Storage temperature and seed moisture are the two most important factors in determining how long seeds can be stored. The drier the seeds remain, the longer than can be stored.

Here are a few steps to keep your seeds viable for years to come:

• Cool and Dry Storage: Store seeds in temperatures no greater than 70 F, with a humidity lower than 65%. The ideal temperature range is 35-40 F with a humidity of less than 40%.
• Contained: If your seed packaging has been opened, then store them in an airtight container. This will prevent the elements from getting to your seeds and affecting their viability.
• Labeled: Label your seeds with their species or mix name, variety, and date purchased or collected.

Seed Storage Tips

• Add moisture-absorbing material to your airtight container, such as silica gel packets, newspaper, or dry wood ash.
• Keeping your seeds stored in an airtight container, can avoid disturbance from pests.

Common Seed Storage Mistakes

• Garages & Sheds: Garages and sheds can experience extreme temperature fluctuations, shortening the lifespan of your seeds. If your garage or shed is temperature controlled (many are not), then this can be a great place to store seeds. 
• Refrigerator:  Refrigerators can keep your seeds in the ideal storage temperature range (35-40 F), but it adds in the element of humidity. To avoid this, you can store seeds in an airtight container in your refrigerator; but if your seeds contain any amount of leftover moisture from the drying process, they will begin to germinate. It’s best to stay away from this method as well.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long can you store grass seed?

Pasture seed allows livestock and other animals to graze and get the nutrients they need. In the Midwest, selecting the right pasture seed varieties is important because different plants thrive better than others in this region of the US. Whether you’re looking for pasture grass seed, clover, or alfalfa, there are a lot of great options available. Be sure to check out our Heartland collection, which includes premium pasture seed products for the Midwest. 

Key Factors to Consider When Selecting Pasture Seed for the Midwest:

Before purchasing a pasture seed mix, pay attention to factors like local climate, soil type, livestock needs, seasonal growth, and hardiness.

Climate

The Midwest is a humid continental climate that experiences all four seasons. These frequent—and often extreme—changes in weather and temperature can greatly affect the type of pasture seed you choose. For example, ryegrass doesn’t overwinter well, so it’s not the best choice for the Midwest.

Soil Type

The Midwest is home to many different types of soil, so make sure to pair pasture seed varieties with soil type for optimal growth. Clover does well in sandy or loamy soil, while most grasses require loamy soil.

Livestock Needs

Choose pasture seed varieties depending on the type of livestock in your area. For example, cows, hogs, and poultry all have different nutritional requirements. Cows have complex stomachs allowing them to digest most pasture seed, while hogs are omnivores and require a more diverse diet.

Seasonal Growth

Balancing cool-season and warm-season grasses and other plants can be tricky, but it’s essential when choosing pasture seed. 

Drought Resistance and Water Management

While the Midwest typically receives plenty of rainfall throughout the year, many pasture seed plants still require regular watering. Some grass seed varieties like fescue are drought tolerant and require less watering.

Weed and Pest Resistance

Some pasture seed varieties are more vulnerable than others. While clover is very pest—and weed-resistant, many pasture grass seeds are not.

Top Recommended Pasture Seeds for Midwest Farms

There are many different types of Midwest pasture seed that work well for grazing animals, but here are a few that stand out. 

• Alfalfa

Alfalfa is a great choice because of its high protein content. Some farmers also plant alfalfa as a cover crop between harvest crop seasons.

• Rice Cut Grass

Although it’s a cool-season grass, rice cut grass flowers later in the summer than others. This makes it a nice pasture seed choice for the midwest because seeds often ripen in the fall. 

• American SloughGrass

American sloughgrass is a popular choice for cows and horses and does very well in wetland habitats throughout Illinois and Missouri.

• Berseem Clover

Berseem clover is an excellent pasture seed and cover crop in the Midwest. It grows well with alfalfa, doesn’t cause bloating in livestock, and works with a variety of soil types.

• Arrowleaf Clover

Arrowleaf clover is another great choice for pasture seed in the Midwest. It’s drought-tolerant, can be made into hay, and is attractive to turkeys and other poultry.

Benefits of Using a Seed Mix

Sometimes the best choice for pasture seed is a mix, rather than one singular variety. For example, a mix containing a variety of grasses and clover will offer animals a more balanced diet than grass seed alone. Pasture seed mixes are also great for soil preservation, fertilization, and pest prevention. 

How to Maintain a Healthy Midwest Pasture

• Avoid overgrazing

Pay attention to your pasture and keep track of where animals are grazing. 

• Schedule periods of rest

Another way to avoid overgrazing is to let the pasture rest after a certain period of time. Rotational grazing will help keep the pasture healthy.

• Manage weeds

Some weeds like hemlock and buttercup can be toxic to livestock, so be sure to implement weed management in your Midwest pasture.

• Test soil health

Test your soil every year or so to make sure pH levels and nutrition are on track. If needed, add amendments like lime or sulfur to help improve soil health.

Best Practices for Planting Pasture Seed in the Midwest

If you’re a Midwest farmer, you probably understand the complexities of planting and maintaining a good crop. Still, here are a few tips to keep in mind when dealing with pasture seed specifically:

• Most pasture seeds should be planted either in the spring or fall, depending on cool-season and warm-season varieties. Berseem clover for example should be planted sometime after April 15th.

• Prepare the soil by tilling it and removing existing weeds or other vegetation. This is also a good time to test your soil and add any amendments that might be needed.

• Plant pasture seed ¼ to ½ inch deep and water regularly. Planting deeper than ½ inch can make it difficult for pasture seed to emerge.

• Watch for germination. To protect your newly planted seed in the early stages, you may need to cover it with more soil or mulch. Fencing in the pasture will also protect it.

• If you’re planting a cover crop as a pasture seed, stay on top of your harvest crop schedule. In the Midwest, most cover crops can be planted in the fall.

Find premium-quality pasture seed at Nature’s Seed, and give your livestock and wildlife the pasture they deserve.

Decide if overseeding your existing pasture is adequate or if you need to start over fresh. Generally if a pasture contains 40% to 75% of a desirable species, then consider overseeding. If a pasture contains less than 40% of desirable species, then consider a full reestablishment.

Planting Date

Cool-season forage species should be planted in the spring or fall when your average high air temperatures are in the 60-75 degree range. Warm-season forage species should be planted in the late spring or early summer when average air temperatures reach the 80+ degree range. Seed mixes with both cool and warm season species are best planted in the spring.

Prepare The Area (For New Pastures or When Reestablishing An Existing Pasture)

Remove all existing vegetation. This can be accomplished with a primary tillage method (plowing, tilling, disking, etc.) followed by secondary tillage to smooth and firm the soil (harrowing, cultivating, cultipacking, etc.)

Prepare the Area (For Overseeding An Existing Pasture)

Mow or graze the existing forage down to 4-6 inches. Drag a harrow to roughen the soil surface. The more scratches and grooves you can make the better. The goal is not to remove the existing vegetation, but to open up the ground slightly to achieve proper seed-to-soil contact.

Planting The Seed

Sowing the seed with a broadcast spreader is the preferred method, especially for mixes with differing seed sizes. Drill seeding can also be very successful but works best with seeds of the same size.

Soil Contact

After broadcasting the seed, drag a harrow, roller, or some other type of equipment to work the seed into the soil to a depth of ¼ to 1/8 of an inch. If you used a seed drill to plant the seed this step can be skipped. It’s normal to see some seed remain on the soil surface.

Constant Moisture

Keep the area constantly moist during the germination period, approximately 15-30 days. If irrigation is unavailable, try to coordinate your planting time with your rainiest season.

When To Graze

Grab a handful of the new forage and pull up quickly. If the forage rips, it’s ready for regular grazing. If it pulls out by the roots it needs more time to establish.

We have designed a pasture pig seed mix for every region of the United States while considering the soil, climate, and precipitation levels of each growing area. The following considerations were made during the design process for each regional blend:

• Environmental elements such as soil conditions, sun/shade preferences, and heat tolerances
• Genetic attributes such as nutrient content, grazing tolerance, and disease resistance
• Water requirements
• High palatability
• Nutritional value

If forage is ample, pigs may obtain up to 50% of their nutritional needs from grazing on pasture, including legumes, grasses, roots, and other edible plants. Supplemental feeding is often necessary to ensure pigs receive a well-balanced diet that meets their nutritional requirements. Legumes have been added to provide an excellent source of protein for your pigs, and a natural fertilizer for your soil.

Pigs enjoy a diverse range of vegetation in their diet and the ability to naturally forage, graze, root, browse, search, and explore for their food while providing them with an essential component for their overall well-being. From behavioral and environmental enrichment to exercise and muscle development to soil fertility and land management, these blends touch on the most essential needs for a healthy pasture pig and a healthy pasture.

Prior to the 1950s, pasture was considered a vital component in swine feeding programs. However, after synthetic vitamins became universally available, the need for forage crops diminished. Research has shown that the digestibility of fiber improves as pigs mature. Over time they absorb more nutrients from forages. Fiber prevents constipation during late gestation and early lactation and reduces intestinal issues. Pasture pigs and sows typically have fewer health problems due to the improved sanitation and air quality of living on a pasture.

Pasture Pig Ingredients

GRASSES

Smooth Brome: Provides abundant and nutritious forage that regrows quickly, making it suitable for intensive grazing systems. Its dense growth helps suppress weeds and control soil erosion. It’s drought-tolerant and versatile, making it a reliable and valuable component of pig diets in pasture settings.

Kentucky Bluegrass: Provides a highly digestible forage, with valuable nutrients such as carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals. Its dense growth and ability to withstand grazing make it suitable for intensive grazing systems. It can also contribute to soil stability and erosion control.

Orchardgrass: A great source of carbohydrates, proteins, vitamins, and minerals that contribute to the overall health and growth of pigs. Its digestibility allows for efficient nutrient utilization and better weight gain. Orchardgrass is known for its rapid regrowth, making it suitable for heavy grazing. Its deep root systems improve soil structure and provide erosion control.

Common Bermuda: Common Bermuda provides a consistent and abundant source of forage, offering a balance of carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals to support their dietary needs. It’s well-adapted to various climates and can withstand heavy grazing, ensuring a continuous food supply.

Bahia: Known for its ability to thrive in warm and tropical climates. This makes Bahia suitable for various regions. It also has a high productivity rate, providing consistent forage, and containing carbohydrates, fiber, vitamins, and minerals that contribute to the nutritional needs of pigs.

Timothy: Provides a balanced composition of protein, fiber, and carbohydrates that ensure optimal nutrition. Grazing Timothy engages a pig’s natural behaviors, promotes dental health, and provides environmental enrichment, exercise, and weight management. It also offers a valuable source of nutrients, while providing physical and mental stimulation for pigs.

LEGUMES

Alfalfa: High protein content, with essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that support overall health and growth in pigs. It provides excellent digestibility and promotion of efficient nutrient utilization. Additionally, alfalfa contains compounds that can help control internal parasites. It’s adaptable to different climates and has a deep root system making it a reliable forage option. Alfalfa is also known for its nitrogen-fixing ability, which improves soil fertility and reduces the need for synthetic fertilizers.

White Clover: A rich source of protein, vitamins (such as vitamin C), and minerals (such as calcium and phosphorous), which are essential for the overall health and growth of pigs. Its digestibility allows for efficient nutrient utilization and better weight gain. White Clover is also known for its nitrogen-fixing ability, which improves soil fertility and reduces the need for synthetic fertilizers. Its low-growing habit provides a dense and nutritious grazing option for pigs.

Strawberry Clover: Provides soil-enhancing properties, with a rich source of proteins, vitamins, and minerals that support muscle development and overall pig health. Strawberry clover has nitrogen-fixing abilities, improves soil fertility, and reduces the need for synthetic fertilizers. Its deep root system enhances soil structure, increases organic matter, and improves water retention. Strawberry clover provides a nutritious and sustainable forage source that promotes pig performance while contributing to soil health and nutrient cycling in pasture systems.

Red Clover: Rich source of protein, vitamins, and minerals that support pig growth and overall health. Red clover contains bioactive compounds, including isoflavones, which have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Its deep root systems help improve soil structure, enhance nutrient cycling, and increase organic matter content. Red clover provides a nutritious and sustainable forage source that promotes pig performance while contributing to soil health and nutrient cycling in pasture systems.

Field Pea: A high protein content that supports muscle development and growth. Field pea is rich in carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals, contributing to the overall health and nutritional requirements of pigs. Its inclusion in pasture systems diversifies the diet of pigs, providing a nutritious and sustainable feed source that enhances their well-being a performance.

Birdsfoot Trefoil: Includes unique properties, such as the presence of condensed tannins that reduce the risk of bloat and improve nutrient utilization. Birdsfoot trefoil contains a nutrient-rich source of protein, vitamins, and minerals, supporting muscle development and overall pig health. Additionally, it has a deep root system that enhances soil structure and fertility, contributing to the sustainability of pasture systems. Its inclusion in pig diets provides a nutritious and well-rounded feed source that can benefit the health and performance of pigs in pasture settings.

Sainfoin: Rich source of protein, vitamins, and minerals, supporting muscle development and overall pig health. Sainfoin contains condensed tannins, which reduce the risk of bloat and improve nutrient utilization. The deep root system improves soil structure, enhances water filtration, and increases organic matter. It provides a nutritious and well-rounded forage source that promotes optimal pig performance while contributing to sustainable pasture-based systems.

GRAINS

Triticale: A hybrid grain crop derived from wheat and rye, combining the desirable characteristics of both for a highly palatable, nutritious, and versatile forage option. Triticale provides carbohydrates, proteins, vitamins, and minerals essential for pig health and growth.  Its digestibility allows for efficient nutrient utilization and better weight gain. It’s adaptable to various growing conditions and can be grazed or harvested for hay or silage. Its inclusion in pasture systems can diversify the forage options and contribute to a balanced diet.

Hybrid Pearl Millet: Warm-season grain that grows rapidly, provides substantial forage, is highly productive, and is one of the most drought-tolerant grains in existence. Hybrid pearl millet contains a high carbohydrate content, which serves as an energy source for pigs. It also contains essential nutrients, including proteins, vitamins, and minerals, supporting pig growth and overall health. Its adaptability to diverse climates and soils further enhances its suitability for pasture. By incorporating hybrid pearl millet into pig diets, farmers can provide pigs with a nutrient-rich and digestible forage source that promotes optimal performance and contributes to sustainable pig farming practices.

Barley: Provides a great source of energy through a high carbohydrate content, as well as containing vitamins, proteins, and minerals that support pig growth and overall health. Barley is versatile and can also be processed into various forms such as rolled, cracker, or ground, allowing for flexibility in feeding methods. Its inclusion in pig diets provides an energy-dense feed source that supports pig performance and can easily be incorporated into balance feeding programs.

Oats: Rich in carbohydrates, providing a valuable source of energy, while also containing proteins, vitamins, and minerals that support pig growth and overall health. Oats can also be processed in many forms, such as rolled or crushed, allowing for flexibility in feeding methods. Their inclusion in pig diets provides a nutrient-dense feed source that supports pig performance and can easily be incorporated into balance feeding programs.

FORAGE TYPES & FORBS

Forage Radish: Soil-enhancing properties, combined with a highly digestible and nutrient-rich forage option, provide carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals to support overall health and growth. Pigs find the tender leaves and roots of forage radishes appealing and readily consume them. The deep taproot system of forage radish helps break up compacted soil, improves soil structure, and increases organic matter content. Its inclusion in pig diets promotes soil health while providing a fresh and nutritious forage source for pigs in pasture settings.

Forage Chicory: Rich source of protein, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals, supporting overall health and growth. Chicory contains bioactive compounds, such as polyphenols, that have antioxidant and anti-parasitic properties, which improve pig health and reduce the need for chemical dewormers. The deep taproot system improves soil structure and nutrient-cycling pastures, providing a diverse and sustainable pasture-based system.

Small Burnet: Source of protein, vitamins, and minerals, supporting pig growth and overall health. Small Burnet contains bioactive compounds, such as tannins and flavonoids, which have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Its inclusion in pasture systems contributes to diverse and nutritious forage.

Check out our new Pasture Pig Forage Mixes!

Taking a stance on creating pollinator paradises, eliminating pesticides, preserving natural habitat and wildlife areas, and promoting sustainable agricultural practices are all important aspects in ensuring the survival and well-being of pollinators – including the ecosystems they support!

Some amazing pollinator flower varieties include:

Tidy Tips, also known as Coastal Tidytips, are part of the Aster Family (Asteraceae). Tidy Tips offer distinctive yellow and white daisy-like flowers with orderly three-toothed petals. They provide an abundance of nectar for pollinators and extended blooming periods.

Pollinators Checkerspot butterflies and many other butterflies; native bees; moths; birds enjoy the seeds.

Host Plant White-lined sphinx; small heliothodes moth

Type Annual

Sow Early spring (after the last frost)

Bloom April to July

Native Western United States

Echinacea, also known as Purple Coneflower and the Eastern Purple Coneflower, is part of the Aster Family (Asteraceae). Echinacea offers long-lasting purple flowers. Over time, the petals provide a droopy effect with a prominent cone-shaped center. This structure makes it easy for pollinators to access the nectar. Echinacea flowers are often used to make tea that strengthens the immune system.

Pollinators Long-tongued bees: bumblebees, digger/miner bees, leaf-

cutting bees, carpenter bees, Normadine cuckoo bees, honeybees; bee flies; halictid and short-tongued bees: green metallic bees; butterflies and skippers: monarchs, sulfurs and whites, swallowtails, fritillaries, silvery spotted skipper.

Host Plant Caterpillars of the silvery checkerspot butterfly; wavy emerald moth; sunflower moth

Type Perennial

Sow Spring

Bloom June to August

Native Eastern United States

Black-eyed Susan, also known as Common Black-eyed Susan and Brown-eyed Susan, is part of the Aster Family (Asteraceae). Black-eyed Susan produces nectar for pollinators and provides shelter for several song and game birds. They have a golden-yellow ray of flowers, with a black or brown central cone. They are often used for erosion control and are extremely attractive to many pollinator species.

Pollinators Goldfinches; long-tongued bees: bumblebees, honeybees andrenid bees, digger/miner bees, cuckoo bees; butterflies and skippers: brush-footed butterflies, sulfurs, and whites; halictid and short-tongued bees: sweat bees; owlet moths; bee flies; flower flies; checkered beetles; blowflies.

Host Plant Butterflies and caterpillars of the silvery checkerspot butterfly and bordered patch butterfly.

Type Biennial

Sow Spring

Bloom June to October

Native Central United States

Butterfly Milkweed, also known as Butterfly Weed, Chigger Weed, Orange Milkweed, and Chigger Flower, is part of the Milkweed Family (Asclepiadaceae). Butterfly Milkweed provides bright yellow-orange clusters of flowers. The blooms are highly attractive to many butterfly and bee species, as well as hummingbirds. Butterfly Milkweed provides food, shelter, and reproductive resources, most famously to the Monarch butterfly. This species does not have milky sap like other milkweed species. They need full sun to bloom.

Pollinators Long-tongued bees: bumblebees, leaf-cutting bees, carpenter bees, yellow-faced bees, plasterer bees, honeybees; bee flies; halictid and short-tongued bees; butterflies and skippers: monarchs, eastern tiger swallowtail, pipevine swallowtail, red admiral, great spangled fritillary, American copper, Edward’s hairstreak, Delaware skipper; moths: white-lined sphinx, milkweed tiger/tussock moth; flies: syrphid/hover flies; long-horned beetles

Host Plant Butterflies and caterpillars of the monarch and queen butterflies.

Type Perennial

Sow Spring

Bloom May to September

Native Eastern United States

The California Poppy, also known as the California Gold Poppy, is part of the Poppy Family (Papaveraceae). California Poppies are the state flower of California, offering yellow-orange cup-shaped satiny petals with a deep-orange spot at the base. Their extended blooming period allows them to be a consistent and reliable source for pollinators – particularly in the early part of the growing season. Nectar and pollen are easily accessible in the open-faced broad petals. California poppies produce ample pollen and provide shelter and habitat.

Pollinators Wide range of pollinators including birds, butterflies, bees, and small herbivores.

Host Plant Butterflies and caterpillars of the acmon blue, Mormon metalmark, pacific dotted blue, and veined blue butterflies; buckwheat borer moth and white-lined sphinx.

Type Perennial; cannot survive frost.

Sow Spring

Bloom March to May

Native Western United States

Wild Bergamot, also known as Beebalm and Eastern Bergamot, is part of the Mint Family (Lamiaceae). Wild Bergamot offers clusters of lavender, pink, and white ragged pompom-shaped flowers, with mint-scented leaves. They are often used to make mint tea and used to treat respiratory ailments. Additionally, Wild Bergamot is deer and squirrel resistant.

Pollinators Monarchs, clearwing hummingbird moths, ruby-throated hummingbirds, fritillaries, and a wide range of other pollinators.

Host Plant Hermit sphinx moth, orange mint moth, and the raspberry Pyrausta.

Type Perennial

Sow Spring

Bloom June to July

Native North America

Blue-Eyed Grass, also known as Western Blue-eyed Grass, California Blue-Eyed Grass, and Rocky Point, is part of the Iris Family (Iridaceae). Blue-eyed grass narrow-leaved umbels of starry blue or violet flowers. They provide a rich source of nectar for pollinators, attracting bees with their yellow centers. This perennial is short-lived with a horizontal stem (rhizome) that resembles an Iris.

Pollinators Wide range of pollinators including hummingbirds, butterflies, and bees.

Host Plant White-lined sphinx

Type Perennial

Sow Spring (mix seeds with moist sand and store in the fridge for 60 days before planting); Fall (direct sow)

Bloom February to June

Native Western United States

Drummond Phlox, also known as Annual Phlox, Pride of Texas, Texas Belle, and Texas, are part of the Phlox Family (Polemoniaceae). Drummond Phlox offer clusters of bright rose-red or pink flowers. They are often used to make mint tea and used to treat respiratory ailments. Additionally, Wild Bergamot is deer and squirrel resistant.

Pollinators Wide range of pollinators including hummingbirds, butterflies, and bees: bumblebees and honeybees.

Type Annual

Sow Spring

Bloom April to July

Native Eastern North America

In conclusion, pollinators play a critical role in our ecosystems and have a profound impact on both natural and agricultural systems. They are essential for the reproduction of countless plant species, including many of our food crops, ensuring the production of fruits, vegetables, and seeds. Pollinators contribute to the overall biodiversity and stability of ecosystems, promoting the health and resilience of plant communities. Additionally, they facilitate the transfer of genetic material between plants, allowing for adaptation and evolution. However, pollinators face numerous challenges, including habitat loss, pesticide exposure, climate change, and disease. It is crucial that we take active measures to protect and support pollinators by preserving their habitats, reducing pesticide use, promoting native plant species, and raising awareness about their importance. By valuing and conserving pollinators, we not only safeguard the intricate web of life on our planet but also secure the foundation of our own food security and well-being.

Celebrate Pollinator Week with 25% off all wildflower varieties and pollinator blends until June 26, 2023!

(automatically applied; no coupon required)

“We care about the taste!”

Dr. Dixon explained that “horses can be selective on what they graze and palatability should be considered when selecting grasses for your pasture.” This means horses will eat the tastier plants first, such as the young soft grasses, while leaving the less palatable plants alone. Horses are also particular not to graze where they defecate. These factors often leads to overgrazing in certain areas of your pasture.

To help prevent this overgrazing, horse pasture forages need to be productive all season long. They also need to be highly palatable to ensure even grazing throughout the pasture. Grasses should be aggressive and able to tolerant close, heavy grazing.

The University of Minnesota Extension recommends endophyte-free tall fescue, perennial ryegrass, Kentucky bluegrass, and timothy grasses as highly desirable. According to Dr. Dixon, other grasses to consider would be meadow and smooth bromegrass, annual ryegrass, or orchardgrass. In the South, warm-season bermudagrass pastures are the most popular.

“We need vitamins too!”

Growing horses, pregnant and lactating mares, breeding stallions, and higher performance horses will need higher energy feeds supplemented in order to meet their needs, but forage should still remain the base.

Dr. Dixon shared that the use of legumes is one easy way to increase the energy and protein available in pasture mixes. “Legumes can also complement grasses by increasing pasture yield and help control weeds. Alfalfa and clover are the most common legume crops added to mixed grass pastures or used as hay to supplement grass pastures” he explained.

You can calculate the nutrition your horse feed needs by using the National Research Council’s Nutrient Requirements of Horses (Sixth Revised Edition 2007) calculator.

“Our favorite things are…”

Access to water, shelter, and care are all things that will help create a happy environment for your horse. “Water is the most important nutrient for horses, they’ll drink 5-15 gallons a day depending on temperature, activity, and diet. Ideally, clean water should be available at all times, and for larger pastures, in multiple spots. Providing a sturdy shelter that allows horses to get out of the sun or harsh weather is important and can be accomplished many different ways,” Dr. Dixon taught.

Last but not least, companionship! Your horse wants to spend time with you!

How Nature’s Seed Can Help?

Pasture can be an excellent source of feed, exercise, and socialization for most horses if managed properly. Pasture management factors to keep in mind include:Stocking densitySoil compositionGrowing seasonYour ability to rotate grazing location

Keep in mind that overstocking pastures may harm forage quality because of overgrazing and trampling. According to Dr. Dixon, it may take from 1-3 acres per horse (more in times of drought) to fully meet the needs of a mature horse, depending on pasture yield.

Here at Nature’s Seed, we’ve taken these factors into consideration and developed our regional horse pasture seed blends. Each horse grass seed blend contains a mix of several high-quality grass species, as well as a proper percentage of legumes to keep your horse happy, healthy and ready for your next adventure together.

Our team of rangeland experts have designed a horse pasture seed mix for every region of the United States. The following considerations were made during the design process for each regional blend:Environmental elements such as soil conditions, sun/shade preferences and heat tolerancesGenetic attributes such as nutrient content, grazing tolerance and disease resistanceWater requirements

*A big thank you to Dr. Ben Dixon for being willing to share with us a veterinarian’s stance on what makes a happy horse. Please make sure to consult with a veterinarian for any horses with special needs before choosing your pasture seed.*

But when the winter months come around, producing enough food can get challenging.

Thanks to freezing temperatures and unpredictable weather, it’s essential that you adequately prepare your pasture for the harsh months ahead. By planting the seed in the fall, your pasture has a better chance at surviving and providing food for the next coming months. You’re also allowing it to rest from constant grazing, giving it an opportunity to re-establish and grow.

The best way to allow rest and prepare for harsh weather is to use cool-season pasture. Cool-season pastures are types of grasses that can seed in the fall and be ready for grazing by early spring.

Some of the most popular cool-season pasture grasses are:

• Tall fescue
• Kentucky bluegrass
• Orchardgrass
• Perennial ryegrass
• Smooth bromegrass
• Timothy

However, there might be problems with fall seedings. By the time September comes around, rainfall can get unpredictable. Because of that, there’s always a chance for lack of sufficient soil moisture and time for growth before frost takes place.

To avoid as many mishaps as possible, check out these tips on planting pasture seed in the fall.

How Much Seed Do I Need?

Before figuring out how much seed you need, you need to know if you have enough pasture for your livestock. The good news is that this part is easy to figure out. The rule of thumb is 1.5 to 2 acres per pair of calves. With other livestock, you can figure out the minimum amount of pasture your animals need with this somewhat lengthy but necessary equation:

(Image Source)

Once that’s figured out, it’s time to determine how much you’ll have to seed. Deciding between a low seeding rate and a high seeding rate will make or break the health of your pasture. The typical rates are:

• Normal seeding rate at 20 pounds per acre
• Higher seeding rate at 30+ pounds per acre

At Nature’s Seed, our recommended seeding rate is 20 lbs./acre for pasture blends using the broadcast seeding method. For drill seeding, 15 lbs./acre could be used. Single species may require more or less than 20 lbs./acre depending on seed size, planting method, etc.

Top Tips for Planting Pasture Seed in the Fall

Planting pasture seed can be a lengthy process. Many factors go into healthy pasture grass, like soil health, nutrients, water-holding capacity, and a mix of soil and fertilizers to help growth.

But sometimes planting in the fall can be tricky. Rainfall is hard to predict and there’s always a chance for an early frost. That’s why it’s not only crucial to seed at the right time, but also ensure you perform a soil test, use the correct seed variety, utilize proper seeding methods, and finally, wait for seed establishment.

Tip #1: Do An Up-To-Date Soil Test

The best thing you can do to prep for planting pasture seed is to do an up-to-date soil test.

Soil testing is vital in helping define all physical, chemical, and biological health. Knowing this helps determine which micronutrients are needed for your grass to thrive.

Healthy soil can help increase yields, reduce operating costs, improve grass maturity with higher tolerance to disease and pest damage. It can also help answer any questions about why your field is under-performing.

(Image Source)

When you do a soil test, there are a few things you’ll want to look at:

• Organic matter
• Soil pH number
• Cation Exchange Capacity (CEC)

Instead of trying various fertilizers to see what works best, take the time and money to do a local soil test. You can do so by buying a soil testing kit or sending it into a local soil testing lab.

Tip #2: Use The Best Seed For Your Soil Type

Knowing your soil type will save you a lot of time and effort in the long run. Some seeds won’t adapt depending on the type of soil, which directly affects the water, and nutrient, holding capacity.

Choosing the best mixture is based on:

• The type of livestock
• The time of year
• The level of pasture growth
• Soil type, fertility, and pH

Your region’s climate plays a significant role in the types of grass that can grow. You wouldn’t expect to develop a coastal grass in the midlands, which is why it’s essential to know which seed variety does well in your area. You can use Nature’s Seed Seed Selector Tool and search by region.

Tip #3: Best Time to Plant

There are a couple reasons you might plant grass seed in the fall:

1. Your pasture needs time to rest and grow in between grazing periods
2. You are preparing for freezing temperatures ahead, and want to ensure there’s enough food

When giving your pasture time to rest, the best time to do so is when plants are actively growing. During this time, you should allow two to three months before grazing begins again.

On the other hand, if you plan on planting seed pasture for the winter, the best time to begin seeding is in the fall. You can start as early as July for some grasses, but most recommend between August and September for the best results. The key is giving enough time to establish roots so it can withstand the hardy winter ahead.

Depending on the species, you usually need 70 to 120 days of growth before temperatures drop into the low-20s.

If you’re unsure where to start or how much time certain grasses need, then you can check out the best time to plant the seed by state.

Tip #4: Use No-Till Drill Seeding

Although there are many ways to plant, no-till drill seeding is the most recommended method for overseeding existing pastures. No-till drill seeding is a method that’s been around for hundreds of years and is still used today. Instead of turning over the soil, a drill creates the separate seed furrows.

(Image Source)

It is a classic, more straightforward way of planting the seed. Not only that, but no-till drill seeding is exceptionally beneficial to you, your grass, and the environment:

• Help prevent soil erosion
• Conserves soil moisture
• Reduces fuel and labor requirements
• Performs best on sandy or silt loam soils

Tip #5: Allow Time

You should allow your seeds two to three months to root successfully. In doing so, you’re allowing enough good growth to guarantee they survive during winter and lower competition from weeds compared to spring seeding.

“When it’s time to plant, drill the seed and wait for the rain. The seeds will wait. When you get rain, you’ll have grass,” says Rob Kallenback, a forage specialist at the University of Missouri. “I plant every year, and have had only a couple minor failures. That’s thousands of acres.”

(Image Source)

During this time, avoid your animals running on any growing seed. Trampling can delay growth or move grain unexpectedly. At this point, all you can do is be patient, wait for the rain, and watch your pasture grow.

This is the final step in planting pasture seed in the fall, so all you can do is wait as your seeds begin to take root.

Conclusion

Everybody knows that having a healthy pasture means healthy livestock — but it’s more than ensuring your animals are fed. By seeding correctly, you’re also reducing work for yourself, building soil fertility, reducing erosion, and helping grow disease-resistant grass.

So, whether you’re preparing for the winter or have a cool-season pasture, fall is an excellent time to begin seeding. Before seeding, make sure you:

• Do a soil test
• Use the best seed variety
• Plant at the best time
• Use no-till drill seeding
• Allow time for the seed to take

And since every pasture is different, it’s also best to check out different types of pasture seeds based on your climate and livestock needs.

Here at Nature’s Seed we understand that as a livestock owner, the most important thing for our animals is a healthy diet. We also understand that to get your animals a healthy diet, you must take careful steps to ensure your pasture is healthy for your livestock.

Here are a few steps you can take:

Keep an eye on the health of your soil

At the end of the day, if your soil has no nutrition in it and little moisture, the seeds you plant just won’t grow. You need to ensure that your soil is the right environment for the seeds you plant. Take the time to ensure your soil is being irrigated correctly as well as keeping something growing on it throughout the year. Keeping your soil covered is one of the most important things to do to ensure your soil won’t dry out.

 Take the time to test your soil

Although you have worked with that soil for generations or even just months, take into consideration that soil changes and you may not know what’s going on under the grass.   Send your soil in for testing. This will give you the most accurate answer on the unknowns of your soil levels. As soon as you get the accurate levels and numbers on your soil, you can add or subtract any supplements, fertilizers, lime or any other help needed.  Once you have the numbers, you can try lime, fertilizer or any other amendments as needed. Also understand that different grasses and plant species may grow better in lower/higher pH levels.

 Research the species of seeds you want to plant

If you are planting livestock pastures, hone in on what species of livestock you want to cater to. If you’re planting for cattle, you’ll probably want a blend that will provide the upmost nutrition to your cattle without creating too hot of a feed. Think about what blend will be best for your cattle? If hay is a concern, Ladino clover (white) or red clover are good choices. Alfalfa is also a good choice if hay is your key concern. Take a look at the numbers from your soil test and think about your climate to decide what would grow best on your land.

Control weeds

Although this seems like a no-brainer, the fact of the matter is, weeds grow faster than we think and every year weeds never fail to grow waist-high before we can get a handle on them. Not only are weeds an infestation, they rob the soil of the nutrients your pasture blend seeds need to grow. They can drain the soil of moister and block out the sun for your grasses and legumes that will grow in your cattle blend. Instead of taking a treat-all kill-all route, take the time to identify the species of weeds you’re dealing with, so you can create a specific plan to rid the pests of your pasture without harming your newly planted blend.

Let’s get to growing,
Corryn 

• Cut out all the dead tops. Some plants do a bit better if you leave them well into winter, others do fine if you trim them as soon as they start browning. I like to leave the brown stems until a few of the leaves are showing at the base of the plant so that I can find the plants if I need to do something during the dormant season.
• Weed. This is a task that needs to be done any time the soil is not frozen. Surprisingly enough, weeds don’t stop working when it is cold, so you will also need to do a bit of work to keep up with them.
• Fertilize, if you must. Many perennials do well year after year without added nitrogen, but sometimes you need to give them a boost. Adding the fertilizer before the leaves get started will allow the leaves to get to the nitrogen right as the leaf is being created. This is more efficient and means the leaves will not have to play catch-up. If you do fertilize, please use a slow release to help prevent most of the nitrogen from leaching away from the root zone.
• Check your irrigation. Sprinklers for perennials do not need to be as fine-tuned as those for turf, but they do need to be in working condition and pointed to the right area. The winter freeze cycle tends to break irrigation parts and cause sprinkler heads to turn off of you flower beds. Drip lines need to be checked for breaks, cuts, and clogged emitters.
• Look for any plants that need to be divided or replaced. Perennials do have a life span and will eventually get too old and will fail. Dividing the plants periodically will help expand that life and keep your perennials looking fresh and colorful.
• Mulch your plants. The accumulated mulch should be at least four inches. If you cover perennials with mulch while they are dormant, new growth will push through it without a problem.
• Some plants like lavender are used as perennials, but are actually small shrubs that do not do well with cutting to the ground. So make sure you know what plants you have and what kind of treatment each of them needs.

Yes, all of this amounts to a bit more work than is usually thought of when you hear “low maintenance,” but it is still not a big burden when you look at the beautiful flowers you will have over the course of the spring and summer! And it is certainly much better than having to walk behind a mower once a week.

Manana!

A Focus On Forage

This is particularly true when it comes to feeding them. Now, most experienced beekeepers will agree with this and turn to look at their sugar bin. But what I first turn to is the flower garden and orchard. If those two areas are in shape over a farm or neighborhood it is possible to improve the quality and quantity of honey bee food as well as the health of all the bees in the area. This includes many of the hardworking native bees as well.

As with all design, this begins with a step-by-step process and ends with a variety of different possible solutions. Let’s take a look at the steps:

• Inventory – what you have already planted by type and/or species. This includes trees, shrubs, and perennials that are ornamental and food producing. Also inventory annuals according to what you are used to planting.
• Make a list of what you are already planning on your property for all the same purposes.
• Next to each plant on the list place the bloom time and if honeybees use the flowers. If you can indicate whether they use the nectar, pollen, or both is also very useful. If you don’t know these things there are great resources online that can help you figure out what plants are beneficial, when they’re beneficial (bloom time), and how they are beneficial to honey bees (pollen, nectar, or both).
• Step back and take a break. Go to work, rake some leaves, or fix the car and then have a great diner and some family time before you go to bed.
• Come back to the lists in a day or so, and take a serious look at what is blooming when and mark it on a calendar with a crayon or marker. Use a light shade of blue for where you only have a few plants that provide bee food, a medium shade for OK blooming, and dark blue for when the most bee plants are blooming.
• Take another couple of days and let your mind rest and focus on other things before you take a serious look the results.
• When you come back to look at where the dark is, chances are you will see most of April to mid-July as being dark blue. Mid-July to mid-September will be likely to be white with patches of light blue. February to March will likely show a lot of white with some strong chunks of light blue.

Overlapping Bloom Times to Fill in Dearths

If these patterns are more or less what you are seeing, you have an area much like mine that is dryer in the late summer than the spring and the flowers follow accordingly. This means the major dearth or flower famine in the year is when it is hottest with some of the longest days. Whatever the pattern, the growing periods where there is any white are the most important to find bee feeding flowers for. Finding what flowers work best in your area is always a long study in horticulture, but a great place to start are our regional bee mixes. Each mix was created with the needs of your region in mind, and will work well as a core planting as you find new sources of plant nectar over the coming years.

I will have more about garden and bee planting through the winter, so stay tuned so we can help you make the best improvements on your property.

Manana!