ESCO Summer Blend™

View pdf

Management and Recommendations

  • Test soil pH and follow lime and fertilizer recommendations each season. If you do this each year, you may end up saving money on fertilizer.
  • Your soil pH should be between 6.0 to 7.0 (your soil needs to be at this pH level to allow plants to maximize nutrient uptake and growth potential). If you don’t have a soil test and know your pH is low, you will probably need to add two tons of ag lime per acre and about 400 lbs. of 13-13-13 per acre. Apply N containing fertilizer on dry soil, but make sure it is tilled in or rained in within 2 days of application (nitrogen can volatilize or gas off into the atmosphere).
  • Planting should occur after your last spring frost when soil temperatures are above 62 degrees at a one inch depth. For best results, plant prior to June 15th. Either till to eliminate weeds and prepare a final seed bed or use non-selective herbicides (such as Roundup, following the label directions) prior to no-till planting.
  • Most plants do not like water-logged soil, so plant in well-drained soils. It is best to prepare a smooth, firm seed bed without deep pockets and clods. Plant one full bag per acre. You can either broadcast or drill (3/4 to 1 inch depth). If broadcasting, cover lightly with up to 1 inch of soil and firm up with a drag or roller. Wide row plantings (over 30 inches) are not recommended.
  • Plant in moist soil to obtain fast seed emergence. Fast emergence and canopy closure is your best defense against weeds. But, don’t work your plot when it is wet, or muddy, as this can cause soil compaction. Avoid planting in hot, dry weather that dries out cultivated soil quickly.
  • Deer will be highly attracted to this plot, you should consider using deer deterrents such as Milorganite or an electric fence for the first 6-8 weeks after planting in high deer density areas.
  • Place an exclusion cage in the plot to gauge animal usage. This will help determine if more acreage will be needed the following year.
  • This is an annual product and should be planted on a yearly basis. This seed blend can be sprayed over the top with a grass herbicide such as Clethodim for easy weed maintenance.
  • Always store seed in a cool, dry place prior to planting.

**Data courtesy of U of A Soybean Planting Guide and Texas A & M Sunflower Guide.