It’s all about timing!
There are two main opportunities for sowing autumn grass seed and although traditionally leys were commonly established in the spring under a cover crop such as barley. Many UK farmers now prefer to sow in the autumn following a cereal crop. Of course, the choice of sowing time is often dictated by 1st cut silage or livestock requirements. Some say July is to dry, fact is, you must utilise your window of opportunity from July – end September, recommendation for Long-term ley “Ideal Cut & Graze” 100% NIAB & SRUC independently recommended varieties for 2019.
Moisture availability is an important consideration when establishing seed and spring sowing can run into drought issues, whereas rainfall is usually more reliable in the autumn. However, if sowing legumes, such as clover, it may be best sowing out July-End August “latest” as these plants grow better in warmer temperatures, recommendation for Long-term ley “Ideal Foundation” 100% Late pasture perennial Ryegrass-Timothy & Best UK White Clover available.
If sowing in the autumn, some people sow grass only grass mixtures and introduce clovers the following spring after grazing or cutting the grass. Ideal Grassland Renovator for rapid establishment.
Billy Nimmo
M.D – Idealseed
Experto crede
I’m Billy Nimmo, founder of Idealseed. For over 30 years, I have worked in the grass and wildflower seed industry in the UK. My journey started with a vision to make Idealseed a leader in quality and innovation. We achieved this goal through hard work and embracing new technology.
My company is independent and licensed by the Scottish Government and The British Society of Plant Breeders. This shows our commitment to high standards and fair prices. We blend tradition with innovation to produce top-quality seeds. Our seeds thrive in tough environments, proving our success.
I lead a team at Idealseed that shares my passion for excellence. With their support, we have become known across Europe as a leading provider of grass and wildflower seeds. We focus on quality first and are always looking for ways to improve. Our approach combines traditional methods with modern science.
Over these years, I’ve guided Idealseed with clear values: quality, innovation, and sustainability. Our work helps lands flourish across the UK. With every seed mix we create, we aim for excellence. This dedication has shaped our company’s journey from an ambitious idea to a trusted industry leader.
