The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Smallholding => Techniques and skills => Topic started by: Carey boy on July 06, 2021, 07:02:31 pm

Title: doc's and spraying
Post by: Carey boy on July 06, 2021, 07:02:31 pm

Hi. one of my fields is over run with DOC'S. I intend to buy an ATV spraying kit. What I need to know is when should I spray (time of year) and what should I spray them with? Any help please. David

Title: Re: doc's and spraying
Post by: arobwk on July 06, 2021, 08:24:43 pm

Why not buy some sort of ATV mower instead and keep knocking them back before they produce seed ?!  I doubt the mower will cost much different to a sprayer and you don't really want to be dealing with nasty chemicals.  Just connect up a mower and whizz around without the need for PPE (well, maybe ear protection depending on how noisy your equipment is).The docs will expire idc if you keep at it !

Title: Re: doc's and spraying
Post by: twizzel on July 07, 2021, 11:07:22 am

I think you’d need to check if you need a license to spray with an atv before you buy one. If you do, then it’d be easier to get a contractor to spray it, they (or their agronomist) will advise what spray you need.

Title: Re: doc's and spraying
Post by: doganjo on July 08, 2021, 01:37:05 pm

Quote from: arobwk on July 06, 2021, 08:24:43 pm

Why not buy some sort of ATV mower instead and keep knocking them back before they produce seed ?!  I doubt the mower will cost much different to a sprayer and you don't really want to be dealing with nasty chemicals.  Just connect up a mower and whizz around without the need for PPE (well, maybe ear protection depending on how noisy your equipment is).The docs will expire idc if you keep at it !

I just have a third of an acre but docks everywhere so I'm taking my strimmer to them to chop off the flower heads

Title: Re: doc's and spraying
Post by: oor wullie on July 08, 2021, 06:29:52 pm

You will need your PA1 (pesticides handling) and PA2 (boom spraying) qualifications to spray from a quad.  Even if it's only on your own land.

It may be easier to get a contractor to do it.

Title: Re: doc's and spraying
Post by: Carey boy on July 10, 2021, 05:42:55 pm

Hi,
Thanks all for the feed back. I have a ride on mower and I have use that to mow the field for the passed  eight years in the hope they would go, but sadly no. The license, PA 1 and P A 2 never even crossed my mind. I think it could be time to start looking at sheep or checking the phone book for contractor's.

Many thanks
David

Title: Re: doc's and spraying
Post by: Fleecewife on July 10, 2021, 07:22:18 pm

Quote from: Carey boy on July 10, 2021, 05:42:55 pm

Hi,
Thanks all for the feed back. I have a ride on mower and I have use that to mow the field for the passed  eight years in the hope they would go, but sadly no. The license, PA 1 and P A 2 never even crossed my mind. I think it could be time to start looking at sheep or checking the phone book for contractor's.

Many thanks
David

Sheep don't really like docks much especially once they've started to go to seed, but SD's suggestion of grazing with goats is a good one  :goat:


ps I love the pic of your dog.