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seeding advice

Hi all,

I'm working on a bank stabilization and erosion control project and have
convinced the decision-makers to use prairie grasses and forbs on a
portion of the level area rather than the traditional turf grasses used
in such efforts at industrial areas.  However, getting the stuff planted
has been more than a little frustrating.  After being put off for months
due to red tape and other issues, we got a cover crop in at the end of
August.  I was recommended to plant the prairie seeds on the ~5 acre
site using the local Conservation District's seed drill, which I've
secured.  Finding a tractor and someone to drive it was also a problem,
so we finally got around to seeding yesterday, November 15!

The problem is this: this is an experimental site.  The level area was
divided into three plots.  One received the traditional treatment of
added topsoil and hydroseeded turf grasses (kentucky bluegrass, etc.).
The middle plot also received topsoil but is to be planted with native
grasses and forbs.  The third plot had no topsoil added and was to
receive the grasses and forbs.  We were able to seed the no-topsoil area
yesterday, but could not seed the topsoil area because the soil was very
wet and the seed drill almost got stuck in it.  Now I'm concerned about
whether we will be able to plant this section this year, as the weather
here in southwest Michigan is getting colder and wetter by the day.

I see four options:

1. Hold out for dry weather sometime this fall and seed then using the
drill. (unlikely).

2.  Wait till the ground freezes and seed using the drill (would this
work?)

3.  Seed by hand.  I've been told that this is not as desirable because
the cover crop is fairly thick right now.  The concerns are that the
seed would either not get far enough into the soil, blow away, or be
eaten by the birds.

4. Wait and seed in the spring with the seed drill.  This would be
difficult because it would involve getting both the seed drill and the
tractor back to the site again (no small task!)

I would appreciate your input.  Have any of you out there faced similar
circumstances?  Has anyone hand-seeded into a cover crop with success?

Thanks for your advice,
Theresa Mau-Crimmins
Kalamazoo, Michigan

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