Overseeding consists of planting seed in a field with existing grass cover, to fill in bare patches and thicken the stand. This can be done over the entire pasture or it can be limited to trouble areas. The best time to overseed is in the fall, when weed competition is low and ideal growing conditions exist for cool-season grasses.

Weed control is an important step in overseeding. While herbicides are an effective way to control weeds, spraying might also hinder young seedlings and result in a failed establishment. Close mowing or grazing is usually best to help seedlings establish.

Proper seeding method improves the chance of a successful overseeding. The goal is to place the seed 1/4 – 1/2 inch into the soil and cover it to achieve good seed-to-soil contact. Use a no-till drill for the best chance of success. Land owners also can harrow before and after seeding; however, this method is much less accurate and effective. Use a cultipacker or roller after harrowing to help improve the seed-to-soil contact. Frost seeding (spreading forage seed on existing pastures during the late winter or very early spring while the ground is still frozen) is another option. However, the success of this method greatly depends on environmental conditions and, therefore, is not usually recommended