When it is dry for an extended period after planting, germination and growth are usually less than desirable. Therefore, planting by a certain date is of little concern unless there is projected rainfall. Successful plantings result when soils are amended with lime and fertilizer at rates recommended from a soil test. The next step is proper seedbed preparation and seeding depth. Drilling or covering seed too deep is a common reason for crop failure. While grains (e.g., corn and milo) can be drilled or disced approximately 1 inch deep, small-seeded species (e.g., clovers and alfalfa) should be covered no more than ¼ inch. Germination of cool-season grains (e.g., oats, wheat and rye) is generally better if the seed are lightly disced-in (especially oats). Establishing mixtures of small grains (and other relatively large seed) and small-seeded species is best accomplished by the following procedures:

1. Prepare seedbed by plowing and/or discing or tilling (lime and fertilizer should be incorporated into soil at this time if you have not done so already).

2. Sow large seed (e.g., oats, winter peas, cowpeas) onto prepared seedbed.

3. Lightly disc seed into plot, covering approximately 1 inch deep.

4. Firm the seedbed with a cultipacker (this is an especially important step for really small seeds, such as ladino clover).

5. Sow small seed (e.g., clovers, alfalfa, etc.).

6. Cultipack seedbed once again to ensure firm seed-to-soil contact and improve germination rate.