Ready for the meadow season? - Grazing, management & interesting facts

What is a horse pasture?

Whether pasture, paddock or meadow, depending on the region, there are different terms for where horses are allowed to graze and move around outside. In the technical sense, however, a horse pasture is a purposefully used, fenced area with site-appropriate vegetation that is used for grazing by horses. It is a habitat, exercise area and source of feed at the same time.

➡️ Video tip: Proper care of horse pastures - how to create a healthy feed base!
‍Whether it'scoat change, muscle development or metabolism: healthy pastures are the basis for healthy horses. In this video, you'll find out what really matters when it comes to maintaining horse pastures - from choosing the right grasses to soil analysis and combating poisonous plants. Watch now and improve the forage quality of your pasture in the long term!

The term "horse pasture" therefore not only stands for a green area, but for a system that, when properly cared for, fulfills the health, social and natural needs of horses. A well-designed horse pasture is the heart of any species-appropriate husbandry.

Pasture, paddock, paddock or meadow - what's the difference?

Colloquially, terms such as paddock, pasture or meadow are often used synonymously. From a technical point of view, however, there are clear differences:

• Horse pasture / paddock: A fenced area with grass cover for direct grazing by horses - in many regions the term paddock is used synonymously.
• Meadow: Primarily used to produce fodder (e.g. for hay), but not necessarily grazed.
• Paddock: A paved, often grass-free area for exercise, usually located directly next to the stable.

A horse on pasture can therefore graze and move freely - in contrast to a horse in a paddock, which is often kept in a more controlled environment.

Why do horses belong in the pasture?

A horse on pasture lives much closer to its natural behavior than in a box or paddock. The advantages are manifold:

• Exercise: Horses cover several kilometers a day on a sufficiently large pasture - this is essential for joints, circulation and muscles.
• Social behavior: In the herd, horses can act out their natural behavior: play, rest, clarify hierarchy.
• Feed intake: Grass is the horse's original basic feed. On the pasture, the horse eats for many hours - in small portions to suit its digestion.

Horses that are regularly out in the pasture or paddock are usually more balanced, more resilient and happier.

How long should a horse stand in the pasture?

The ideal duration of grazing depends on many factors: the time of year, the quality of the grass, the condition of the ground, the health of the horse and general husbandry. After successful grazing, horses are normally turned out to pasture as follows:

• 2-4 hours a day are often sufficient during the grazing period or for sensitive animals.
• 4-8 hours is a good guideline for normal summer grazing.
• With appropriate preparation and a suitable area, 24-hour grazing is also possible for horses - for example as part of year-round grazing.

The decisive factor is always how well the pasture is structured and maintained for horses - and whether there is protection from the weather and additional feeding.

Horse in pasture, paddock or stable? - A comparison

The decision between pasture, paddock or stabling depends on the individual possibilities and needs of the horse:

A horse on pasture lives closest to nature, but only with good organization and careful pasture management is this form of husbandry healthy and sustainable in the long term.

Grazing: forms, rules and challenges

Part-time or year-round grazing for horses?

When keeping horses on pasture, a basic distinction is made between part-time grazing and year-round grazing:

• Part-time grazing means that horses are only grazed for hours or seasonally - for example during the day in summer or only at weekends. This form is widespread and can also be combined with stable or paddock keeping.
• The year-round grazing of horses, on the other hand, enables an almost natural lifestyle: horses live permanently outside - in all weathers, day and night.

Both variants have their advantages and disadvantages - although the year-round form places particularly high demands on space, infrastructure and management.

24-hour grazing for horses - what must be fulfilled?

Keeping a horse on pasture 24 hours a day sounds species-appropriate at first - but it only makes sense if certain conditions are met:

• Weatherproof shelters (e.g. pasture huts)
• Accessible drinking troughs with clean water
• Weatherproof, dry lying area
• Sufficient grazing area per horse
• Protection from insects, heat and cold

If these elements are missing, a horse can quickly become physically and mentally overwhelmed when grazing 24 hours a day.

Horses on pasture all year round - is that really possible?

Keeping horses on pasture all year round is possible under certain conditions - especially with robust breeds and appropriately adapted husbandry. The important thing is:

• a load-bearing, drained soil that does not become a muddy desert
• Rotational grazing management to avoid overgrazing
• Weather-adapted feeding, e.g. with hay and minerals
• Regular checks on the animals - even in storms, snow or constant rain

Year-round grazing quickly reaches its limits, especially in regions with high rainfall or frost.

What does the Animal Welfare Act stipulate for keeping horses on pasture?

According to the Animal Welfare Act, horses may only be kept in such a way that their needs are met - regardless of whether they are kept in a stable or on pasture. The following principles apply to grazing:

• Horses must have access to water at all times and to shelter in extreme weather conditions
• The owner is obliged to check the animals at least once a day
• The pasture must be free from sources of danger (e.g. poisonous plants or sharp-edged objects)

These requirements apply in particular to year-round grazing - violations can result in severe penalties.

Horses without shelter: allowed or not?

The topic of "Animal welfare: horses without shelter" is legally unambiguous - and often controversial in practice. In principle, the following applies:

• When grazing all year round, there must be protection from the weather - such as a pasture hut, groups of trees or a natural windbreak
• In the warm season, a natural shaded area may be sufficient for daytime grazing
• A dry, draught-free retreat must be available in winter or in constant rain

Horses that are permanently out on pasture without shelter are not only at the mercy of the weather - they can also develop behavioral disorders or health problems.

How much grazing area per horse is required by law?

According to experts, the recommended grazing area per horse is at least 0.5 to 1 hectare - depending on soil quality, care and intensity of use. This is prescribed by law:

• At least 1500-2000 m² of pasture per horse for healthy grazing
• Correspondingly more for year-round grazing - as areas need to recover
• Additional buffer area for group housing and to prevent trampling damage

Pastures that are too small or overgrazed not only lead to feed shortages, but also increase the risk of injury and disease.

Horses out in the pasture in the rain: useful or harmful?

Many horse owners ask themselves: "Can my horse go out to pasture when it's raining?" The answer is yes - but under certain conditions.

• Healthy, robust horses with a winterproof coat or rain rug tolerate rain well
• It is important to provide a dry retreat (e.g. shelter)
• Sensitive horses (sweet itch sufferers, seniors) should only stand outside in mild rain and on non-muddy ground
• Continuous rainfall can severely damage the pasture - leading to trampling damage, erosion and muddy ground

Grazing: how to get the grazing season off to the right start

What is the meaning of "grazing" in horses?

Grazing (also known as "Angraiden") refers to the slow acclimatization of the horse to fresh pasture grass at the beginning of the grazing season. After the winter months, when horses were mainly fed hay, the digestive tract is more sensitive and the sudden switch to energy-rich spring grass can lead to digestive problems, colic or even laminitis.

In horses on pasture, grazing ensures a controlled adaptation to the changed feed content, especially to the high sugar content of the young grass.

Procedure and schedule for healthy grazing

A structured schedule is crucial to grazing your horse healthily. The duration of grazing depends on the weather, the grass growth, the horse's health and the way it is kept:

• In spring, as soon as the pasture is viable (not too wet, sufficient growth)
• With 10-15 minutes daily, preferably after feeding hay
• Then gradually increase by 5-10 minutes per day
• After approx. 2-3 weeks it can be extended to several hours a day
• After 4-6 weeks at the earliest , 24-hour grazing makes sense - for robust animals and good pasture quality

Typical mistakes when speeding - and how to avoid them

The following mistakes are often made at the start of the grazing season:

• Grazing too quickly: 1-2 hours suddenly on lush grass is too much for an unprepared horse
• No time buffer: grazing is often started too late, even though the grazing season is already underway
• Grass on an empty stomach: Horses should eat hay beforehand - this reduces grass intake and dampens blood sugar spikes
• No observation: First signs of diarrhea, sluggishness or hoof heat must be taken seriously

Well thought-out grazing protects the horse's health and optimally prepares the metabolism for the summer grazing season.

Horse drools after grazing - what could be the reason?

Horse owners repeatedly report that their horses drool after grazing. This phenomenon can have various causes:

• Moist, particularly juicy grasses promote saliva production
• Irritation in the mouth due to certain plants (e.g. buttercups or clover)
• In rare cases, it may be a reaction to molds or poisonous plants

As long as the horse is fit and symptom-free, there is usually no cause for concern. However, if drooling occurs regularly after grazing or is accompanied by other abnormalities, the pasture plants should be checked carefully.

Planting pastures & caring for them properly

What makes a good pasture for horses?

A high-quality horse pasture fulfills several functions at once: It provides the horse with exercise, food and social contact - but only if it is safe, rich in nutrients and easy to maintain. A good pasture for horses should:

• be tread-resistant and load-bearing (even in wet conditions)
• provide sufficiently structured areas for eating, resting and running
• have a dense, species-rich plant population
• be free of poisonous plants
• are regularly maintained and protected if necessary

The quality of the area is particularly important when keeping horses on pasture all year round. A poorly laid out or overused pasture quickly loses its value - for both horse and owner.

Soil, location and plant composition - the foundation of the pasture

Even at the planning stage, it is important to remember that not every type of ground is suitable for horse pasture. Ideal are:

• Loamy, well-drained soils that store water but do not cause waterlogging
• Flat or slightly sloping terrain with good trafficability
• A location with sufficient light and wind - this keeps the soil healthy

The composition of the grasses also determines success. A balanced mixture of robust, tread-resistant forage grasses forms the basis for a long-lasting horse pasture.

Grass varieties for horse pasture - robust and rich in nutrients

Not all grass is suitable for horses. Particularly recommended grass types for horse pasture are:

• Timothy: high forage value, good winter hardiness
• Perennial ryegrass: tread-resistant and fast-growing - but be careful with sensitive horses, as it can be very high in sugar
• Red fescue and cocksfoot: drought-resistant and long-lived

Avoid poisonous plants in the horse pasture

One of the greatest dangers in the pasture are poisonous plants for horses. Even small amounts of certain species can be harmful or even fatal. Typical dangerous plants are

• ragwort
• Autumn crocus
• Field bindweed (poisonous for horses)
• Celandine, bracken, yew, laburnum
• Small clover (poisonous under certain conditions when present in masses)

Some grasses and trees can also be problematic - e.g. hazelnut (poisonous to horses) or unsuitable types of willow. Regular checks and the timely removal of suspicious plants are mandatory.

Reseeding pasture without rolling?

Yes, but with restrictions. If you want to reseed your horse pasture without rolling, you must observe the following:

• The surface should be as level as possible so that the seed is not washed away
• Direct sowing or trailed seed drills are particularly suitable
• After sowing, the pasture must rest for a few weeks so that the plants can germinate

Rolling normally provides the necessary soil contact - if this is missing, the germination rate can drop significantly. Nevertheless, reseeding without rolling is an option if mechanical application is not possible.

What to do if a horse's pasture has been eaten away?

A grazed pasture is not only unproductive, but also dangerous - it loses nutritional value, becomes patchy and tends to become weedy. The causes are often:

• Overgrazing without rest periods
• Pasture area too small per horse
• No rotation or reseeding

The solution: breaks in grazing, targeted reseeding with suitable grasses and, if necessary, short-term closure of individual plots. Mulching also helps to promote growth and suppress unwanted plants.

Pasture maintenance: mulching, fertilizing and reseeding

A healthy horse pasture needs regular care. This includes:

• Mulching: Removes dead grass, stimulates growth and reduces parasites
• Re-seeding: Especially in spring or fall - ideal after heavy use
• Fertilization: As horse-friendly as possible - no nitrogen-heavy fertilization
• Harrowing and rolling (if required): for aeration and soil improvement

Only with regular pasture management will the horse pasture remain nutrient-rich, resilient and healthy in the long term.

Caution, poisonous: you should know these plants!

Many horse owners are unaware of how many poisonous plants can be found in a horse's pasture. Even a small amount is often enough to cause health problems, from colic to severe liver damage. Particularly dangerous: some plants taste bitter when fresh, but lose this taste when they dry or wither and are then eaten unintentionally. You should know the poisonous plants on this list of poisonous plants for horses and remove them from your pasture:

Poisonous grasses and trees for horses, not all greenery is healthy

Not only flowering plants and herbs can be poisonous - grasses and trees also pose an underestimated danger. For example:

• Perennial ryegrass can cause irritation in sensitive horses with metabolic problems, especially if the fructose content is high
• Small clover can be problematic for horses under certain conditions (e.g. fungal infestation)
• Hazelnut bushes contain toxic substances, especially in the leaves and bark
• Field bindweed is increasingly common on grazed pastures - and is poisonous to horses

Some trees are also considered problematic. Not every pasture tree is harmless to horses - the decisive factor is whether the leaves, bark or seeds are toxic.

Which trees are poisonous to horses?

The following selection shows which trees in the pasture can be poisonous to horses - especially if branches or foliage are eaten:

• Oak (acorns toxic in large quantities)
• Maple (especially sycamore maple) - can trigger the dangerous atypical pasture myopathy
• Robinia (false acacia) - highly toxic in all parts of the plant
• Laburnum - extremely poisonous, even in small doses
• Hazelnut - questionable depending on the amount ingested
• Walnut tree - unripe nuts and leaves are problematic

If you have trees in your horse pasture, you should check them regularly - fallen leaves or drooping branches can be a danger, especially in the fall.

Ryegrass in horses - feed basis or risk?

Ryegrass (Lolium perenne) is one of the most commonly used types of grass on horse pastures - and is generally not poisonous. Nevertheless, there are a few points to bear in mind:

• High fructan content (e.g. due to dryness or strong sunlight) can be problematic for horses that are sensitive to metabolism (EMS, laminitis)
• Heavily fertilized ryegrass can lead to an unbalanced nutrient supply
• In some cases, endophyte infestation has been described, which can lead to health problems (rare, but relevant)

Conclusion: Ryegrass is suitable for many horses, but should not dominate the pasture as the sole type of grass.

Pasture management throughout the year

A horse pasture is not a self-runner - it must be maintained, controlled and adapted to the needs of the animals all year round. Depending on the season, the requirements for soil conditions, feeding, protective measures and grazing technology change. If you want to keep your horses on pasture all year round, you need a well-thought-out plan.

Horses on pasture in summer: what's important now

For many horses, the summer months are the best time in the pasture - but they also bring challenges:

• Shady areas are essential. Large trees, a pasture shelter or a mobile pasture hut for horses protect against overheating and sunburn.
• Sufficient water must be available at all times. Fresh, clean water from frost-proof drinking troughs or grazing troughs is mandatory.
• Insect protection plays an important role. Horse flies, midges and black flies can become a real nuisance - keyword: summer pasture and horses with eczema.

The pasture feed also changes: in dry phases, the nutritional value of the grass can decrease - targeted supplementary feeding with hay may then be necessary.

Horses out to pasture in winter: sensible or problematic?

Putting horses out to pasture in winter is generally possible - but not suitable for every farm or every animal. Decisive factors are:

• Stable, non-muddy ground
• A dry, wind-protected shelter (e.g. horse pasture hut)
• Adequate roughage supply on the pasture
• Regular health checks

Especially in wet conditions, ice or heavy frost, grazing in winter can be a burden - for horses, sward and infrastructure. In many cases, a paddock with hay feed is the better alternative.

24-hour grazing: what must be fulfilled?

A horse on 24-hour grazing needs more than just a green area. The following requirements must be met for healthy, long-term grazing:

• Load-bearing floor that does not become muddy even when it rains
• Sufficiently large grazing area per horse - ideal with rotational grazing
• A stable, weatherproof shelter - e.g. a permanently installed pasture hut
• Access to clean water - even in winter
• Additional feeding with hay or silage, especially in nutrient-poor phases
• Regular care: fertilization, reseeding, parasite management

A 24-hour pasture is only really species-appropriate and sustainable for horses if these conditions are met.

Technology and infrastructure in the pasture: what really makes sense

The right equipment ensures safety, comfort and longevity - both for the animals and for you as the owner. Important elements:

• Pasture hut for horses: weatherproof, well-ventilated shelter with sufficient space
• Panels grazing gate: flexible metal frames, ideal for temporary partitions or mobile grazing systems
• Pasture fence 24 / Pasture fence 2A: current-carrying fences for continuous herding security - even with 24-hour grazing
• Galvanized pasture gates: durable, robust and safe - even for large groups

A good infrastructure is the backbone of any functioning grazing system for horses - and pays off particularly in difficult weather conditions.

Trees in the pasture: willow trees, fruit trees & co

Do horses need trees in the pasture?

Trees in horse pastures are more than just decoration. They provide shade, protect against wind and rain and improve the microclimate - especially in open areas without shelter. Horses like to use groups of trees as a resting place and weather protection, especially in summer.

But not every tree is safe for horses. Some species can be poisonous due to their leaves, bark or fruit, while others pose a risk of injury or encourage food envy in groups.

Willow trees in the pasture - allowed or dangerous?

Willow trees (Salix) - such as the weeping willow or silver willow - occur naturally on many damp pastures. They are not considered poisonous to horses as long as an excessive amount of bark or twigs is not ingested.

Advantages:

• Donate pleasant shade
• Horses use them for entertainment (nibbling, scraping)
• Contain natural tannins and salicin, which have a mild anti-inflammatory effect

However, excessive consumption can lead to digestive problems in sensitive horses. Therefore, willow trees in the horse pasture should be monitored and protected if necessary, for example by attaching nibble guards.

Fruit trees on pasture - a problem?

Fruit trees such as apple, plum or cherry trees are often found on old pastures - but they are not always ideal:

• Fallen fruit is often eaten in large quantities, which can lead to colic or fermentation in the intestines
• Some fruit pits (e.g. cherry or plum pits) contain toxic hydrocyanic acid compounds
• Ripe fruit attracts wasps and bees - risk of stings!

If you have fruit trees in your horse's pasture, you should remove the fallen fruit regularly and restrict access for certain horses (e.g. with metabolic problems).

Which trees are poisonous to horses and which are safe?

Not all trees are suitable for horse pasture. Here is a brief overview:

Safe (in moderation):

• Willow (Salix)
• Birch
• Lime tree
• Maple-leaved plane tree
• Field maple (not to be confused with sycamore maple!)

Toxic / problematic:

• Sycamore maple - can cause atypical pasture myopathy
• Laburnum, robinia, yew, boxwood - highly toxic
• Walnut, hazelnut, cherry laurel - depending on quantity and condition (e.g. mold) questionable
• Fruit trees - critical due to fallen fruit & seeds

INFOBOX: A complete list of poisonous trees and plants can be found in the section "Poisonous plants in the pasture" - ideal for pasture control in spring and fall.

Conclusion: Trees yes, but not indiscriminately

Trees in horse pastures are valuable - but only if they are carefully selected and controlled. Look out for:

• Fairness of location
• No highly toxic species
• Regular care and observation
• If necessary: nibbling and browsing protection on young trees

In this way, willow trees, fruit trees etc. become a real added value in the pasture - for your horse and for the ecological balance.

Practical tips for safe pasture equipment

Safety first

No matter how beautiful and species-rich a horse pasture is, it is of no use if it is not escape-proof, injury-free and practicable. The choice of fence, gate and shelter plays a decisive role in animal welfare, workload and pasture maintenance. High-quality, well-thought-out solutions are essential, especially for year-round grazing or 24-hour grazing.

Pasture fencing for horses: what is important?

A pasture fence for horses must first and foremost be visible, stable and current-carrying. They have proven themselves:

• Electric fences with broadband wire - highly visible, flexible in use
• Pasture fence posts made of plastic or recycled material - durable and weatherproof
• Weidezaun 24 / Weidezaun 2A - stands for reliable complete systems with continuous power supply and tested safety

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Pasture gates & panels

Access to the horse pasture should be practical, safe and stress-free for both humans and animals. Various systems have proven their worth here:

• Galvanized horse pasture gate: durable, weatherproof and with a secure locking mechanism
• Panels for horses: ideal for mobile fences, temporary partitions or emergency runs
• Ideally, you should buy professional-quality pasture gates - with round tubes, smooth weld seams and adjustable widths

Especially when keeping groups, it is important that gates can be opened easily and quietly - without the risk of injury from pinching or sharp edges.

Pasture hut for horses: retreat with function

A pasture hut is indispensable on a horse pasture, especially for year-round grazing or 24-hour use. It offers:

• Protection from sun, rain, wind and snow
• A dry berth in bad weather
• Retreat and rest areas for social stress

Good pasture huts for horses are made of stable, weatherproof materials such as wood or metal, have a sufficient room height (at least 2.5 m) and a non-slip, well-drained floor substrate (e.g. paddock slabs with sand or wood chippings).

Conclusion: technology that suits the posture

The best pasture equipment for horses is the one that suits the type of husbandry, herd structure and area. Pay attention to:

• High-quality, highly visible pasture fencing
• Panels and doors with sophisticated handling
• Weatherproof, horse-friendly shelters
• A safe, clear structure for the daily routine

This makes the pasture not only a species-appropriate habitat, but also a safe and comfortable working environment.

Conclusion: The horse pasture - species-appropriate, but demanding

A well-planned and well-maintained horse pasture is much more than just a green area. It is a habitat, a source of feed, an incentive to exercise and a place of well-being - and therefore a central component of horse-friendly husbandry. Whether part-time grazing, year-round grazing or 24-hour grazing: each form places different demands on space, infrastructure and management.

If you want to keep horses on pasture, you need to be familiar with ground care, fencing systems, poisonous plants and feeding as well as legal requirements and animal welfare aspects. Trees, shelters, drinking troughs and a well thought-out grazing plan ensure that horses feel comfortable - and that the grazing area remains usable in the long term.

With the necessary knowledge, regular care and good observation skills, your horse pasture will become the heart of species-appropriate, healthy and natural horsekeeping - all year round.

Important questions and answers about the horse grazing season

How big should the pasture be for 2 horses?

At least 1-2 hectares of pasture are recommended for two horses - depending on soil quality, duration of use and care management. For year-round grazing, the area should be significantly larger to avoid overgrazing.

How long after fertilizing is a horse not allowed to graze?

As a rule, horses should not be allowed onto the land for at least 3-4 weeks after the application of artificial fertilizer or liquid manure - or until no more fertilizer is visible and at least one heavy rain has fallen.

Can I reseed my pasture by hand?

Yes, it is possible to reseed the pasture by hand - especially on small areas or for targeted improvement of individual spots. It is important to distribute the seed evenly and, if possible, to work it into the soil for better soil contact.

Why does my horse suddenly have watery stools in the pasture?

Watery stools after grazing can be caused by a sudden change of feed, too much fresh grass, stress or an unfavorable bacterial balance in the gut. Certain types of grass or herbs in the pasture can also play a role.

How big does a pasture have to be for 4 horses?

For four horses, the horse pasture should cover at least 2 to 4 hectares - depending on the time of year, the intensity of use and the planned feeding. Rotational grazing is particularly useful for intensive grazing.

How long can a deer horse be put out to pasture?

This depends very much on the course of the disease. Deer horses are usually only allowed on grass pastures to a very limited extent or not at all, especially not on young, high-fructose grass. Structured grazing control and, if necessary, grass avoidance are advisable.

Why are horses not allowed out to pasture in winter?

Horses are generally allowed to graze in winter as long as certain conditions are met: firm ground, a shelter protected from the weather, adequate feeding and daily checks. It becomes problematic when the ground is wet and muddy, as the sward is destroyed and the horses run the risk of injuring themselves or becoming muddy.

How long are ponies allowed to graze?

Ponies often have lower energy requirements than large horses and are more susceptible to metabolic problems. Therefore, their grazing time - especially in spring - should be built up slowly and monitored closely. Depending on the breed, state of health and pasture quality, 2 to 6 hours a day is often sufficient.

How much pasture can a horse eat?

Willow trees (Salix) are generally not considered poisonous to horses. Small amounts of willow twigs or bark are often nibbled with pleasure. However, larger quantities can lead to digestive problems. The following applies: Only allow in moderation and monitor intake.

However, when we talk about pasture grass (grass on the horse pasture), the following applies: An adult horse can consume between 40 and 80 kg of fresh grass per day, depending on its size, exercise and metabolism. This corresponds to around 8-12 kg of dry matter and thus covers a large part of the energy and nutrient requirements.

However, it is not only the quantity that is decisive, but also the quality and composition of the grass:

• Young pasture grass in spring contains particularly high levels of sugar (fructan) - this can lead to laminitis, colic or diarrhea in sensitive horses.
• It is therefore important to start slowly in order to protect the digestive tract.
• For horses that feed easily or are at risk of laminitis, the intake must be controlled or limited with a muzzle.

Conclusion: For healthy horses on a balanced pasture, free access to grass is generally unproblematic - as long as the changeover is gradual and the animals are checked regularly.

When should the pasture be reseeded in spring?

The best time to reseed the horse pasture in spring is from March to May, as soon as the soil is frost-free, slightly moist and stable. Days with light rain or overcast skies are ideal - this ensures that the seed germinates evenly and does not dry out immediately.