The Accidental Smallholder Forum
Smallholding => Land Management => Topic started by: Justkat on June 18, 2013, 05:23:03 pm
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I currently have a major problem with creeping buttercup, hogweed and foxgloves in my field. Half the field was sprayed in late May with depitox but it was pretty unsuccesful as we did it a bit too late. It did effect the buttercups to some extent but had no effect at all on the hogweed and foxgloves. The hogweed is common not giant. The field is grazed by ponies so it would be good to be able to get rid of them but I fear I'm fighting a losing battle.
Any recommendations, or should I just accept that the field is a mess and give up until next year?
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Pigs?
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Depitox should get them, but you may need to measure the pH of the soil - creeping buttercup loves acid and probably a good dose of lime will help keep them in check.
Sue
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Soil test maybe a good start?
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Pigs?
we kept pigs but saw no reduction in docks unless we sprayed and strimmed them down. if you are going the pig route - be prepared to disc harrow, roll and reseed the land afterwards as they leave deep ruts.
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I agree with Sue about the soil testing. But yes leave it till next year. The best approach would be to spray, plough, powerharrow and reseed, but it means you will be without for 12months. other option is to use somthing like a blec a vator and just do what you can afford to lose each year. Hope that helps.
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when i wanted my field sprayed and reseeded - i was told its best to do it in late summer / autumn as the weed plants are already up to be strayed (as opposed to spring when they are under the soil). then the field can be rested all winter and it should be cleaner sward than spring reseeding.
i have never done it tho.
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The reason behind doing it early in the season is that the plant will be drawing in more to grow at its fastest rate. Once it matures its intake slows and changes. Some plants require more than 1 treatment.