Mowing and wheat
 

I planted wheat in a gas pipeline last fall. I planted a 5 grass/clover mix this spring. I mentioned this in the thread about ragweed. I was thinking of mowing, as you all mentioned. But the wheat is still standing. Will the deer still eat the wheat heads, now that they are dry, or should I just not worry about the wheat, and mow the field?

I assume mowin to abou 8 inches is ok, with a bush hog?

Thanks,
Patrick

RE: Mowing and wheat
 

I don' t know the acreage of your planting, but you might try having a local farmer harvest the wheat. The seed can be used for seed next year or just for feed. If you bushhog it the birds will love you.

Dan O.

RE: Mowing and wheat
 

It is only about 2 acres, and it didn' t do very good. I don' t think anyone would be interested in harvesting it.

thanks

Patrick

RE: Mowing and wheat
 

POC - I' d mow it now - to 6-8" , and probably again in 3-4 weeks.

hopefully the clover plot underneath did ok.

Few of the wheat seed should come back.

the clover should bounce back in two weeks time - the grasses in the mix will always compete with the clover - and will always win out - the time it takes depends on the amount of clover in the mix - compared to grasses - what kind of grasses, and the soil type will make a difference as well.

Good luck

RE: Mowing and wheat
 

what if he broadcast some P and K on the clover before a rain? (and no N)

RE: Mowing and wheat
 

If the soil is low in P & K, broadcasting will promote the growth of innoculated legumes over grasses - If a soil test has not been done, there is no good way to know existing P&K levels, or the ability for plants to uptake these ions in the soil due to the acidity (Ph) of the soil.

Generally, broadcasting P&K alone will help - but when speread with lime according to a soil test, the outcome is a little more clear.