Forage Seeding Window References

If overseeding/interseeding/reseeding a forage crop is on the to-do list, seeding at the appropriate time of year is one of the first keys to success. So while there can be validity to ‘rules of thumb’ or even suggestions of others, seeding date recommendations are designed to help optimize success.

There are many sources of information when it comes to seeding date recommendations. Your seed supplier will have experience. If you’re in a cost share program, they may have requirements as well. If you’re after additional guidance, or simply want to explore other options, consider these resources.

• The Kansas Crop Planting Guide provides area based recommendations and is a great ‘first stop’ for our commonly planted crops:

• For less traditional crops – or ‘stopgap’ annual forage options – consider the web based Midwest Cover Crops Council Selector Tool. It allows you to customize recommendations based on end goal. For example, don’t need a true cover crop but are looking at grazing options, this tool shows recommended planting windows for multiple crops with additional crop information available at the click of a mouse:

NOTE: if seeding is done in stands that will be have a herbicide application this spring/summer, look closely at herbicide labels to insure safety to newly seeded crops. For a look at some common forages and reseeding intervals following herbicides, check out this KSU Agronomy eUpdate.