on a sandy rather than clay soil; handling and 
planting them is easier because they are readily separated. 
F—502116 
ye 
eA 
Trees can bring beauty and 
profitable production to 
much land now idle. 
The President plants a tree. 
COURTESY OF AMERICAN FORESTRY ASSOCIATION 
