The keys to any good forage seeding are a fine, firm seedbed, addressing soil fertility needs, planting the seed in good contact with the soil, and getting this done in a timely fashion. Late summer and early fall is without a doubt the best time of the year to seed forage grasses. Seeding by early September will help to insure that the grasses will be large enough to withstand the winter cold and the freezing and thawing of the soil. Grasses can be seeded by broadcasting followed by cultipacking, using a Brillion seeder, or by drilling with any drill. Seedings of red clover and alfalfa can be made in late summer, but pay attention to the following recommendations to maximize chances of success.
Soil fertility needs for legumes, especially for pH are higher than for grasses.
Soil pH is very important for phosphorus availability and for proper nodulation. Soil pH should be from 6.4 to 7 for good legume establishment. Sclerotinia crown and stem rot is a serious concern in fall seedings of alfalfa especially, but also red clover. Sclerotinia inoculum comes from any fields that have had clover or alfalfa in them in the past. Areas that have had sclerotinia in the past are at greater risk for this disease.