Hello Jesse,

Thank you for contacting the El Paso County Extension Office of the CSU Lawn and Garden Help Desk with your question about assisting with the germination of your blue grama grass.  

I understand from reading your question that the grass in question is in a pasture where four cows are grazing.  As a Colorado Master Gardener management of pasture is beyond the scope of my training. I have done some research on the internet from reputable sources and will share what I have gleaned with you.

I have included a link from the Gilpin County Extension regarding the use of a variety of native grasses in the landscape. 

 https://gilpin.extension.colostate.edu/programs/mtn-hort/native-grasses/

I have also attached a link to an article on water wise plants to include information on blue grama grass.

https://www.waterwiseplants.org/find-a-plant/blue-grama/#:~:text=Blue%20grama%20can%20be%20watered,once%20a%20year%20in%20June.

As this issue may be the result of high traffic in the pasture I have included a link to a guide put out by CSU on forage in pastures in Colorado.

 https://sam.extension.colostate.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2016/07/forage-guide.pdf

I have also included a link to a guide on range management published by CSU.

https://rangemanagement.extension.colostate.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/42/2018/11/Range-Source-Unit-8.5-x-11-low-res-1.pdf

In conclusion I located a video on how to install Buffalograss and Blue Grama Grass done by Colorado Springs Utilities. I found this video particularly informative regarding the use of Blue Grama Grass in the landscape. Since it is a bunch grass it does not have the ability to fill in bare areas readily. If it is damaged by over grazing for example it will not bounceback in those areas. It is not the ideal variety of grass for high traffic areas. 

I hope that this information will help you determine which native grass is best suited to your pasture and how to install Blue Grama Grass in particular.

Happy Gardeneing,

Gary C.

Colorado Master Gardener

Hello Jesse,

I apologize for the delay in our response. I have reassigned your question to our El Paso County Extension Director, Jonathan Vrabec, who also answers pasture management questions. You can also reach out to him directly via email at <personal data hidden>.

While seed to soil contact is important and tilling the seed into the soil (or using a drag), can help achieve good seed to soil contact, achieving the consistent moisture required for even germination is going to be your biggest challenge in dryland pasture. If you are able to time your seeding in April or May before a wet, spring snow, that may be your best hope for good germination and establishment without providing supplemental irrigation.

https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/plantmaterials/kspmcpg7252.pdf

I'll let Jonathan take it from here, but let us know if you have additional questions.

Thanks,

Allisa Linfield
Horticulture Program Coordinator
CSU Extension El Paso County