Vetch-Grain Mix
30% Common Vetch, Vicia sativa
70% Triticale, xTriticosecale
Note: Vetch seed is raw and not inoculated. In general, vetch readily nodulates in CA soil from resident bacteria and separate inoculation is not required.
Seed Rate:
35 lbs/acre broadcast method
25 lbs/acre drill method
Ground Preparation:
Ideal conditions for germination is seed planted at a depth no greater than 1/4 inch in continually moist soil. The best method for planting is direct seeding with drill equipment. Most soil conditions are conducive for drill planting without ground prep. Very heavy/clay soils may need to be worked up if drill is struggling to penetrate the soil surface.
If broadcast seeding is the only option then a fine seed bed is desirable since most of the seeds are very small (like alfalfa). If broadcasting into loose/sandy soil skipping ground prep may be acceptable. If broadcasting into loose/sandy soil skipping ground prep may be acceptable. If working with heavy/clay soils first use a shallow (3-5 inches) disk or spring-tooth harrow to work up the soil, then plant seed with a broadcaster, then cultipack with a ring roller, which covers the seed by pushing it into the ground. Dragging a piece of chain-link fence behind an ATV or tractor can also be sufficient. The seed should be covered so it can remain moist.
Planting Methods:
Use a grain drill, no till drill, broadcaster, or even a hand-held broadcaster on small areas to evenly distribute the seed. Broadcasting this mix is not recommended, especially on young orchards.
Timing:
Planting after Sept. 10 through Nov. 10, while soil is still warm (above 55⁰) is an appropriate time to plant any cover crop in California. Plant in-between tree rows, fence lines, fallow areas, where trees are being taken out of production, and in orchard margins or borders.
Emergence/Visible:
10 days
Bloom:
April - June
Management:
To provide the longest bloom possible, and increase the success of reseeding, leave cover crop intact into May and June so it will develop mature seed. Thereafter, the stand can be mowed, disked and terminated. To encourage reseeding, do not chip or disk but roll. Push seeds into ground.
30% Common Vetch, Vicia sativa
70% Triticale, xTriticosecale
Note: Vetch seed is raw and not inoculated. In general, vetch readily nodulates in CA soil from resident bacteria and separate inoculation is not required.
Seed Rate:
35 lbs/acre broadcast method
25 lbs/acre drill method
Ground Preparation:
Ideal conditions for germination is seed planted at a depth no greater than 1/4 inch in continually moist soil. The best method for planting is direct seeding with drill equipment. Most soil conditions are conducive for drill planting without ground prep. Very heavy/clay soils may need to be worked up if drill is struggling to penetrate the soil surface.
If broadcast seeding is the only option then a fine seed bed is desirable since most of the seeds are very small (like alfalfa). If broadcasting into loose/sandy soil skipping ground prep may be acceptable. If broadcasting into loose/sandy soil skipping ground prep may be acceptable. If working with heavy/clay soils first use a shallow (3-5 inches) disk or spring-tooth harrow to work up the soil, then plant seed with a broadcaster, then cultipack with a ring roller, which covers the seed by pushing it into the ground. Dragging a piece of chain-link fence behind an ATV or tractor can also be sufficient. The seed should be covered so it can remain moist.
Planting Methods:
Use a grain drill, no till drill, broadcaster, or even a hand-held broadcaster on small areas to evenly distribute the seed. Broadcasting this mix is not recommended, especially on young orchards.
Timing:
Planting after Sept. 10 through Nov. 10, while soil is still warm (above 55⁰) is an appropriate time to plant any cover crop in California. Plant in-between tree rows, fence lines, fallow areas, where trees are being taken out of production, and in orchard margins or borders.
Emergence/Visible:
10 days
Bloom:
April - June
Management:
To provide the longest bloom possible, and increase the success of reseeding, leave cover crop intact into May and June so it will develop mature seed. Thereafter, the stand can be mowed, disked and terminated. To encourage reseeding, do not chip or disk but roll. Push seeds into ground.