Built to hide nests, raise broods, and stand tall through the seasons.
This dense, diverse planting combines hardy cool-season grasses with sunflower and legume powerhouses to create thick structure, reliable forage, and long-lasting cover wildlife depend on. From nesting hens in spring to winter shelter later in the year, this mix delivers height, density, and durability where it matters most.
Suggested Use
- Pheasant & quail nesting fields
- Grassland bird buffers
- Field borders, corners, and set-asides
- Winter cover near food plots
- Transition habitat between cropland and wetlands
Seeding Tips
- Native grass drill with small-seed box
- Separate grass and forb boxes if possible
- Broadcast seeding + cultipacking
- Increase rate by ~25% if broadcasting
Planting Timing
- Late fall / dormant seeding (Nov–Dec)
- Early spring (soil temps 45–55°F)
Avoid:
- Mid-summer seeding
- Late spring when weeds are aggressive
Establishment Expectations
- Year 1: grasses + annual sunflowers dominate
- Year 2: legumes fill in
- Year 3+: full nesting structure achieved
Do not mow during nesting season once established.
Includes (#s/ac): Orchardgrass (0.6), Wildrye, Blue (1.7), Slender Wheatgrass (2), Annual Sunflower (0.5), Maximillian Sunflower (0.6), Alfalfa (VNS) (1.25), Yellow Sweetclover (0.2), Sandberg Bluegrass (0.45), Tall Wheatgrass (3). Updated January 2026.
Note: All of our mixes can be customized to meet your needs.
