Grasses

[Fishbonker]

Ok, so I'm reading up on planting this stuff I won. One thing evey source, so far, has agreed upon is the need to mow the first year. Should I use a side rake to clear all of the "clippings" or leave them on for added nitrogen through decomposition? I can kinda see the advantage either way. Do you worry about soil compaction the more times you go over it or doesn't it matter in grasses as much as it does in row crops?

Thanks.

The 'Bonker

 

[JNRBRONC]

I'd leave the clippings lay there. No sense go over the field more times than necessary. Time the mowing before the weeds set seed. Don't worry too much about compaction. The only time I raked is when I mowed around fields I was preparing to burn off. I raked the clippings toward the standing grass so it would burn with the field. It was easier to stop the fire from spreading across the stubble.

 

[bjkpharmd]

yep, you want to mow above the new grasses. Set mower to hit the weeds before they go to seed.