Complete re-seed method.

[Ali_Maxxum]

Next week we've a 3 acre field to completely re-seed back to grass. Current sward is very old and tired, full of weeds and moss, very little actual grass. It's not a big patch I know but it provides my customers winter feed for their highland cattle (or at least it used to, hence the need to re-seed).

Plan to use a long-term ley mix from Countrywide as it's the only place I can get enough for just 3 acres. Preferred place has a minimum order of 8 acres.

Our current plan of attack is this;

Plough
Spread lime
Power harrow
Harrow (Ritchie chain/spike harrow with level bars)
Broadcast seed
Lightly harrow
Roll

This may seem very obvious but just doing a bit of research some people say to roll after the plough, roll 2 different ways at the end or forget the power harrow altogether.... Any opinions/ideas appreciated.

 

[milkloss]

Depends on the ground but we do usually roll after the plough to help smash it down and possibly conserve some moisture if we can't get back to it in good time. Seems to help level it out too.

 

[multi power]

Have you taken soil samples yet? Need to check ph P and K levels
You will probably need to roll before sowing seed
I'm not a fan of power harrowing, I like spring tine with a good packer on the back

 

[Great In Grass]

That's one plan of attack that will work.

Minimum one bag order here.

What was your preferred mix, I'm being nosy now.

 

[Ali_Maxxum]

Have you taken soil samples yet? Need to check ph P and K levels
You will probably need to roll before sowing seed
I'm not a fan of power harrowing, I like spring tine with a good packer on the back

Yes soil tested and is acid as we expected. We'll see how it turns over. The ground hasn't been ploughed in probably at least 20years so figured power harrowing should get it back to something nice to work with.

 

[multi power]

Yes soil tested and is acid as we expected. We'll see how it turns over. The ground hasn't been ploughed in probably at least 20years so figured power harrowing should get it back to something nice to work with.

What about P and K ?

 

[Ali_Maxxum]

That's one plan of attack that will work.

Minimum one bag order here.

What was your preferred mix, I'm being nosy now.

Something long term, hardy, suitable for cattle grazing but also suitable for taking haylage. Current sward is a more traditional 'hay meadow' type with quite a lot of ribwort plantain (fire leaf).

 

[Ali_Maxxum]

What about P and K ?

No but the kit we've got we can test for it. Still got the soil samples so I'll have a look tomorrow.

 

[Deere 6430]

Cotswold grass seeds will mix any amount no matter how little and they have free delivery next day so would be worth asking for a really good mix which is ideal for what you want to do.

 

[Ali_Maxxum]

Cotswold grass seeds will mix any amount no matter how little and they have free delivery next day so would be worth asking for a really good mix which is ideal for what you want to do.

https://www.cotswoldseeds.com/product/permanent-grass This ought to do it to be fair.

http://www.countrywidefarmers.co.uk/pws/ProductDetails.ice?ProductID=8005 Alternative.

 

[Great In Grass]

Would a long term mix which provides an early bite be of interest?

 

[Ali_Maxxum]

Would a long term mix which provides an early bite be of interest?

Yes providing it's a more permanent ley.

 

[Great In Grass]

Yes providing it's a more permanent ley.

Would you be happy for me to PM some details?

 

[Ali_Maxxum]

Would you be happy for me to PM some details?

Go for it

 

[Great In Grass]

Go for it

I'll do it now.

 

[ED.D]

Steady with the hard sell there!!

 

[Great In Grass]

Steady with the hard sell there!!

Get to bed you. That's where I'm off to now.

Didn't want the man not knowing the full story.

 

[Dry Rot]

Add roll, roll, roll, to your list! Can never get a firm enough seed bed for grass. The old boys would say you should be able to ride a bicycle over it without leaving a mark. The best way is to go round and round with the tractor laying one wheel track next to the last -- if you can stay awake!

 

[JD-Kid]

if acid do a fodder crop then perm reseed the following year it's only 3 acres but not worth wasteing money if Ph is low
if it's acid put lime on frist plow it under power harrow it a bit more lime harrow it it roll spread then roll will work

if doing fodder crop lime plow power harrow spread seed harrow roll

 

[ED.D]

Get to bed you. That's where I'm off to now.

Didn't want the man not knowing the full story.

No worries, I'll put the wooden spoon away for a bit too