How EZ Switchgrass Plantings Are For Wildlife

[@alexpinnow6509]

Coming up on year 3 and 4 of switchgrass and I am very excited! Bucks were pushing does into it this last fall and it was such a great reward. My message to all the guys establishing switchgrass is to stick with it and be patient! Manage those weeds and spray if possible and it will be quite the sight come August

[@kevinharnphanich1796]

Jeff, Thank you for all of the info. I bought my switch from you this year. (No hard feelings, John.) Keep it up

[@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751]

Thanks YOU Kevin we really appreciate it! We will try to keep it coming as best as possible...really appreciate you watching too!

[@gerardsavage239]

hey jeff, would you consider making a video on using swampy land for effective hunting? I have alot of it to work with.

[@alexpinnow6509]

Gerard Jeff is pretty busy and may not have access to the swampy areas. I have had experience with food and switchgrass being successful in these spots so don't be afraid to try!

[@bvhia]

Swamp is difficult. Is there food in there? Consider changing topography to fill in a part of it and cut some trees to let light in

[@lenkurzynske8735]

Jeff,Thanks for the review. But,again in Northern Forest Cty. WI,as of 3-14-2023,we have 20+ inches of snow on the ground!🦌🦌

[@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751]

Oh for sure Len...we have about 15" of crust in a lot of areas here. Can't wait for it to be GONE but that's not looking like until April sometime here.

[@JeremyRoetz]

I followed your steps planted memorial day and my switch is three feet tall already thank you

[@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751]

Man that's great Jeremy, happy for you!!

[@janitorialguy4436]

Thanks Jeff, considering adding a small strip of switch this year, still waffling about decision

[@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751]

I would give it a try!! Beautiful grass that will last decades if you take care of it just a bit.

[@timhatfield6367]

Mine from 2 years ago is awsome even though we had a drought last summer in Indiana. Mine I frost seeded in Feb will be awsome this year because I'm following the same regiment of spraying/mowing as recommended by WHS. (Cajun guy on Waterboy) Says "You Can Do It !" LOL

[@scottpulver4920]

Great job. I’m trying switchgrass this year for the first time. Had to spray gly and work the ground. I’m hoping it all works. What is your recommendation for a property line that a neighbor can shoot out of his window towards your property? Fence? Then planting’s?

[@brianmiller1580]

If you have existing CRP and are wanting to add some rows and patchs of switch do you suggest spaying simozine on the CRP prior to spring green up or wait kill later w glyphocate 24D later? What is the right approach for planting into existing CRP?

[@robertboston9778]

Hey Jeff, great info but please help good stewardship of chemical use and be specific on which 24Db you should use - Ester not Amine of the two major formulations? Thanks and great info that works fellas - I have nice bands of switchgrass along my plots following Jeff's guidance.

[@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751]

For sure Robert! It seems like Amine is the most widely used and sold...that's what I have used too. Ester can drift for up to a 1/2 hour after spraying and is more potent...Amine stays in the ground longer but isn't as strong...is cheaper too. LOTS of great articles on line comparing the too. Really great to here your switch is doing well! Really happy for you 😊👍

[@toddweston2840]

Just curious. If you have well prepared ground can you spray Simazine at seeding to get the extended weed control after seeding? Thanks!

[@dons-kj3nw]

So, if I understand you correctly Jeff, if I spray Simazine today or tomorrow (I'm in Iowa), I can broadcast switch seed later this week and the Simazine will not hurt the switch seed?

[@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751]

Hi Don...exactly. you can spray and seed the same day. You can also spray it on the same switch next Spring, prior to spring green up

[@alexpinnow6509]

I can vouch for this and do it quite often. Stick with it and you will be amazed!

[@corymclaughlin179]

Jeff, do you do anything to an established switch planting in the spring? Is it too thick for the new grass to grow through last years stalks?

[@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751]

Hi Cory you don't have to do anything at all with last year's growth...just Simazine and mowing if you have weeds in it

[@kevinharnphanich1796]

So the simazine can be sprayed on existing switch or near it before spring greenup? I was thinking I'd just spray last year's switch along with what was frost seeded.

[@bobbarnes8839]

Do you. Think planting cedar seedlings with switch grass would be good ? I’m trying to get my 20acres of ag too actually holding and making bedding

[@Calebott01]

Hey Jeff, I’m having a hard time deciding what I should do. I have an old Fallowfield and I’m wondering if I should mow it right now in July. And then in a couple weeks spray simazine and 24d/gly. And then in August spay 24d/gly again. Then September spray gly. Frost seed in October- November. and then spray simazine the following right before spring Greenup and 24d/gly once weeds start

[@Calebott01]

Or should I just wait until next spring and then before spring green up spray simazine, then once the weeds are 10 to 12 inches high spray 24d/gly and then wait a few weeks do that again and then after that, put the switch in?!? Please I would love some help!!!

[@sunrisegameranch9482]

I just bought some acerage and wanted to know if its ok to plant switch grass in October for following year its beans now and beans will be off in about 2 more weeks.

[@danschuetz7848]

Another very detailed and informative video - thanks Jeff! Can you clear cut a section of mature forest, then kill all the weeds and plant switch or do you think it's necessary to push all the stumps to the side to allow for mowing of the switch? Thanks again!

[@ncbackwoods6859]

Hey jeff thanks for the video

[@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751]

You are very welcome NC!

[@ncbackwoods6859]

@@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751 check out my shed shorts, nothing like what yaw have but I've found some nice ones so far

[@GZrox]

Thanks Jeff! Planted 11 acres last year in Northern Michigan following the steps! Some was frost seeded on ground prepared the previous fall and was already 5-6' tall. A couple sandy areas didn't show any signs of growth (drought and/ or poor soil) so I overseeded with tecumseh switch and added lime last fall again on prepped soil. Wondering if you ever adjust PH prior to planting switch? Thanks again for the great content and keeping us fired up!

[@USCAVHOOAH]

Here in AL we had several 80 degree days the last 2 weeks of Feb which caused early spring green up. We now have 3-4 days of upper 20 degree days. Will this bout of cold weather allow me to spray simazine now or is it too late still? AL weather is so difficult to predict.

[@rfb7117]

Jeff, can you spray Simazine on standing switch, or should you mow it first? thanks, Bob

[@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751]

Hi Bob! You sure can. Make is before spring green up so it is effective

[@rfb7117]

Thanks....I will spray some as soon as it warms up a little.

[@lukewartman-io7jt]

What if we were to burn the field a few days before we frost seed to promote seed to soil contact?

[@Nutthouserecords414]

Have you ever burned the thatch off instead of disking . Do you think that’s a good ideal

[@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751]

Burning explodes what was in the field to begin with. You still have to spray, kill weeds, etc. Most thatch can be broken thru for a successful broadcasting after Simazine, and then 2 sprayings of 2-4D and Gly.

[@JoeJohnson-ii7ww]

Any advice on drill settings. Great Plains or Land Pride same I think .605NT Big box or small box? Gear box setting ? Meter setting? Thanks

[@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751]

Hi Joe, I wish I could help you buy I never use them...

[@glee181]

For anyone- why Roundup (Gly) and 2,4-D? When prepping the soil, won't the Gly kill the broadleaf weeds too? Or, does 2,4-D have some sort of pre/post emergence properties?

[@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751]

Fly is the weakest herbicide you can spray. It kills grass and broadleafs, but does not kill many broadleafs including clover, water hemp, smart weed, pigweed, and MANY other broadleafs. The combo is a traditional AG mix and even then it has a tough time against some of the above...

[@1530Tyler]

Hey Jeff I am having a hard time finding the correct mixes for my atv sprayer for killing and prepping ground for new switch grass and foot plots. From watching many youtube videos I know I should spray glyphosate, 2-4D and simazine. I am hoping I can get advice on how much to mix typical concentrate per gallon of water. I have a 16 gallon atv sprayer. Thank you, Tyler

[@jakeconrad9148]

Jeff, Recently bought 68 acres in south central Michigan. I just ordered the RC Big Rock from John Komp. Getting ready to brush hog the area this weekend. Was going to Apply Simazine in a couple weeks, then 24D and gly in May and another 24d / gly in June before planting. My question is do I need to til in your opinion? Or just broadcast over the cut areas and roll? Appreciate your thoughts, thanks!

[@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751]

Hello! I would hope John could help you with that question 😊 When you buy our seed in the future you receive the support of our entire staff to help you out, at WHS Wildlife Blends 👍 www.whswildlifeblends.com/store/northern-perma-switch-cover

[@jakeconrad9148]

@@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751 Thanks, John did provide his suggestions, was just looking for another expert opinion prior to moving forward with it.

[@justinmartin1267]

Can you crimp winter rye then no till switch rite into it ??

[@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751]

Yes, you sure can...but you still need to take care of weeds. Think of the weed suppression of rye as 1 out of 3 weed kills that you need. Switchgrass is a long term planting (decades), so you want to kill multiple times at establishment to have the best chance at a pure stand

[@JonRustad]

What type of switchgrass would work for northern Minnesota ? 100 miles south of Canadian border.

[@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751]

We have an Extreme blend that is perfect for Northern MN. It's an extreme condition blend built for northern climates.

[@dylanritter4858]

Would these be the same steps for growing Egyptian wheat also? Thanks.

[@robertherringshaw2597]

Hi Jeff is there a certain PH for switchgrass to grow. If so what would that be. Have sandy soil with about 4.5 to 5.0 ph Thanks Rob

[@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751]

Hi Rob, switchgrass grows in a wide variety of pH, but in low, less fertile soils it will experience diminished overall growth. 1 remedy is 40#sof urea per year to assist with growth

[@matulala2000]

Great video! I see a squiggly path in your aerial view. What is that path used for? Or is it not a path?

[@jasongibson8295]

Will switch grass grow in the shade along a tree line

[@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751]

Hi Jason, not very well!

[@jasongibson8295]

Any suggestions for screening in that scenario? I have a dirt road with about a 10 yards of clear area under a power line next to Grove of mature hemlock trees with a food plot in center of the.hemlock Grove. And wanted to screen the road from the food plot. I was looking for something that grows faster than trees or shrubs.

[@kernsy6715]

Great video Jeff! I recently just got some land and it’s overgrown with weeds and I was gonna have the fire department do a control burn to kill it all, do you recommend tilling it all up or just use simazen then the RU/2-4D then plant switchgrass and food plots? I’m New to this!

[@palogman]

Jeff, I have pretty rocky soil. Have you had anyone start it in 10 or 12 inch pots to start it then transplant it in an area to start it. Does it reseed every year or does it grow from established roots. Thanks

[@jonfietzer302]

Hey Jeff looking to see where I could get simazine locally? Live in northeast wisconsin. Please let me know if you would know by chance

[@dswish1730]

Think I finally found a forester to change my habitat.Get rid of all these pine and hemlock 👍

[@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751]

Amen D! Don't forget to leave some solid blocks of Hemlock tho .. preferred cold weather cover in PA!

[@ericthompson2920]

I bought a bunch of your switchgrass seed in December, but didn't get it on the ground until a couple weeks ago (mid March). I know I'm a month late, but PA weather and day job held me up. When should I spray for weeds? Was thinking glyphophates and 24-D mid April. I think I missed the simazine window.

[@ryanstever6906]

Can you use atrazine, or is it a must to use simazine?

[@alexpinnow6509]

I haven't used atrizine personally, but believe it is a pre-emergent based on a quick search.

[@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751]

It's the same as Simazine....but you have to have a chemical applicator's license to buy atrazine. Atrazine is commonly used in ag settings by farmers or professional herbicide applicators

[@stephenmcatee2104]

Can i spray simazine on my clover spots before green up without hurting the clover

[@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751]

Hi Stephen...you can not.

[@normyoder2622]

Im trying

[@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751]

So close too Norm 😁

[@normyoder2622]

Dang ! These guys are quick. Thanks Jeff for another great video

[@koreym777]

I wait until the soil temp is close to 55ºF to drop my Preemergent. Above 55 is when things start to germinate.

[@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751]

Actually, many weeds emerge in the 40s. Also, your pre emergent needs to be in the ground for at least 5 days prior to those temperatures taking place, so the chemical can fully activate. You will be way off if you wait until 55 degree soil temps, unfortunately...

[@koreym777]

@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751 I'd be dropping preemergent in Jan, our soil doesn't get much lower than mid 40's so the cold tolerant stuff is hit with a non-selective before the Preemergent

[@jerryperron5243]

Do you need to kill rye before frost seeding on edge of food plot?

[@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751]

No not before, at all. Your subsequent sprayings will take care of it immediately 👍

[@tdorenkamp5312]

Fighting some weeds on year 3 switchgrass. Would burning help or hurt?

[@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751]

Burning takes care of woody debris more than anything. Simazine before Spring green up and mowing when all growth is 12 to 15" would be great!

[@tdorenkamp5312]

​@@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751 always appreciate the feedback!

[@alexpinnow6509]

​@@tdorenkamp5312 big proponent of mowing to knock those weeds down just be cautious of the time of year you mow to avoid possible fawn drop/nesting birds. If you're mowing late into summer (July time frame for WI) don't be disappointed by a 2ft stand of switchgrass. I did this last year out of necessity and can almost guarantee it will be over 5ft tall by August for my soils this year

[@bowman8316]

Waiting on a clover planting video ☘👍🏻

[@zacharykowasz3566]

It was a bit vague on the third spraying in this video. How much 2-4d and gly are you putting down for the 3 spray? Is this different from your typical “EZ no till” that uses 1qt/ac. of gly for the 3rd spray?

[@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751]

Hi Zachery...this is Simazine with the 1dt spraying before Spring green up, then the same amount of 2-4D and Gly, twice and at least.4 weeks apart. That puts the 2nd spraying of gly and 2-4D about 6 to 7 weeks after Spring Greenup at the most

[@zacharykowasz3566]

Thank you! One more question, When you describe the 1-2 punch of deer fence and switch, what is the best method to get rid of the fence in the spring? Mow? Till? Reseed right into the standing fence?

[@jimmymiller9299]

I have some one year old switchgrass areas that I frost seeded again this year to thicken up. What chemicals can I spray this time that won't kill my year old switch?

[@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751]

Hi Jimmy! You can hit it with Simazine before Spring Greenup at 4 quarts per acre. Mowing about 3 to 4 weeks after Spring green up is important too

[@disolejunk]

We have a spot in a spillway where the water comes up for half of the year and the deer eat mostly shrub .

[@gerardsavage239]

also, if i cant get simazine can i still get a good catch without it? as long as I spray 2 4-d and roundup 2-3 times?

[@alexpinnow6509]

It's not impossible. The more weed control just promotes better success with young switchgrass. Be careful with additional applications of 2,4-D because that can kill young switchgrass if it's germinated. Mowing is an option too but one application of the proper rate of Gly/2,4-D will help! Stick with it and be patient!

[@MattJ25]

I have an Earthway bag spreader, what should it be set to? 1 to 1-1/2?

[@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751]

I like slightly under 1.5 for 8#s per acre...

[@MattJ25]

@@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751 Okay, thank you, putting out some switchgrass on open soil here in SW PA after work!

[@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751]

Nice...sounds like a good afternoon!!

[@jackcurrier1075]

How close to the ground to mow

[@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751]

Just below the top of the switch....anywhere from 4-8"

[@russellkraft7174]

Jeff. Just wondering why you don’t think switchgrass can be bedding now but years ago it seamed like you thought it was good bedding if browse pockets are made.

[@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751]

Hi Russell...I've never thought switchgrass was good for bedding. BUT, it's great for screening bedding! For example a 10 acre field can be 50% switchgrass (surrounding the field, pockets within our surrounding non switchgrass pockets within) and 50% non grass. Deer don't like to bed in straight switchgrass unless forced to...same with conifer. They have to eat browse in their bedding areas twice during daylight hours...and don't want to leave that area to have to feed. Same thing I have seen for many years...

[@russellkraft7174]

So as long as I create pockets in the switch they will use it for bedding? How big of pockets have you seen work the best? Thanks for the help. Your information is definitely starting to transform my small hunting property.

[@tylerwallner3315]

Hey Jeff 2 question for you. What setting do you normally run your earth way for broadcasting switch grass? Also where do you normally get your semizane? I live in North East Minnesota where your local farmers Co-op are few are far between.

[@timhatfield6367]

I found mine online, got sent to house. Can't remember where..but if I found it, you can.

[@alexpinnow6509]

Edit just checked on line and they are out of stock. You may be a bit late to the game on getting at a good price but I'm sure it's out there still

[@elicoblentz9018]

I want you make sure I heard right. So this is year two for my switchgrass from what I just heard I can spray simazine on my switch at first green up ?

[@alexpinnow6509]

Prior to Greenup for simazine Eli. Ideally no frost in the ground and no snow where spraying.

[@elicoblentz9018]

@@alexpinnow6509 thanks !

[@gerardsavage239]

what do i do if i cant get simazine

[@genehalteman882]

Do we use simazine this year if we just frost seeded this year?

[@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751]

Yes you certainly do!

[@genehalteman882]

@@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751 Awesome! Thanks for the reply Jeff. Just put 6 acres of switchgrass down a few weeks ago.

[@alexpinnow6509]

​@@genehalteman882 stick with it and it will be an amazing stand! If temps don't jump too quick you should consider a gly/2,4-D application at proper rates as well. Note that the switchgrass is germinating around the same time as corn in your area so if you can catch a broadleaf application 10-14 days prior you will be ahead in the game.

[@transamguy9073]

Jeff so can i throw seed over top my thatch and spray simazine and later 24d and RU or should i wait and prep the ground and frost seed next winter

[@alexpinnow6509]

The switchgrass seed is small enough that it will likely work through the thatch unless it's very thick. Can you kick thatch and get to soil? Also factor in that any remaining freeze/thaw cycles and precipitation will assist you

[@timhatfield6367]

@@alexpinnow6509 You've been doing your homework.. I like it. Love this stuff..

[@alexpinnow6509]

@@timhatfield6367 I appreciate it! Although I'm no Jeff Sturgis or team, but I try and learn from all his videos! I also have some fair experience with switchgrass in unique places AND have made just about every mistake in the book in my short time

[@timhatfield6367]

@@alexpinnow6509 Well I just see alot of people's comments here, I like to read what other people's thoughts on whatever awsome topic WHS sent out and I see yours and a few others names and it just seems like you guys are hooked on all this stuff as bad or worse than myself..your advice is good and creditable and I know Jeff can't answer every single question. We all have a common bond through WHS. I get to use his methods in some pretty awsome spots that are mostly ag, so bout anything I do improves the Habitat and my hunting strategies tremendously. I can say, so far I'm keeping up this year. Good luck to you this year as well.

[@swampmom7507]

My switch is 1 1/2 yrs old and about two foot high. Should that be mowed in the spring or just wait until July?

[@alexpinnow6509]

Consider a pre-emergent application prior to green-up otherwise just monitor for broadleaf weeds. If they are out-competing it give it a mow early on to around 1' (or highest setting on mower).

[@bradbrockhaus633]

can a guy use simazine on year 2?

[@alexpinnow6509]

Yes, I'd recommend it to further eliminate weed potential. Year 2 of switchgrass is not a mature stand yet and we want this to last the long run.

[@bradbrockhaus633]

@@alexpinnow6509 Thx Alex!

[@alexpinnow6509]

@@bradbrockhaus633 you bet, glad I could help!

[@naomicreech9870]

🤙

[@underdogoutdoors]

You get what you pay for!

[@kurtpearson2793]

First

[@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751]

For sure Kurt!

[@bionicdan1959]

You are so confusing with all your different examples. Try explaining a seed planting for if we have a bare field, a previous good plot field, a CRP field. Give us video examples of the steps needed for each different situations.

[@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751]

Type in "how to plant switchgrass for deer" or ...for wildlife, etc. you will find I have over 20 switchgrass videos...most of them near the top, for you to learn from 😉

[@mark7116]

Jeff, would you recommend planting switchgrass or your deer fence screening blend under power lines?

[@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751]

Hi Mark...both will work! I actually have a lot of switchgrass planted under power lines. It really depends on if you want an annual or perennial...and if you want it for this year or if waiting until next year works.