How did you dry the seed after soaking it in water?
Jbohn
Well-Known Member
I spread out a tarp . Put seed on it (Sunny Day ) used a rake to move seed around every time top layer looked dry . Few hours seed was dry enough to plant . Tarp was easy to push seed in pile at end and scoops up .. I used big tarp so I could spread seed out good to dry . Didn’t take long .
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Jbohn
Well-Known Member
That’s good for a solid stand , thought if you used less you could get a bit more and drill . You’ll be good . Switch is waiting game drove me nuts first year . Year 2 I was happy . Year 3 proud of myself
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I have not but got the information from Real World Wildlife Products. He just puts the bag of seed in the freezer for a couple weeks then removes it for a week and repeats the process 4-5 times. He goes on to state you can look at the seed tag to see how much dormant seed is there. The dormant seeds are the ones that would benefit from stratification while the other seeds would likely germinate without stratification.
At this point I'm considering having the ground cropped again this year so I'm better prepared.
University of Nebraska has a good video on establishing switch grass for biofuel harvest. They give info on planting and herbicide recommendations. I had CIR seed from Pheasants Forever drilled last June. We didn't do anything to the seed accept open the bag and dump it into the drill. It was sprouting in a little over 2 weeks.
Checked some switch today that I burned a couple weeks ago. Its 12" tall.
deep woods goat hunter
PMA Member
This is 3rd or 4th year on that stand.
iowathumper
Active Member
Is it to late to spray roundup on a new frost seeded switchgrass planting? I don't see any switch coming up yet, little fox tail and some clover that came back.
Probably fine. None of my new stuff is up either. I'm predicting another month before its up.
hoytshooter03
Member
When would be a good time to mow? I am located in southern Michigan. The only this coming up is Marestail . I brush hogged a small portion yesterday.
Thanks in advance.
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Thanks in advance.
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First year switch you can mow as much as you want. It is only going to help. Usually mow just above switch but I know people have mowed it like a lawn and ended up with phenomenal stands. Def mow before any weeds go to seed.
hoytshooter03
Member
I sprayed Simazine in March. I know switch is like corn so my patience is a issue
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Switch tests the patience of most everyone. Eventually when you plant enough you won't bat an eye until July.
deep woods goat hunter
PMA Member
Rob,
Do you prefer mowing over 24d?
Gotta be real careful with 2,4d on first year switch. You can smoke it if it's not past its 3rd split. I would mow then go gly and 2,4d in fall when switch is dormant. Then burn in spring (only native id burn year 1). Then stand will flourish.
Jbohn
Well-Known Member
Label says before the 2nd tiller stage so if it popping up Id get on it. I have also used Plateau at 4-6 oz a acre on established stand .. It will be clean it up good. ...
Thanks
hoytshooter03
Member
Just mowed the perimeter of the 5 acre field. I frost seeded thirty yards around the perimeter for a soft edge. Looks like I have some poking through. Lots of Marestail and other broadleaf.
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Austin
Member
Any idea how long after spraying it is safe from rain? Rain chances almost daily is making it tough to spray. Ive seen 1hr, and 4-5.. Thanks
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