Revegetation Guidelines for Western Montana - Global Restoration ...

equirement. And Indian ricegrass needs exposure to at least 30 days of cold soil to meet its
stratification requirements (Brown and Wiesner 1984). When conditions are not adequate for a fall
dormant seeding, early spring seedings may capitalize on late snows and early rains. Planting
wetland / riparian plugs during June when warm temperatures, long day lengths, and adequate
water is available is recommended.
Soil texture can influence proper timing of seeding. For instance, when seeding cool-season species
on heavy to medium textured soils, consider a very early spring seeding. On medium to light
textured soils, consider a late fall seeding (USDA 2000). Generally, a late fall dormant seeding is
best for all cool-season species regardless of soil texture given many cool-season species have a cold
stratification requirement that is satisfied during the winter months.
Late summer planting (prior to mid-August) of cool-season species should only occur if
supplemental water is available from irrigation or stored soil moisture. With irrigation, planting can
occur from the spring until mid-August (allow for emergence 4 – 6 weeks prior to first frost) (Cash
2001).
Planting or transplanting tree or shrub seedlings should occur during fall or early spring dormancy to
increase planting success. Seeding directly into the ash layer immediately following a fire event is
the best time to seed burned areas. Contact your local county Extension, USDA Natural Resources
Conservation Service, or Conservation District offices for further recommendations on optimum
seeding times specific to your site.
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