September Planting Guide: Cover Crops, Alfalfa, CRP, Turf, and Wildlife Mixes
September brings cooler nights, changing fields, and a fresh opportunity to prepare your land for the seasons ahead. Whether you manage acres of pasture, a family lawn, or a dedicated wildlife plot, now is the time to make strategic planting decisions that will pay off in both the short and long term.
This month, we’re focusing on five key areas: cover crops, alfalfa, CRP mixes, turf winterizing, and wildlife food plots.
Cover Crops
As silage comes off and harvest begins, it’s the perfect time to establish cover crops. Rye remains the most popular choice for its hardiness and versatility, but oats, winter wheat, and triticale are also strong options depending on your goals.
For added soil health benefits, consider pairing grains with brassicas like radish, turnips, or rape, and clovers for nitrogen fixation. These mixes can help control erosion, add organic matter, and set the stage for better yields next season.
Kaup Forage & Turf offers custom mixes, FSA-approved mixes, and packaging options from 50-pound bags to 2,000-pound totes or full semi loads.
Alfalfa
For the best establishment, plant alfalfa by September 10th. Selecting the right variety for your ground is key:
- KS55 – High yield for productive bottom ground
- KS48 – Versatile from sandy soils to clay hills
- KS51 – Branch root system for sub-irrigated ground
- Roundup Ready Alfalfa – Ideal for weedy or “dirtier” fields
Healthy stands started in the fall can deliver strong spring growth and long-term productivity.
CRP (Conservation Reserve Program)
Fall is also the time to prepare for CRP seeding. Contracts are coming due, and bringing in your seed mix list early ensures we can prepare ahead of the November 15th seeding start date.
CRP blends are highly diverse, often containing a mix of grasses, legumes, brassicas, forbs, and flowers. These plantings help protect soil, support wildlife habitat, and can enhance the ecological value of your acres. Kaup Forage & Turf stocks most CRP mix ingredients year-round.
Turf and Winterizing
As temperatures cool, homeowners, sports field managers, and municipalities should consider overseeding turf to improve density and health before winter. Options include fescue mixes, straight fescue, bluegrass mixes, shadow mix, and blends designed for golf courses and athletic fields.
When seeding, applying a starter fertilizer with weed control, such as Meso, can help reduce competition and promote strong establishment. For established turf, a final application of 33-7-7 can provide a nutrient boost before dormancy. September is also the last chance for broadleaf weed control with Q4 before winter sets in.
Wildlife Mixes
For hunters and conservationists, September is prime time to establish food plots. Popular blends this month include Pheasant Mix, Antler Builder, Field Mix, and Turkey Food Plot Mix.
Common fall plantings such as groundhog radish, purple top turnips, Appin turnips, brassicas, and winter rape offer high-quality forage that can regenerate after grazing. If a plot fails or needs quick green-up, seeding with winter wheat or rye in late September to early October can provide fast results and forage that lasts into spring.
Custom wildlife blends are also available to match your land and habitat goals.
Make September Count
The right decisions this month will help you finish strong in the fall and set your land up for a successful spring. Whether you’re seeding cover crops, establishing alfalfa, preparing CRP acres, winterizing turf, or planting wildlife plots, timing and planning are everything.
Talk to your local Kaup dealer or outlet to get the right mix for your needs, confirm planting windows, and make sure you’re ready to get the most out of every acre.