Yes, oats will grow on top of the ground if given the correct set of conditions. These conditions include good seed to soil contact, soil quality, soil moisture, and keeping animals from eating the seed.
We learned no forage crops grow well in standing water. White clovers seem to handle moist soils as good as any of the standard forage crops. White clovers are also relatively shade tolerant.
Can oats grow on top of the ground?
Oats can absolutely grow on top of the ground but there are several variables and best practices that need to be taken into account prior to broadcasting your seed. Following the planting guide will help increase your success if you plan to broadcast oats on top of the ground.
In warmer areas, oats are sown in late summer or early fall. Oats are cold-tolerant and are unaffected by late frosts or snow. Oats grow well on sandy loam to heavy clay soils with good drainage. On acid soils, oats perform better than other small-grain cereals.
Do oats germinate better in the ground?
Even though we are talking about broadcasting the seed and not tilling or drilling the seed into the ground, just understand that oats germinate much better with tilling and drilling. Planting oats 1” deep in the soil is going to give the best odds for germination. However, don’t let this scare you from trying to broadcast the seed on the ground.
Can you grow oatmeal in the rain?
Oats are a cool-weather crop and don’t mind cloudy, rainy weather. Think about how well they grow in Scotland and Ireland, both of which have oatmeal named for them. Oats like a similar climate to potatoes. They tolerate a cool, wet spring. Plant oats in a full sun location.
What are common oats and how to grow them?
Common oats, Avena sativa, is a white oat that has a tough hull and needs hand or machine threshing. It grows to maturity in 100-120 days. Common oats grow well in acidic soils and will out-compete many weeds. They also have a lot of biomass if you want to use them as a cover crop. This variety is high yielding.
Forage oats, Avena sativa, are a winter hardy variety that you can use as a cover crop or as winter forage for livestock or wildlife like deer and turkeys. They’re incredibly disease resistant, with a softer stem than common oats. Look for varieties like Reeves, Niagra, and Everleaf. These varieties mature in 49-56 days.
What are the most shade tolerant forage crops?
White clovers and brassicas are about as shade tolerant as any food plot crops I’ve grown. No forage crops grow well in standing water. White clovers seem to handle moist soils as good as any of the standard forage crops.