Planting my first dove field this year with the kasco drill...question. I can't find any clearfield sunflowers but

[rstallings1979]

the local feed/seed store does have black oiled seeds (Shafer). Any reason not to use those if I am putting out a pre emergent mix as well? Also what rate would you plant per acre spaced at around 25 inches per row? I would order some Clearfield by mail but I want to get them in the ground this weekend.

 

[doomtrpr_z71]

Shafer sunflowers are usually bird food, not seed grade, with the soil temps we have you might want to rethink planting this weekend with feed grade. Just remember if you do plant them you don't have anything to spray for broadleaf weeds after they come up so you better do a good burn down with the preemergent.

 

[Big7]

Hope you are planting Brown Top and Proso.

I never did put out sunflower when I had dirt for a Dove field.

 

[rstallings1979]

Shafer sunflowers are usually bird food, not seed grade, with the soil temps we have you might want to rethink planting this weekend with feed grade. Just remember if you do plant them you don't have anything to spray for broadleaf weeds after they come up so you better do a good burn down with the preemergent.

Found some clearfield finally so I am good to go. Set me back a couple of hundred dollars.

 

[Mackie889]

Found some clearfield finally so I am good to go. Set me back a couple of hundred dollars.

Not a dove field expert and planning to plant my first field soon. I have been told by some to make sure I plant some rows of benne (sesame). Anyone have any info (good or bad) on that?

 

[Mexican Squealer]

Nothing beats sunflowers

 

[Killer Kyle]

I plant Clearfields at 4 lbs to the acre. Makes a nice, full stand. That's exactly the rate you need to be at.

 

[Killer Kyle]

Not a dove field expert and planning to plant my first field soon. I have been told by some to make sure I plant some rows of benne (sesame). Anyone have any info (good or bad) on that?

Sesame matures and drops seed later. It won't do anything for you by the opener most likely, but it will get you some birds later on in the season.
Depending on where you are and when you plant, sesame could attract birds for you well into the late season or even January. Lots of variables, but if you are planning on a late shoot, it could work for you.

 

[ChattBuck]

I plant Clearfields at 4 lbs to the acre. Makes a nice, full stand. That's exactly the rate you need to be at.

I plant at double that rate. Basically because I don't know how to adjust my Deere 7000 planter from planting that much. But it does well!