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Winter Seeding Your Prairie

January 9, 2017

This is the time of year to winter seed your prairie. Whoa! What does that mean? Why would you want to seed a prairie in the winter time? You seed in the winter because it is the easiest way to stratify new native seed in preparation for germination in the spring.

Donna VanBuecken (me) broadcasting native seed in the WILD Center prairie just before a snowfall.

It’s pretty simple. Here’s how you do it. The winter seeding method can be used for a new prairie seeding (as long as the site prep work has been accomplished ahead of time) or for overseeding to fill in the spots that didn’t fill in with seedlings from the original seeding.

Typically, you’d plan to do this before the first snowfall, but it can also be done once there is snow on the ground. Preferably not too deep of a snow covering, however, since it makes it more difficult physically to tramp around and broadcast the seed.

Pick a day to broadcast your native seed just before a snow fall, and hopefully one that’s not too windy. Sowing native seeds just before a snowfall, covers the seed and allows the winter weather (snow, sleet, freezing rain, etc) to work it into the ground. The freezing and thawing provided by the weather drills the seed into the ground and with Mother Nature’s help, to the exact depth for proper germination. In the spring when the soil temperature begins to rise, the seed germinates.

 

Dave Edwards and me overseeding the WILD Center prairie before another snowfall.

Late November to Mid-March is the perfect time to do this. Earlier in the fall is not recommended because if the seed germinates before winter sets, the new seedlings may freeze off  during the winter. Later may not allow enough freeze-thaw cycles to satisfactorily drill the native seed down into the earth for proper germination in the spring.

 

Dave and me mixing native grass and forb seed with hamster bedding before broadcasting it on WILD Center prairie.

The winter seeding method can be used for a new prairie seeding (as long as the site prep work has been accomplished ahead of time) or for overseeding to fill in the spots that didn’t fill in with seedlings from the original seeding. The seed can be purchased from a local native plant nursery or can be gathered in the fall from your local Wild Ones chapter seed gathering locations or from their annual seed exchange. I mix the seed with hamster bedding or sawdust. These materials help to give some bulk to the seed and allow you to see where you’ve already broadcast.

 

 

Dave broadcasting native seed in the WILD Center prairie in early December prior to an anticipated snowfall, and enjoying a great view of Little Lake Butte des Morts. It was a beautiful day to be outside playing.

I like winter seeding because it allows me to mimic nature, and nothing could be more sure than that. Seeds drop in the fall and germinate in the spring. That’s about as easy as it can get.

 

 

 

So if winter seeding (sometimes called dormant seeding) is something that appeals to you, don’t hesitate any longer. Get yourself outside and sow those prairie seeds. What a great reason to get outside and play!

 

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Comments

  1. Gary Stanley says

    November 4, 2020 at 6:27 pm

    Looking forward to giving this a try this winter. Very informative article. Thanks

    Reply
    • Donna VanBuecken says

      November 6, 2020 at 12:22 pm

      I know you will be pleased, Gary. — Donna

      Reply
  2. John A. Sutter says

    December 7, 2020 at 10:30 am

    Hi Donna,
    I just read the December, NATURE SCOOP Newsletter, forwarded to me by Richland Soil &Water Conservation District, Ohio.
    Your article on winter seeding was interesting. I am working with the USDA, Conservation Stewardship Program, and planning on doing a conservation cover for pollinators and beneficial insects. I have purchased my seeds and plan on planting this winter. I have a few questions for you.
    A. Soil preparation – I was planning on mowing my area short with my bush hog, then going over the area lightly with a disk. Your thoughts?
    B. When I picked up my seed mix, I was told to mix with vermiculite. I like your idea of sawdust or hamster bedding. What will provide the best success?
    C. How to mix seed with above product for a good through mix?
    Thanks in advance for your help, and any other advise will be appreciated.
    Stay safe!

    Reply
    • Donna VanBuecken says

      December 10, 2020 at 6:22 pm

      Thank you for asking me those questions, John. Do you have a substantial mix in the ground? Or, just an old field that ready to be planted? The old field was removed of all the invasive or weed seed?
      (1) No. The soil need not to be disked. Just put the seed down in the winter snow.
      (2) I prefer sawdust or hamster bedding well. It serves me well.
      (3) Do it in the wheelbarrow or either bin or some other thing.

      I would like to know if your soil preparation will be eradication of the weeds? — Donna

      P.S. I have stroke, so if anything is unclear, ask me again.

      Reply
  3. tracy nielsen says

    June 3, 2021 at 9:56 am

    you keep saying site prep work? does that mean all grass killed?

    Reply
    • Donna VanBuecken says

      June 3, 2021 at 2:59 pm

      Tracy — the more you leave, in the way of grass and weeds, just becomes competition for native-plant communities for light and moisture. See Pocket Prairies. Read Prairie Nursery Quick Guide: Preparing & Planting Your Garden — Donna

      Reply

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