hydroseeding 101?

Buxus · Sep 1, 2017

Each year I reclaim an acre or two of my grounds from the wire grass and dock that are everywhere and replace with lawn. I currently reseed with a thirty year old Ryan slit sleeder that is on its last legs. I have looked into pto driven slit seeders but at $3-6k they are more than I want to spend. Also, the 32 acre property is more of an estate than a farm, and there are many places a big seeder won't really fit well.

Consequently, I am considering a hydroseeder. Based on my research, it looks like I could get a small hydroseeed unit for half the price of a pto driven slit seeder. I am looking for comments about ease of use, cost of making the slurry, germination rate, pre-spray ground prep, etc. from real world users. Also, I have read that hydroseeding works better than slit seeding on hills and controls erosion better.

Any advice would be much appreciated.

Steppenwolfe · Sep 3, 2017

The trick to hydro seeding is a proper mix ratio of bale material, seed and water. Hose control is the biggie. The great thing about hydro seeding is very fast seed germination, and near 100 % viability. We used to mix ours at the end of the day for the next days use, let that seed soak up some of the water. Don't skimp on the bale material, it acts as a mulch for the new seed. Also, pick your seed mix, and then add some annual rye to the mix, it will germinate much quicker.

Buxus · Sep 3, 2017

Thanks for the info. What about ground prep? As in all cases, I am sure the better the prep, the better the results. However, I don't want to till, and getting a power rake in all the little areas would be difficult. How does it do over dead grass which has been cut real short. Slit seeding takes forever.

Steppenwolfe · Sep 3, 2017

Buxus said:
Thanks for the info. What about ground prep? As in all cases, I am sure the better the prep, the better the results. However, I don't want to till, and getting a power rake in all the little areas would be difficult. How does it do over dead grass which has been cut real short. Slit seeding takes forever.

Seed germination is always better if you rough up the soil. Can you get to it with a box blade or york rake?