The Columbus journal., 1883-05-30
Seeding on Winter Grain.

The common method OF sowing gt0e0
seed or winter grain, is to scatter the
seed early in the spring, and trust to
the rains and cracks in the ground to
get it under the surface, where it may
take root. This is hap-hazard sort OF
way, trusting to luck, but nOtwith-
standing its risks, it has always been
the usual way of putting in clover and
grass seed. In q wet spring this sur
face seeding will do very well, as the
continued wet will cause the seed to
germinate, and keep the plants alive
until they take root. In a dry season
il is obvious that much of the seed
would be lost. as the circumstances
would not favor growth. Farmers
often anticipate the fact that the seed
ing may not be favorable if they wait
till the snow disappears, and so they
SOW grass in March, or before the win
ter's SHOWS are melted. Their theory
is, that the melting snow will carry the
seed down into the ground. This is
the safest way, and will insure the best
seeding, taking one year with another.
It does not destroy the vitality of the
seed. as many suppose, by its freezing
and thawing, after it has been fully
matured; hence lying in the snow and
settling with it to the ground will not
iniure seed. The seed cuts or finds its
way quite rapidly to the surface of the
ground, and the weight of the snow
helps to press it into the soil, and be-
sides. the dirt, which is more or less
mixed with the snow, also settles on
top of it, and helps to make covering.
A much better method to SOW grass
seed on winter grain, is to wait until
the ground has settled in the early
spring, and then SOW the seed broad
cast, and follow with q harrow. ANY
harrow will answer the purpose. Many
prefer Thomas smoothing harrow-a
harrow with the points of the teeth
turned backward. This narrowing
will not only cover the grass-seed and
cause it to grow promptly, with no loss,
but at the same time it will break the
crust on the surface and mellow the
earth, which will be very great ad-
vantage to the crop of winter grain.
Many farmers shake their heads when
this idea is advanced, but if they would
try it, they would be satisfied that it is
always an advantage to the winter
oIAs anu oCSuiSS SoSA
These are not all the advantages to be
gained by spring narrowing of winter
grain. Many of the weeds will be de-
stroyed, and the surface being made
light and friable, the grain will throw
out new roots and tiller more. Less
grass-seed will be required in seeding,
as it will be better covered and hence
not so much loss on this account. l
always like to have seed well covered,
as the plants will do better when dry
time comes on. A harrow with the
teeth moderately apart is better than
one very closely set together. In any
case, the harrow should take hold of
the ground and stir and cut the surface
thoroughly. This is what is wanted to
give freshness to the surface and loosen
It up for the roots of the grain to spread
out and tiller, and to send up more
heads, which it will surely do.
The possibilities of the harrow as an
auxiliary in increasing the yield of
winter grain, by using it thoroughly in
the spring. are yet to be learned by
most farmers, but when practieed the
results will be most gratifying. Too
little pains are taken in seeding, and
on this account there is much COM
plant of ..poor catches This term is
condemnatory of the system practiced
by most farmers to trust to the rains,
which may not come. to wash seed into
the crusty ground and under the hard
surface. Meanwhile the hungry birds
are feeding upon them. because when
swollen they are readily discovered.
1t is good for the birds, but the system
makes light catches and light
meadows. Some farmers practice har-
rowing the winter grain first, and then
sowing the grass seed. and afterward
rolling. Unless the land is very light.
like sandy soil. should prefer to sow
the grass seed first, then harrow and
not roll at all. 1 know such q course
produces good results.-F. D. Curtis.
in Country Gentleman.