When to reseed grassland – autumn or spring?

Find out why soil conditions are important in deciding between an autumn or spring reseed.   

Successful establishment can be achieved in spring and autumn, and there are pros and cons to both. In each case, there needs to be significant soil moisture to assist germination. The timing should be planned to minimise the effect of yield loss by taking an area of land out of grass production. It is important to make sure soil conditions are correct before proceeding.

Results from a survey on reseeding found 66% of respondents reseeded in the autumn (August to October), with 30% reseeding in the spring (March to May). The remainder reseeded in June and July.

Additionally, about 8% of reseeds were following brassicas. The three most common previous crops were permanent grass (33.3%), cereals (21.6%) and temporary grass (17.1%).

The pros and cons of spring and autumn reseeding

A break crop, such as stubble turnips or kale, can be used to avoid a grass-to-grass reseed. It can help to break any pest cycles and provides useful additional feed if used well.

There must be a clear plan of how the break crop will be established and used to ensure it is cost-effective. Using a break crop within a field classed as permanent pasture, i.e. more than five years old, will change it to temporary grassland.

If you would like to order a hard copy of the Using brassicas for better returns manual, please contact:

Email: publications@ahdb.org.uk

Telephone: 0247 799 0069