Wait until temperatures get above 65°F during the day and then seed. Grass seeding dates and rates ... Producers should follow the guidelines for planting date and location in Indiana discussed in the preceding section. Seed ¼-to ½-inch d… Our free planting guide calculates the best dates for sowing seeds indoors and outdoors, and for transplanting seedlings to the garden—all customized to your location. As always, consult an animal feed expert, veterinarian, or other qualified professional before initiating any feeding regime. It matures earlier than mid or late maturing varieties, has moderate winter hardiness, and regrows quickly. Plan the perfect garden with our interactive tool →. Newer varieties have yields greater than wheat and quality greater than cereal rye. To get the proper number of plants per acre, the proper number of seed must be planted. The first step will be to test the pH of the soil with a tester, available at a farm or home & garden store. Harvesting Guide Do not remove the flowering spikes, seeds will develop in the inflorescences. Soil should be tilled before planting and be moderate to well-drained. Seed should be planted 10 to 20 pounds per acre. Orchard grass is a cool season grass which is typically found in pastures. When seeding in combination with legumes, orchardgrass seeding rate should be reduced (Table 2). planting rates for orchard grass/alfalfa - posted in Alfalfa/Hay: I live in north central Ohio and would like a 60/40 stand of orchard grass/alfalfa. Ready to plant, but not sure exactly how many lbs./acre to plant to achieve what I want. Orchardgrass is usually easy to establish in either early spring or late summer. Grazing below 3-4 inches can cause damage to plants, retarding future growth and delaying future grazings. If pH drops, top dressing with lime can be used to correct. For grazing, orchard grass is best sown with legumes to provide a more balance nutritional profile and to assist with nitrogen fixation. Prepare a place to sow seeds. Like many grasses that were brought from Europe at an early date, Orchard Grass attracted little attention in England until reintroduced to that country from America. Cultivating orchard grass as hay or silage typically requires 50 days or less after germination before the first collection. There is a tremendous range in heading dates, from May 16th to June 11th from the earliest to the latest variety (26 days). If the drill does not have a acker wheel p system, a cultipacker o roller shoulr d be trailed behind. HARVESTING Consult the Related Web Sites on the Plant Profile Description: Grass family (Poaceae). Rake to incorporate the planting site of the seeds in the soil. Planting Clover in Orchard Grass - posted in Alfalfa/Hay: I am relatively new to hay farming and am looking for some expert opinions. Orchard Grass. For best weed control, plant clovers after adequate establishment and weed management has been performed. Sprinkle the seeds on the planting site. When planting cool season pastures apply all of the phosphorous and potassium that is recommended from your soil test at planting along with 50-60 pounds of nitrogen per acre. Sow the seeds no more than 1/2 inches deep. It grows in full sun to part shade. Switchgrass is a tall-growing, warm-season, perennial grass that is native to much of the United States including Virginia. Dactylis glomerata L. Ideally, orchard grass should be planted in August or September. If sowing in fall, do not sow later than one month prior to the first average frost of the fall. Late-summer/fall establishment of grass is often desired in the Midwest. If using with other grasses, rate should be reduced to 8-10 lbs. The heading dates at Elora and the distributors are also listed. As an animal passes close by and brushes against the inflorescence the seeds are snagged onto the coat and can stay attached for some distance, the seed eventually breaks from its hooks and falls to the ground where it might germinate. The leaves are 2-8 mm wide, and 20-30 cm Planting depth is 1/4 to 1/2 inch. seeding date tall fescue orchardgrass timothy 15-20 10-15 8 Aug 15 - Oct 1 Feb 20 - April 1 Aug 15 - Oct 1 Aug 15 - Oct 1 Feb 20 - April 1 2. With a well-prepared seed bed, however, orchard grass may flourish in poor soils or shady areas. Scheduling and … Orchardgrass is fairly tolerant of drought, traffic and other challenging growing conditions. silage 20 to 30/sq ft 2 to 2-1/2 bu 1 to 2 Oct 1 to 30 May 10 to Jun 1 4 to 10 T (65% moisture) Cut for silage in boot (Feekes 10) growth stage. winter cover crop 30 to 70 lb (drilled)2. Orchardgrass is a cool season, introduced, perennial, bunchgrass. Easy to establish grows 2-4 feet tall, drill or broadcast. A well-prepared seedbed will help to promote higher quality orchardgrass. Seed should be planted 10 to 20 pounds per acre. This will allow the warm weather grasses to get the benefit of warm temperatures that come with summer while giving them time to become established prior to cooler weather in the fall. Use winter varieties. Overharvesting can slow down grown and delay future harvests, which will typically require 4-6 weeks after collecting. With a well-prepared seed bed, however, orchard grass may flourish in poor soils or shady areas. Easy to digest and cultivate, it makes a fine choice for hay, grazing and silage. Orchardgrass is perennial, cool season, forage bunch grass. They were replaced by cool-s… This gives the grass ample time to get going before winter chills set in. Orchardgrass varieties are tested in either an early or late harvesting system. Soil can be amended with lime (limestone) if needed to raise pH. Gently pack soil to ensure good seed to soil contact. Like most seeds, they require warmth and plenty of water to germinate. Description General: Grass Family (Poaceae). The first step in forage management is the proper establishment of pasture and hay fields. For collection grasp your hand around the base of the mature inflorescence and in a clasping motion pull upwards and strip the seeds from the spike. This will also help to promote and ensure healthier stands. Seeds should be sown approximately ¼-1/2" deep. Plants are 50-120 cm tall. Some seeds, such as pennisetum, have narrow catching/hooking spear-like protrusions attached. This mismanagement weakened the stands and eventually led to their demise. Orchard grass is a cool season grass which is typically found in pastures. Ideally, the soil should have a pH between 6.5 to 7.0. Animals & Forages. Table 1. Plant orchard grass in Tennessee in the fall, from August 15 to September 1. Our free planting guide calculates the best dates for sowing seeds indoors and outdoors, and for transplanting seedlings to the garden—all customized to your location. Insects & Plant Disease. Row Crop Irrigation. It grows in erect culms 50 to 100 cm (20 to 40 in) tall. It is important to assure that the seeds are thoroughly dry before storing them. Drill – A grass drill is the best method of seeding on level and sloping aeas, bt the preferu red methor d will depend on slope and conditions of the planting site. After a period of time you can notice a changing of color in the seed spike, usually it will lighten in color. Table 1 shows the recommended seeding rates and dates for tall fescue, or- 12 week maturity. Contact your local extension agent or seed supplier to get more spe- … Do not sow if pH is not 6.2 or higher. Do not allow livestock to overgraze orchardgrass-ideal height for grazing is 6 inches or more. Based on frost dates and planting … It is shade tolerant and resistant to occasional drought conditions. Orchard grass is grown from seeds and produces fuller crops when grown on rich soils. Copyright Leaf Group Ltd. // Leaf Group Lifestyle. The English name of Cock's-foot Grass is derived from a fancied resemblance between the branching panicle and a bird's foot. As always, consult an animal feed expert, veterinarian, or other qualified professional before initiating any feeding regime. The table reflects recommendations from the University of … As a manure and biosolid, it returns high levels of this necessary macronutrient to the soil. Spring planting is recommended after February 1st and before May 1st in most regions. You may wait until October or November is you live in warmer climates. Switchgrass (SG) was widespread in open areas before settlers populated an area and remained in one place year after year. Avoid sowing with other grasses. 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