| Seeding Technique |
Method |
Comments |
| Hand
broadcasting |
- The simplest method is to scatter seed by hand over the
bare soil. Mixing seed with sand before broadcasting allows
for more even seed distribution.
- Various hand-cranked seed broadcasters are available for
surface broadcasting of seed.
- Two passes over the site works best, at right angles to
each other.
- Rake seed in lightly.
- Firmly pack soil after seeding to ensure good seed-soil
contact. On a small site, stamp it in – or let children
have fun jumping on plywood boards that are moved around
the site. Larger sites can be rolled or cultipacked.
|
- Suitable for small projects and gardens.
- Unskilled labour can be used.
- Equipment is inexpensive.
- Can be done on wet sites or slopes that equipment cannot
reach.
- Seeding rates are twice those recommended for drilling
(see Drilling, below).
- Cannot be done on windy days.
|
| Machine
broadcasting |
- A tractor-pulled wildflower seeder or an ATV-mounted seeder
broadcasts seed. Equipment brand names include Bevco™
and Truax™.
- Incorporate seed lightly into the soil by raking or dragging
chains behind the ATV.
- Use a lawn roller or tractor-pulled cultipacker after
broadcasting seed to make the soil firm and ensure good
seed-soil contact.
|
- Suitable for large projects.
- Equipment is less expensive than a drill.
- Equipment availability and price can be a problem.
- Skilled labour is necessary.
- Seeding rates are twice those recommended for drilling
(see Drilling, below).
- Calibrating the seed rate can be difficult.
- Cannot be done on windy days.
- Fluffy seed will not always flow through seeder, but cracked
grain can be added to help prevent equipment from plugging.
|
| Drilling |
- A tractor-pulled native-seed drill places the seed at
a predetermined depth and spacing, and then packs soil firmly.
Equipment brand names include Truax™, Nesbit™,
Great Plains™, Brillion™ and Tye™.
- One pass over the site is adequate.
|
- Suitable for large projects.
- No-till option available.
- Designed to handle fluffy seed, but seed must be free
of chaff and stems.
- Most efficient use of limited seed.
- Can be done on windy days.
- Ensures good soil contact without use of additional equipment.
- Equipment availability and price can be a problem.
- Skilled labour is necessary.
- Equipment can get plugged up if seed is not clean enough;
add cracked grain to seed to help it flow through the equipment.
|
