Sunflower planting - Ask Extension
I have an acre of mowed grass that I want to convert to a sunflower field next year. What is the best way to achieve this?
Knowledgebase
Sunflower planting #889822
Asked November 14, 2024, 10:45 AM EST
I have an acre of mowed grass that I want to convert to a sunflower field next year. What is the best way to achieve this?
Montgomery County Ohio
Expert Response
Marcy
In order to plant seed, you will need to remove the grass. One acre is a large area. So you need to think about what technique is realistic.
The no dig method requires mowing the grass, burying the grass, typically with cardboard, and then with covering with soil. If done this fall, you could plant seed next spring. https://www.uvm.edu/news/extension/digging-no-dig-method
You can also use an herbicide, e.g., spray glyphosate to kill the grass. Make sure you follow the application and safety instructions. You might need multiple applications but the area could be ready this spring.
One acre is big, but you could rent a sod remover. If you flip the sod over rather than removing it, you might get some regrowth. You could also remove the grass with larger equipment.
I recommend you then test your soil. If you go it through your extension, they will let you know if you need any soil amendments. Also they can help you calculate the amount of seed needed.
Locate your local extension office:
https://extension.osu.edu/lao
There are several videos and websites that discuss planting sunflowers. Here are a few:
?si=XhMtdjpSykWAKwtEIf you are growing sunflowers for cut flowers, check out:
https://www.threeacrefarm.net/blog/2019/12/12/how-to-grow-sunflowers
Best of luck, Roxanne
In order to plant seed, you will need to remove the grass. One acre is a large area. So you need to think about what technique is realistic.
The no dig method requires mowing the grass, burying the grass, typically with cardboard, and then with covering with soil. If done this fall, you could plant seed next spring. https://www.uvm.edu/news/extension/digging-no-dig-method
You can also use an herbicide, e.g., spray glyphosate to kill the grass. Make sure you follow the application and safety instructions. You might need multiple applications but the area could be ready this spring.
One acre is big, but you could rent a sod remover. If you flip the sod over rather than removing it, you might get some regrowth. You could also remove the grass with larger equipment.
I recommend you then test your soil. If you go it through your extension, they will let you know if you need any soil amendments. Also they can help you calculate the amount of seed needed.
Locate your local extension office:
https://extension.osu.edu/lao
There are several videos and websites that discuss planting sunflowers. Here are a few:
?si=XhMtdjpSykWAKwtEIf you are growing sunflowers for cut flowers, check out:
https://www.threeacrefarm.net/blog/2019/12/12/how-to-grow-sunflowers
Best of luck, Roxanne
