Question
I have purchased some cedar seeds and am attempting
a re forestation of a woodland area to cedar trees.
Part is swap land and the remainder is drooling hills surrounding
the swamp.
   Is it at all possible to germinate the seeds and then
broadcast them similar to feeding chickens around the swamp
and side hills and have a 10% success rate in cedar growth per
cedar seed???
   We are preparing to do so and wondered what would increase our
success and if it would even work.
   Should we use lime and fertilizer prior to broadcasting the seeds??? Turning the soil is not possible due to the many wet areas. our broadcast date is may 6th and we are in Vermont???

Sherman???

Answer
Sherman, I would not apply lime and fertilizer until the seeds germinate. They will do nothing to enhance the germination rate.

I'm not sure how big the area is, but I always advocate pre-planned seeding in specific locations rather than broadcasting. If the area is small enough, you can systematically place two or three seeds every 10 feet just below the surface of the soil. If it is large, your only option is to broadcast. Your success rate would be greater with the former, and I would agree with your 10% estimate on the latter.  Since the seeds take several weeks to germinate, you can plant anytime between now and Memorial Day.  Regardless of which method you use, just be sure that the seed makes good contact with the soil.

Good luck. I wish you success.

Regards,

Mike