Millet Seed for Lawns

What Is Millet?

• Millet is a group of small seeded grasses grown as a cereal crop often in adverse climates, such as those that undergo frequent droughts. It has a slightly sweet, nutty flavor and has similar uses as those of other cereals. Millet contains about 15 percent protein and is high in B vitamins. Besides its use as a cereal, millet's fast-growing abilities help preserve agricultural land from wind and water erosion in between plantings of other crops.

Uses for Millet

• Millet is a versatile crop that comes in a variety of cultivars. Farmers and gardeners use it as cattle forage, a food crop, a source of birdseed or a cover crop to prevent soil erosion and depletion of nutrients from the soil. As a lawn grass, millet provides a root cover to help protect the soil while warm season turfgrasses such as Bahia grass and bermudagrass germinate. Millet can be made into oatmeal, an alcoholic beverage, bread or a stuffing for filled dishes.

Growing Millet Lawns

• Millet seeds require 60 to 70 days of growing season before frost. Plant millet in rows 6 to 8 inches apart on level, loose soil. Wider spacing can encourage heavy weed growth. Millet will not germinate in cool, moist soil. Waiting for warmer soil conditions to plant the seed will increase the number of plants produced. Remove all weed plants from the seed bed before planting. Plant the seeds 1/2- to 1-inch deep, according to Texas A&M University agronomist R.D. Baker. Millet thrives in dry conditions so do not over water plants. Millet grows quickly so you must mow it to keep it to the desired height.

Problems of Millet Lawns

• Grasshoppers, armyworms and chinch bugs can become a problem on millet seed lawns. Treat the area with carbaryl or another insecticide recommended by your local agricultural extension service. Where excessive weed growth is a problem, the use of 2,4-D or atrazine can help to control the problem, but do not use these compounds when the millet is heading or flowering, according to Purdue University.