Hello everyone! Like the title says, it about that time to start turning some dirt!!! It was a very mild weekend here in the Middle Tennessee area, and all I could think about was getting on the tractor and plotting!
It is shaping up to be a busy fall for me, as we have lots of plots to install and even some out of state for me. Just remember one of the big keys to having successful fall plots is your timing! September and October are typically our driest months of the year, so if at all possible, time your planting right before a rain. It never hurts to have your spraying, discing, and such already finished so that you can spread that seed right before a good rain.
Also, keep in mind that different seeds require different planting depths! Almost all of these commerical mixes that you can buy have large seeds like Winter Wheat and Oats mixed right in with the smallest clover and brassicas seeds on earth. While the wheat and oats need to be down a 1 or 1 1/2 inches the clovers and brassicas need only to be broadcast on the surface at 1/4 inch or less.
Whats the solution to this problem?? Well you can buy your own seed from a local co-op or farm supply store, or use a strainer to sift the larger seeds from the smaller ones, so that you can get the seeding depths correct. After all, I don't want to see anyone waste hard earned cash, only to be disappointed in the results.
On a side note, this past weekend in Nashville, TN the Quality Deer Management Assoc. had their National Convention in conjunction with the Land and Wildlife Expo. It was a great convention, and a great trade show as well. There were tons of wonderful seminars conducted by the top biologist and deer researchers in the country. I encourage all of you to try to attend next year, and stop by the
QDMA website for loads of great information.
Everyone be safe out there and enjoy yourselves!!
