Frost seeding, sometimes referred to as overseeding, is an easy and relatively inexpensive way to establish legumes in existing grass pastures. Frost seeding is simply broadcasting legume or grass seed on existing grass pastures in late winter or very early spring when the ground is still frozen. The best time to frost seed is usually from mid-February to the end of March. Freezing and thawing, plus early spring rains, provide the only seed coverage. All commonly grown legumes can be established by frost seeding. Because of their greater seedling vigor, red clover, alsike clover, and ladino clover have quicker establishment than birdsfoot trefoil. Alfalfa seedlings are less vigorous in competition with pasture grasses than in more traditional new hay or pasture seedings. Though frost seeded alfalfa stands often appear thin in the seeding year, they usually are much improved by the second and third years. Grasses also can be established by frost seeding, but experience is limited. The grasses best suited for frost seeding, in order of their chance of success, are: orchardgrass, timothy, tall fescue, and bromegrass.
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