Site Preparation
These are general site preparation options for any seed type.
Plan 2-4+ weeks before planting
Steps:
- Spray the area with glyphosate (Roundup).
-Always follow label instructions for all products used, including rates, adjuvants, PPE, and planting restrictions. - Wait 1–2 weeks for vegetation to fully die.
- Optional (for improved weed control):
-Wait 7–14 days for new weeds to germinate.
-Spray again with glyphosate (Roundup).
-Wait a few days for the herbicide to translocate. - Plant your plot!
- For step-by-step planting instructions, view our How To Plant guide.
Pros:
- Minimal equipment needed
- Preserves soil structure
- Reduced early weed competition
- Excellent when using a no-till drill
Cons:
- Broadcasted seed may be spotty without good rainfall
- Difficult to incorporate lime or fertilizer if needed
Disclaimer:
TnT Seed Company is not liable for any damages, injuries, or issues arising from the use of chemicals we recommend. Users are responsible for ensuring proper handling and compliance with safety guidelines. Always read and follow the chemical label.
Best for creating a clean seedbed and incorporating soil amendments.
Plan 4–6+ weeks before planting
Steps:
- Spray glyphosate and wait 1–2 weeks for vegetation to die.
- Apply lime and/or fertilizer if needed.
- Till to create a smooth, firm seedbed.
Optional for improved weed control:
- Wait a couple weeks for new weeds to germinate.
- Spray glyphosate (Roundup) again.
- Wait a few days for herbicide to translocate.
- Plant your plot!
- For step-by-step planting instructions, view our How To Plant guide.
Pros:
- Creates a clean, smooth seedbed
- Allows lime and fertilizer to be incorporated into the soil
- Strong weed control when using a second spray
- Good seed-to-soil contact
Cons:
- Requires more equipment and time
- Disturbs soil structure
- Can bring new weed seed to the surface
- More passes across the field
Disclaimer:
TnT Seed Company is not liable for any damages, injuries, or issues arising from the use of chemicals we recommend. Users are responsible for ensuring proper handling and compliance with safety guidelines. Always read and follow the chemical label.
Plan 2–4+ weeks before planting (may require longer if vegetation is thick)
Steps:
- Mow or weed-whack thick grass, shrubs, and weeds.
- Apply lime and/or fertilizer if needed.
- Till — may require multiple passes to break up sod and clumps.
-If vegetation is very thick, allow 1–2 weeks after mowing for material to dry before tilling. - Create a smooth, firm seedbed.
- Plant your plot!
- For step-by-step planting instructions, view our How To Plant guide.
Pros:
- No chemical use
- Allows lime and fertilizer to be incorporated
- Creates a workable seedbed
Cons:
- Weeds may return quickly without herbicide
- Often requires multiple tillage passes
- Brings buried weed seed to the surface
- Higher fuel, time, and equipment needs
These recommendations apply to plots that have been planted in previous years. Since the ground has already been worked before, preparation is usually simpler.
Plan 2–4 weeks before planting
Steps:
- Spray the plot with glyphosate (Roundup).
-If Roundup resistant weeds are present, glyphosate (Roundup) can be tank mixed with 2,4-D or Dicamba to improve broadleaf control.
-Important: 2,4-D and Dicamba have soil residual activity. Certain crops cannot be planted immediately after application.
-Always follow label instructions for all products used, including rates, adjuvants, PPE, and planting restrictions. - Wait 1–2 weeks for vegetation to fully die.
- Optional (for improved weed control - usually not needed on established plots):
-Wait 7–14 days for new weeds to germinate.
-Spray again with glyphosate (Roundup).
-If needed, glyphosate (Roundup) can be tank mixed with 2,4-D or Dicamba for improved broadleaf control. 2,4-D and Dicamba have soil residual activity, so allow proper time before planting and always follow label instructions for all products used. - Plant your plot!
- For step-by-step planting instructions, view our How To Plant guide.
Pros
- Minimal equipment needed
- Maintains soil structure
- Strong weed control when timed properly
Cons
- Planting may be delayed if using residual products like 2,4-D or Dicamba
- Does not incorporate lime or fertilizer
- Broadcasted seed depends heavily on rainfall
Disclaimer:
TnT Seed Company is not liable for any damages, injuries, or issues arising from the use of chemicals we recommend. Users are responsible for ensuring proper handling and compliance with safety guidelines. Always read and follow the chemical label.
Plan 2–5 weeks before planting
Steps:
- Spray glyphosate (Roundup).
-If Roundup resistant weeds are present, glyphosate (Roundup) can be tank mixed with 2,4-D or Dicamba for improved broadleaf control.
-Important: 2,4-D and Dicamba have soil residual activity.
-Always follow label instructions for all products used, including rates, adjuvants, PPE, and planting restrictions. - Wait 1–2 weeks for vegetation to fully die.
- Apply lime and/or fertilizer if needed.
- Lightly till to refresh and smooth the seedbed.
Optional (for improved weed control — usually not needed on established plots):
5. Wait 1–2 additional weeks for new weeds to germinate.
6. Spray again with glyphosate (Roundup).
-If using a residual product such as 2,4-D or Dicamba, allow proper time before planting and follow label instructions.
7. Wait a few days for the herbicide to translocate.
8. Plant your plot!
- For step-by-step planting instructions, view our How To Plant guide.
Pros
- Creates a clean, smooth seedbed
- Allows lime and fertilizer to be incorporated
- Strong overall weed control, especially with a second spray
Cons
- More equipment, fuel, and time required
- Soil disturbance can bring new weed seed to the surface
- Planting may be delayed if using residual products like 2,4-D or Dicamba
Disclaimer:
TnT Seed Company is not liable for any damages, injuries, or issues arising from the use of chemicals we recommend. Users are responsible for ensuring proper handling and compliance with safety guidelines. Always read and follow the chemical label.
Plan 1–3 weeks before planting
Steps:
- Mow heavy growth if needed.
- Apply lime and/or fertilizer if needed.
- Till to refresh and smooth the seedbed (may require multiple passes).
- Plant and lightly incorporate seed.
Pros
- No chemical use
- Incorporates lime and fertilizer
- Simple reset option in established plots
Cons
- Weeds may return quickly without herbicide
- May require multiple tillage passes
- Soil disturbance can increase future weed pressure
Disclaimer:
TnT Seed Company is not liable for any damages, injuries, or issues arising from the use of chemicals we recommend. Users are responsible for ensuring proper handling and compliance with safety guidelines. Always read and follow the chemical label.
How to Plant
These are general site planting options for any seed type.
When to Use:
Any time soil conditions allow proper seed placement and adequate moisture is present.
Plant when soil temperatures have reached the minimum required for the specific seed (see specs above).
Why It’s Recommended:
Drilling provides the most consistent planting depth, even seed distribution, and strong seed-to-soil contact, resulting in improved and more uniform stands.
Steps:
1. Set the drill to the recommended planting depth (see specs above).
2. Calibrate the drill to the correct seeding rate before planting.
3. Ensure good seed-to-soil contact after placement.
4. For no-till drilling, plant directly into terminated vegetation.
5. Apply Pre-Emergent (If Applicable)
- After planting, apply a labeled pre-emergent herbicide if appropriate for the specific crop you seeded. Always follow product label directions and crop restrictions.
See Spraying Specs Below
Important Notes:
- Avoid planting too deep — shallow is usually better than too deep.
- No-till drills reduce soil disturbance and help retain moisture.
- Soil temperature and moisture must both be adequate for proper germination.
When to Use:
The most commonly used method when a drill is not available. Works best on a smooth, firm seedbed.
Why It Works:
When properly incorporated and firmed, broadcasting can produce strong, uniform stands.
Steps:
1. Prepare a smooth, firm seedbed.
2. Broadcast seed evenly across the area.
3. Lightly cover the seed using a drag, harrow, rake, or similar tool.
(If seeds are small enough a heavy rain can work them in as well)
4. Optional: Pack or roll after seeding to improve seed-to-soil contact.
(A Brillion seeder plants and firms the soil in one pass.)
- Time planting ahead of expected rainfall when possible.
5. Apply Pre-Emergent (If Applicable)
- After planting, apply a labeled pre-emergent herbicide if appropriate for the specific crop you seeded. Always follow product label directions and crop restrictions.
See Spraying Specs Below
Important Notes:
- Seeds recommended at ½ inch depth or more must be incorporated enough to reach that depth.
- Seeds recommended at ¼ inch depth or less should be lightly covered or simply firmed into the soil.
- Most seeds perform better being slightly shallow than buried too deep.
- Soil temperature and moisture must be adequate for proper germination.
Spraying Milo
Fertilizer Recommendations
A soil test is recommended. Rates below are general guidelines.
First Application – Pre-Plant (At or Just Before Planting)
At planting or within a few days prior - ideally before rainfall.
Second Application – Topdress Nitrogen
Apply 4–6 weeks after emergence, once plants are 8+ inches tall and actively growing.