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SEEDING FORBS INTO ESTABLISHED GRASSLAND

I have read the numerous postings regarding planting forbs in existing,
established climax grasslands-----with considerable interest and some
puzzlement.  The reason being that no one seems to have information  the
querents can employ with any great degree of reliability.  Although
there are a myriad of contravening circumstances that CAN  apply to any
program, there are some proven, established techniques that are
successful in a majority of circumstances.....that provide for a high
measure of success for persons seeding directly into established
grassland.  My associates, and I, have engaged in tall grass prairie
restoration for the past 25 years.  We are a NON-PROFIT, charitable
research group.  Following is a technique we have found to be highly
successful for seeding forbs of all classes, into established
grasslands. Perform this activity during the dormant COLD SEASON.   Skin
the surface of the grassland down to the BARE EARTH in a contiguous
block of ground (limited by the amount of your seed mix).  Disturb this
area to a depth of no greater than 1".  Plant seed no deeper than 1";
cover and compact soil well.  If your seed is viable, you should get an
acceptable stand.  DO NOT WORRY  about the forbs competing with the
grasses.  The majority of our climax forbs are HIGHLY  shade tolerant as
juveniles.  They are, mostly, slow- growers early in their life cycle.
The majority of the climax flowers bloom BEFORE  the warm season grasses
enter their high-growth stage, and ARE NOT  direct competitors during
their  critical stages.  The majority of failures, WE HAVE FOUND, result
from planting seed stock that is either, not true wild stock, or
originates from areas too far removed in latitude----from the place they
are being planted.   Many people do not observe the growth cycles
completely.  Many climax grasslands are totally covered with wildflowers
and other forbs----early in the growing season, and later the SAME
above- ground area is covered with the dominant climax grasses.  There
ARE many contravening conditions, but we work with the middle of the
Bell Curve.  These comments are not pontifications, but  they ARE  born
of  repeated experience.....not speculation.  We hope they will be
useful in your restoration  considerations.

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