Whats a good plot for thin, fairly dry soil?
 

I've got a power line behind camp (northwestern PA) that gets a good bit of sun and is high on a hill with very well drained soil under a thin layer of topsoil. The soil was limed last year. We get a decent amount of rain but the soil seems to dry out very quickly afterward. The area is a bit rocky to so the best we I can do is rake or scratch up the soil. Discing or rototilling is out of the question. Any ideas on what might work well there? Got probably a half acre to plant.

Thanks to anyone for any ideas!
Btbowhunter

RE: Whats a good plot for thin, fairly dry soil?
 

You have several options, especially since you put down some lime last year. I would spray Glyphosate now if there is any grass or weeds growing, it takes about 2 weeks for the weeds/grass to die, but it gives the newly planted seeds a chance to get started. White Dutch Clover, Alice White Clover, Birdsfoot Trefoil and Alfalfa would grow there IMO. A possible problem is if the Power Company sprays herbicide in the summer. That would put a stop to those plants in a hurry. They usually spray here in July, but not every year. Berseem Clover is a cheap, fast growing annual clover you could consider if the power line might be sprayed, if that would get killed, you could plant Rye the first of Sept for a better fall/winter plot. Rye is almost bullet proof and deer love it, plus the sprays the PC uses wont kill it or any of the small grains, just the broad leafs.

For a half acre you would need around 2-3lbs of the WDC, AWC and around 100lbs of 6-24-24 fertilize.

Rye would take around 50lbs and about 150-200lbs of 10-10-10.

I would check out feed-n-seed stores for the Gly and seeds first, but here is a couple places that could help you.

For seed.... http://www.welterseed.com/ProductTypes.aspx

For Gly......http://www.keystonepestsolutions.com/