The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Livestock => Pigs => Topic started by: little blue on February 15, 2012, 08:23:28 pm

Title: what hedge?
Post by: little blue on February 15, 2012, 08:23:28 pm

In the great moving-of-the=pigs-adventure-2012, we have the chance to plant a nice long length of hedging alongside the "paddock"

They already enjoy the taste of willow, beech, birch & hornbeam ... but what is best, for their health, for growing well, for native-ness & for blocking the nosey neighbours (who don't like pigs) for as much of the year as possible?

I'm thinking either beech (Fagus sylvatica)  or willow, but please can anyone suggest other suitable species,
thanks  :pig:

Title: Re: what hedge?
Post by: Eve on February 15, 2012, 09:54:51 pm

Quote

for blocking the nosey neighbours

A thorny one  ;)

Title: Re: what hedge?
Post by: princesspiggy on February 15, 2012, 10:13:51 pm

we planted poplars and they grow really fast, they are planted 3 ft apart as instructed, and by the first year they were 6 ft. the leaves are broad so block out the neighbours during the summer.the only thing is the goats and ponies love them so they are getting shorter again    grrr

Title: Re: what hedge?
Post by: little blue on February 16, 2012, 09:04:46 am

I want something that they can eat ... I still have scars from stripping the leaves off the hawthorn for them by hand :D

Title: Re: what hedge?
Post by: princesspiggy on February 19, 2012, 10:28:18 am

we got the poplars and willows from Bowhayes. not the cheapest but they do grow really fast.
we have a beautiful rosa rugosa hedging that wev planted in my late mothers house, took 5 years to grow and was a vintage variety. the tenants cut it all down to ground level last week. im sooo gutted. i dont know if it will grow back or not. i liked the fact is was edible and u could make rosehip jellies etc.