Wild bird mix?

[Tha Ulsterscot]

Have 5 acres of WB feed to sow, only 6 KGS/ acre. No one wants to be bothered sowing it with a modern machine, and I don't think a Massey 30 drill would put such a small amount on. It has been suggested that if I mix the seed with 1 cwt of fertiliser and just broadcast it. Has anyone done this and how did it turn out?

 

[snarling bee]

What's wrong with a modern machine?

 

[steveR]

I assume you have ploughed and worked down...?

Last pass with a dutch harrow of lightly set spring tines to leave some little trigs or furrows, then broadcast, then light harrows. Or even just cambridge roll. Seed just needs a tickle of soil over it as the tiny seeds will struggle in more than 15-20mm

 

[Andy26]

If it small seeds it will work well, try and do it ahead of some rain.

Do you know anyone with a small electric broadcaster usually used for slug pellets.

I have a modern drill, but will still broadcast the small seeds.

 

[steveR]

If it small seeds it will work well, try and do it ahead of some rain.

Do you know anyone with a small electric broadcaster usually used for slug pellets.

I was assuming one of these too

 

[carbonfibre farmer]

Have 5 acres of WB feed to sow, only 6 KGS/ acre. No one wants to be bothered sowing it with a modern machine, and I don't think a Massey 30 drill would put such a small amount on. It has been suggested that if I mix the seed with 1 cwt of fertiliser and just broadcast it. Has anyone done this and how did it turn out?

If we put a mustard cover crop in, we mix some in the fertiliser spreader and spin it on. Before rain does help. Depending on conditions then it'll get lightly harrowed once. Generally comes up thick as you like.

 

[steveR]

The biggest problem is..... lack of rain. Well it is here in Shropshire/Staffs.

Maybe different in NI?

 

[Tha Ulsterscot]

The biggest problem is..... lack of rain. Well it is here in Shropshire/Staffs.

Maybe different in NI?

Not at the minute, and dry forecast till end of month.

 

[Andy26]

The biggest problem is..... lack of rain. Well it is here in Shropshire/Staffs.

Maybe different in NI?

Wouldn't want to be wasting any fertiliser either!