With 80% forbs and only 20% light, short-stature grasses, this mix creates a loose canopy that stays open at ground level, allowing young birds to move, forage, and feed while remaining concealed from predators. Species were selected for long bloom windows, rapid insect attraction, and strong persistence in Maine’s climate.
Performance Highlights
- High insect production = more protein for fast-growing chicks
- Short to mid-height structure designed for mobility under the canopy
- Long bloom season for continuous food and nectar value
- Suitable for edges, clearings, old fields, young forest, and logging landings
Species Included
Seeding Rate: 5–8 PLS lbs/acre
Seeds/ft²: Targeting 35–60 seeds/ft²
Forb:Grass Ratio: 80%:20%
Wildrye, Canada (VNS) (0.6), Bergamot, Wild (Prairie Beebalm) (0.6), Primrose, Pink Evening (0.4), Susan, Black-eyed (0.4), Bluestem, Little (VNS) (0.5), Goldenrod, Gray (Field) (Old Field) (0.5), Aster, Calico (0.25), Aster, New England (0.25), Vervain, Blue (0.5), Alexander, Golden (0.5). Created January 2026.
Site Prep
- Remove sod/competing vegetation.
- Best results:
- Spray summer prior → fall mow/thatched seedbed → frost-seed or drill.
Seeding Timing
- Best planted late fall (frost seeding) or spring when soil temperatures reach 50°F.
Seeding Method
- Drill preferred.
- Broadcast allowed only onto clean/firm seedbed
- Finish with cultipacker to ensure contact.
Management
- Year 1: Mow to 8–10" if annual weeds exceed 12–14".
- Year 2+: no-mow or rotational cut to maintain structure and woody suppression.
Best Uses
- Upland bird brood fields (quail, pheasant, turkey)
- Edges of food plots or logging landings
- Utility corridors & young forest restoration
- Fields transitioning out of tillage or pasture
