Buckwheat(spring planting?)

[4x4]

I was wondering if i could just overseeed my existing plots with buckwheat or does the ground need to be broken?My plots are full of clover and chicory which the deer have browsed to the ground,i would like to sew some buckwhweat to condition my soil but i hate to plow my plots until after turkey season.The turkeys love that clover and chicory.

 

[BSK]

Go ahead and sow right over existing crops. You won't get perfect germination, but I bet you get around 70% germination. Buckwheat is a great short-term crop (matures in about 45 days). But don't seed until after freezing temps are over. Buckwheat is killed by frost.

 

[4x4]

thanks for the info,is late march or early april the best time to sow it?

 

[BSK]

Normally I would feel pretty comfortable with early to mid-April.

 

[TheLBLman]

Normally I would feel pretty comfortable with early to mid-April.

Under what circumstances would Buckwheat be a preferred planting in early to mid-April?

I had always thought it was more desirable to plant Buckwheat later in the summer?

 

[BSK]

In this instance, 4x4 was looking for more of a soil builder than a highly attractive, high-quality forage. Although buckwheat IS fairly attractive and relatively nutritious, just not like soybeans, peas, etc. can be.

 

[Quailman]

I had always thought it was more desirable to plant Buckwheat later in the summer?

Buckwheat can be planted anytime during the normal spring/summer growing season, but the recommended seeding dates are July 1 - August 15.

 

[BSK]

Buckwheat is a fast maturing plant. It can be planted multiple times per summer growing season.

 

[Trapper John]

Be prepared for feathered rat invasion. They love the stuff along with every other critter in the woods.

 

[deerchaser007]

In this instance, 4x4 was looking for more of a soil builder than a highly attractive, high-quality forage. Although buckwheat IS fairly attractive and relatively nutritious, just not like soybeans, peas, etc. can be.

As a side note ,. i think buckwheat becomes more attractive the more you plant it. Such as brassicas,. you may get little use the first year,.. but once they realize its good,.. they will wear it out!! It may not be as great as soybean or lablab ,.. but it sure is easier grown and provides a quick forage for the deer. Plus as mentioned,. great soil builder. I feel i get better fall planting results when i have the buckwheat to incorporate back into the soil.