Brandon,

Frost seeding describes a practice of spreading seed during the late winter or very early spring. The freeze-thaw cycles during late winter will serve to cover small seed with a shallow layer of soil.

Frost seeding is probably the least expensive method to plant small-sized seed like clover. It is not a good tool for larger seed as the freeze-thaw cycles typically won’t work them into the soil.

Frost seeding is much more successful if applied to bare ground or plots where the existing forage is very thin. Freeze-thaw cycles won’t work seed through thick duff or stands of existing forage.

Frost seeding is most effective if done without snow cover. If seeds are spread on snow, many seeds will be displaced when the snow melts and an uneven distribution will occur.

For the best results, use the same seeding rate when frost seeding as if you were using the broadcasting method during spring or fall planting seasons. Frost seeding is a good method for most red or white clover varieties. However, red clovers seem to perform a bit better than whites when using this establishment method.

Growing Deer together,

Grant