Rensselaer Semi-Weekly Republican, Volume 19, Number 97, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 12 August 1898 — SEEDING IN THE FALL. [ARTICLE]

SEEDING IN THE FALL.

Plowing; Should Be Done aa Soon Possible After the Harvest Work Is Completed. If grass or clover is to be sown in the fall it is very essential to prepare the ground in a good condition in good season in order that the seeding may be dpne early. Usually unless the seeding can be done sufficiently early so that the plants can secure a thrifty, vigorous start to grow and get reasonably well established before cold weather sets in it is rather poor economy to sow the seed. One of the worst difficulties or objections to fall seeding is the lack of moisture in the soil. With all seed a certain amount of moisture is essential tb the securing of a good germination and q, vigorous start to grow, and it is always an item to sow the seed under as favorable conditions as possible. One advantage in plowing the ground reasonably early, taking pains to plow deep and thorough and then making the surface a good tilth, is that the fine soil on the surface acts as a mulch and adds materially in retaining moisture in the soil. And with grass and clover it is often possible to secure a good germination and a good, even 6tand on land plowed and prepared in a good tilth early, when, if left until the ground gets dry 1 , there will not be sufficient moisture to induce germination. As with nearly or quite all other farm work, if Seeding is to be done the fall the fields to be sown should be determined in good season, so that the plowing may be <jone as soon as possible after the harvest work is done. Get the ground in a good condition to receive the seed, and a better opportunity for securing a good stand is afforded, and it the plants are able to make a good start to grow fall they will be better able«to stand the thawing and freezing of winter.—N. J. Shepherd, in Farmers’ Voice.