Page 5 - Native Seeds Catalog Flip Book

temperature is approximately 60o F. Less seed is lost by planting in early spring than during the fall because of decay, wildlife, and erosion.
We suggest you plant just prior to the most consistent rainfall period that has favorable teperatures for seed germination.
Planting Methods
Drilling: Placing the seed at a uniform depth is the preferred method of planting because the drill planter has a superior me- tering system that can control the amount of seed applied and the depth of planting. All native seed needs to be planted very shallow, approximately 1⁄4 to 1⁄2 inch in a firm seed bed. Native seed drills will have depth bands on the double disc openers to help control the depth of planting and they will also have an agitator and picker wheel in the chaffy seed box to handle the fluffy seed.
Broadcasting: Seed can be spread on top of the soil by hand or with a spreader. There are various kinds of spreaders that are carried or pulled by an ATV or tractor. Seed applied by broadcasting needs to be rolled or pressed into the soil to get good seed-to-soil contact.
Hydroseeding: Seeds are mixed with water and other carriers and sprayed on the soil. This method is often used on steep slopes and rough terrain where other methods of planting are not possible. Usually a blanket or mulch is applied to the top of seed that has been hydroseeded.
Fertilizing: We do not recommend apply- ing fertilizer during planting because it only promotes weeds to grow faster than grasses. Natives do not require the fertilizer that other plants need to get started. If haying or grazing is part of your plan then applying fertilizer after seedlings are 6 to 10 inches tall will certainly speed establishment and increase the palatability and nutrients.
Your local fertilizer dealer is familiar with your soils and should have a good blend for your area.
Establishment Time: Native seeds spend the first year or two putting down a strong, deep root system and you may not see much above ground. So depending on rain- fall, they may take up to two or three years to fully get established.
How to Figure PLS
(Pure Live Seed) Pounds
Percent of Purity x (time) Percent of Ger- mination (divided by) 100 = (equals) Pure Live Seed Percent
Example:
98% Purity
X 85% Germination ÷100
= 83% PLS
If you have a 10 pound bag x 83% PLS, you pay for 8.3 PLS.
When comparing prices always ask for PLS percent or get the price based on PLS pound. This way you are paying for the seed that will germinate and not inert matter.