Seeding Methods

The right seeding method depends on the size of the site, its slope and the condition of the soil. Whichever you choose, the goals are the same: spread the seed evenly, keep it shallow and get it into firm contact with the soil.

Broadcast or drop seeder

Broadcast and drop seeders are the most common way to sow native seed. Because many native seeds are tiny, mix the finer seed with a bulking agent such as sand, clay kitty litter, rice hulls, sawdust or vermiculite so the seeder spreads it evenly across the whole site. For the most even coverage, divide the seed in half and sow one half in one direction across the site and the other half at right angles to the first pass.

Hand seeding

Hand seeding suits small sites and those with challenging topography. Divide both the site and the seed into several equal parts and sow each portion over its own section; a bulking agent helps keep the coverage uniform here too.

Seed drill

On large sites with little or no slope, a seed drill is a good option. Its disks loosen the soil and open a furrow for the seed. Some drills need tilled or partially tilled ground, which makes a no-till drill the best choice. Drill into dry soil so the seed falls into the furrow instead of sticking to the drill, keep the seed separated by size, and calibrate the drill to the bulk seed weight needed to meet your mix’s seeding rate. PLS & Seeding Rates explains the conversion.

Whatever the equipment, don’t place seed deeper than ¼ inch. As a general rule, seed should never be planted deeper than 1.5 times its own diameter.

Hydroseeding

Hydroseeding works well on large or steep sites, as long as the seed and the mulch go on in separate passes. Hydroseeding & Slopes covers the method in detail.

After sowing

Once the seed is evenly spread, press it gently into the soil surface. On small sites, walking over the area is enough; larger sites may need a roller or cultipacker. Don’t cover the seed with soil, and don’t roll when the soil is wet.

A thin layer of straw spread after seeding protects the seed and holds in moisture, and on fall seedings it’s a must. Water the seed in after sowing; as the planting establishes, it will need less and less irrigation.