Dormant season seeding of native grasses and forbs needs to be done when soil temperatures have cooled to below 65 degrees F, better yet below 55. Plant sooner than that and you risk seed germination, only to be killed by winters freezes, due to the lack of an established root system. Though it is too early to plant dormant seedings, now is the time to begin preparation.

Fall is a good time to spray cool season fields with herbicides to kill them in preparation of planting, if done correctly. One word of caution, I've seen it time after time, just because you get a visibly good kill on fescue (or other cool season grass) with a fall application of Roundup, don't assume it is completely under control. All too often, that assumption is made then the following spring, fescue resprouts or seeds germinate and invade your new planting. Best results are obtained if the fescue is mowed and allowed some regrowth before applying the herbicide. Roundup, tank mixed with ammonium sulfate or other fertilizer will yield better results. The addition of 4 ounces per acre of Plateau will also enhance the kill of most cool season sods. Obviously you will not receive any of the benefits of residual weed control with a fall application of Plateau but the fescue or cool season grass kill will be much better. In addition, forbs sensitive to Plateau will not be affected since they won't be germinating until much later, after the Plateau chemistry in the soil has long since broken down. Once the soil temperature has cooled enough, you can then plant or prepare your seed bed and plant. If preparing a seedbed be sure to include a cover crop. Ten to twenty pounds per acre of wheat works well. Perhaps a little heavier in areas that will carry water.

If planting into idle crop fields, there may be summer annual weeds to contend with. In most cases, mowing will improve the planting conditions. However, be cautious that mowing doesn't put too much litter on the ground and create poor planting conditions. If the mowed weeds present a problem, many times they can be burned to remove the build up of litter after they have had a chance to dry down after mowing. An important reason to start your preparation now.

In continuing your preparation for dormant season seeding, line up your seed now. Be aware of the test dates on seed this time of year. The grasses are just now being harvested and most likely any grasses sold now will be carry over from last season. Not a bad thing, just be sure the seed test is current. (Legally current varies from state to state, in most states it is between 6 and 9 months.) Forbs may or may not be carry over. If there is a recent test date, either case, there is no need to worry. Many seed companies may "book" your order and provide it later after they've had a chance to clean the current crop. Be sure to let them know when you intend to plant to be sure they can supply your seed, when you need it.