Can alfalfa and dryland grass seed be planted in the fall so it will emerge in the spring and be ready for grazing?
A. The best time to plant dryland grass seed is after the ground is cold enough to prevent germination until spring–probably anytime after October 15. In many parts of Colorado, dryland grasses are best planted during late fall or winter. This is referred to as a “dormant planting.” The seed is put in place in anticipation of spring moisture and warm temperatures. Dryland plantings are often more successful if they are preceded with a summer cover crop of sorghum/sudangrass or sometimes a cereal grain such as oats or triticale. The summer cover crop allows for broadleaf weed control if needed. The stubble from the cover crop is left in place and the grass seed is drilled directly into the residue. The residue helps trap snow and moisture and prevents erosion while the grasses become established. If this recommended approach is used, the cover crop should be prevented from going to seed, possibly using sterile varieties, or mowing before the seeds set. The new grass stand should be giv
