Pasture Planting Guide

Before You Sow

Soil preparation is everything. A well-prepared seedbed gives your pasture the best chance of establishing quickly and evenly.

  • Spray out existing weeds with a non-selective herbicide (e.g. glyphosate) 2–3 weeks before sowing and allow to break down fully
  • Cultivate or scarify the soil to create a fine, firm seedbed — avoid sowing into loose, cloddy soil
  • Soil test if possible — aim for pH 5.5–7.0 and address any major nutrient deficiencies before sowing
  • Firm the seedbed with a roller before and after sowing for good seed-to-soil contact

When to Sow

Timing is critical for establishment success.

Climate Zone Best Sowing Window
Cool/Temperate (VIC, TAS, ACT, southern NSW) March – May / August – September
Subtropical (QLD, northern NSW) April – June
Semi-arid / Mixed (SA, WA, inland NSW) April – June
  • Autumn sowing is preferred — cooler temperatures reduce weed competition and moisture stress
  • Spring sowing is possible but requires more irrigation and weed management

Sowing Rates

Product Sowing Rate Coverage (10kg bag)
Pasture Seed Blend 10KG 2.5 kg/1,000m² Up to 4,000m²
Nil Endophyte Equine Pasture Blend 10KG 2.5 kg/1,000m² Up to 4,000m²
  • Renovation over existing pasture: increase rate by 20–30%
  • Broadcast spreading: increase rate by 15% to account for uneven distribution
  • Drill seeding: use standard rates for best results

How to Sow

  1. Set your spreader or drill to the correct sowing rate before starting
  2. Sow at 5–10mm depth — ryegrass and clover are small seeds and must not be buried too deep
  3. Roll after sowing to ensure good seed-to-soil contact
  4. Apply a starter fertiliser (high phosphorus) at sowing to support early root development

After Sowing

  • Keep soil moist for the first 2–3 weeks — irrigation may be needed in dry conditions
  • First grazing or mowing — wait until plants reach 15–20cm and are well anchored (gently tug a plant; if it resists, it's ready)
  • Graze lightly for the first 1–2 rotations to avoid pulling seedlings out of the ground
  • Top dress with nitrogen 6–8 weeks after establishment to boost growth

Tips for Equine Pastures (Nil Endophyte Blend)

  • Avoid overgrazing — horses graze closer to the ground than cattle, which can stress new pastures
  • Rotate paddocks to allow recovery periods of at least 3–4 weeks
  • Monitor for weed ingress in the first season and spot-spray as needed
  • Nil endophyte ryegrass may have slightly lower persistence under heavy grazing pressure — manage accordingly

Need Help?

Not sure which blend is right for your property? Contact the OzGrass team for personalised advice.

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