| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| minimate |
Posted - 24 May 2010 : 11:33:13 AM
Hi,
We have recently purchased a small (less that an acre, paddock)
We have had it cleared and seeded but unfortunately since seeding (7 weeks ago) we have had very little rain.
We now seem to be getting overtaken by thistles and thousands of (currently tiny) dock seedlings!
We have hand pulled a lot of the thistles (hundreds!)but the docks may be too much if they start to take hold.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated - I am concerned about losing the small amount of new grass growth we have so far. |
| 6 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| MinHe |
Posted - 25 May 2010 : 10:47:15 PM
Our farmer also sprays off the back of a quad bike, so small areas are no problem. Quite a few use this method so you might be able to find one who'd do it for you.
Keren |
| Roseanne |
Posted - 25 May 2010 : 12:34:20 PM
You could get or borrow a back-pack sprayer and do it yourselves if it's that small. If you have a farmers' suppliers near you, you could phone and ask them their advice. They'd probably be able to supply you with the right broad-leaf weed killer too.
Our local farmer has small machinery and he goes round doing pony paddocks when he does his own, around April. He also spreads fertilizer for them. |
| minimate |
Posted - 25 May 2010 : 12:04:26 PM
Many thanks for the suggestions.
I don't really want to use chemicals if we can avoid it but we may have to go down that route. Its a shame as the paddock is very old and was not used - it has not had any chemicals on it for at least 20 years. Luckily the horses will only be on it part time so at least we can try and get the paddock sorted while they are in rented down the road.
How do I find a contractor who could spray for me if needed- the area is so small that it is too small for most agricultural contractors? |
| sasha |
Posted - 24 May 2010 : 3:54:28 PM
I think you will find that the grass needs to be established ( 6 months) before you can spray, we reseeded 3 acres a couple of years ago, had the same problem, but the following year we rolled, sprayed and topped the field before it was grazed by the horses.You could nip out the seed heads of large weeds to stop spread of seed for this year, or get the weeds topped before they seed? |
| Roseanne |
Posted - 24 May 2010 : 1:05:12 PM
It's bound to happen when the earth has been disturbed. A broad-leaf weed killer sounds the solution. I'd be wanting to stop that dock infestation before it starts. They take up ALL the grazing if not kept in check.
Great to have your own paddock though!! ~What a bonus. |
| Loopy Lou and Saahm |
Posted - 24 May 2010 : 12:34:37 PM
Hi Minimate, we had the same problem last year. We put grass seed down on Easter Monday and had no rain for most of the summer. The grass barely grew but we had masses of Nightshade (poisonous). Me and my Husband ended up pulling most of it by hand. Luckily this year we have not had the same problem so far. It might be worth a call to a local chemicals company to see if they can recommend a herbicide that will kill the weeds but not the young grass but it depends how you feel about using chemicals  |
