How to fill in Bare-spots in a newly planted NWSG planting?

F

Freeborn

Member
I was at my farm this weekend mowing and spraying mostly Canadian Thistle. While working I took an assessment of my 1 year old planting and overall it looks good. However, I do have a few areas where either the area is low and wet so the grass did not take or was missed when planted. The wet areas are mostly dry now.

I would like to get grass to grow in these areas as they are attracting weeds. The question s how can I get this done?

Can I lightly disc/drag these areas, broadcast the seed and then cultipack for planting?
What month is the best time to plant?
Seed source for Minnesota?
In the wet areas is there a grass that is better suited to wet areas (Cord Grass) that come spring or heavy rain the grass will not die?

Thanks Much!
 
nature will find it's way and you will have a beautiful salad bar buffet to admire...give it 3 yrs.

like you, i wanted my native grass buffers to look like my lawn but that's not the point. btw -- you tempt us with your habitat project and don't share any pics???
 
Yep, I need to get some pics going. Hard to remember to do that when I'm a weekend warrior with 15 things to do and only time for 10. I will work harder at getting some Pics.

I guess the grass will fill in even on the wet areas? I keep hearing about year 3. I'm looking forward to seing it.

Thanks!
 
I filled in mine, the same thing, wet spots. I just broad casted seed and raked it in. Bigger areas I would use an atv and drag it over with a bed spring or chainlink drag. Worked great. The weeds will always come. You can kill and spray, but each year there will be others. I am spraying each year untill thistle are for the most part choked out. Keeping it fairly clean. Then down the road I can toss in flowers and friendly weeds. The surounding brome areas I have are full of that stuf now any way.You just need to do what you feel is right for your situation.
 
Sounds like a good place to rake in some Cord Grass.:)
 
Another idea I had for these wet areas was to plant something like Japanese Millet. I know this is more of a duck food but thought Pheasants would eat it. This millet once established can survive standing water. Has anybody tried Japanese Millet?
 
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