Recovering from a dry summer? Autumn can offer the perfect conditions to give your paddocks a helping hand.
Why reseed after a dry summer?
Extended dry weather can leave grass dormant, weaken existing plants and expose bare soil. Once the rain returns, some grass will recover naturally, but badly damaged or thin areas may need a little extra help.
Reseeding or overseeding can help thicken the grass cover, improve the resilience of your pasture and reduce the amount of bare ground vulnerable to damage during wetter weather.
Good ground cover helps protect the soil, supports sustainable grazing and can help reduce the development of muddy, worn areas.
What are the optimum conditions for reseeding?
1. Soil temperature
As a general guide, aim for a soil temperature of at least 8°C, with warmer soil helping seeds germinate more quickly.
2. Soil moisture
Grass seed needs moisture to germinate and develop roots. Ideally, the soil should be consistently moist but not waterlogged.
3. Suitable weather
Mild conditions are preferable, with moderate daytime temperatures and reliable rainfall. The aim is to give the seed enough warmth and moisture to germinate and the young grass enough time to establish.
4. Good seed-to-soil contact
Simply scattering seed over existing grass is unlikely to produce the best results. Preparing the surface and ensuring seed makes contact with the soil will improve the chances of successful germination.
How to prepare your paddock
- Assess the damage: If the grass is still present but thin, overseeding may be sufficient. Severely damaged areas may need more thorough renovation.
- Prepare the ground: Remove excess dead material, reduce competition from existing grass and address compaction where necessary.
- Check your soil: A soil test can identify pH and nutrient deficiencies, helping you make informed decisions about any lime or fertiliser required.
- Choose the right seed: Use a grass mixture specifically suited to horse paddocks, your soil type and your grazing requirements.
- Sow carefully: Follow the seed supplier’s recommended sowing rate and method, ensuring good seed-to-soil contact. Rolling may help where appropriate, provided the ground is suitable.
- Allow time to establish: Keep horses off newly seeded areas until the grass has developed a strong, well-rooted sward. This can take several weeks or longer, depending on the weather and growing conditions.
Choosing the right grass seed for horses
Not all grass seed mixtures are suitable for every horse paddock. Look for a equine specific mixture containing appropriate, persistent grasses that can tolerate grazing and hoof traffic.
For horses that are good doers, overweight or prone to laminitis, seek advice on selecting a suitable lower sugar mixture.
Consider the soil type, drainage, intended use of the field and the horses grazing it before deciding which mixture to use.