Author Topic: CLEARENCE (Read 1863 times)

harry · « **on:** January 13, 2013, 10:19:56 am »

trying to clear a meadow up this spring.... was mostly grass which is what i want but nettles and docks are taking over.... whats the best spray to use..... i suppose roundup but wanted something a bit more commercial agricultural and possibly cheaper

Dogwalker · « **Reply #1 on:** January 13, 2013, 04:47:04 pm »

Goats!!

goosepimple · « **Reply #2 on:** January 13, 2013, 04:54:57 pm »

You have to check out what's in there before you put in any livestock - and believe it or not, some goats are fussy, Anglo Nubians are the type that eat everything plus your laundry I think.

harry · « **Reply #3 on:** January 13, 2013, 07:02:06 pm »

no...definatly no goats....want it for ducks this year

goosepimple · « **Reply #4 on:** January 13, 2013, 07:47:55 pm »

We've used various products but you will have to wait 6 months before putting anything on it - ducks will dabble in it enthusiastically especially if muddy or wet and chemicals may still be in the soil. Could you burn it, then dig it over (or get a digger or some such) and burn it again, get the roots. A bit like decorating - prep is everything and will serve you well.

Ina · « **Reply #5 on:** January 13, 2013, 08:21:05 pm »

As far as I know, nothing really will get rid of docks and nettles for good. Nothing chemical/commercial/whatever. Goats are good for keeping the stuff in check - but won't eliminate it altogether, either.

If it's not too big an area, I would just go in again and again and cut it back, to weaken it considerably. That is, if goats (for grazing down) or pigs (for uprooting - or preferably both!) isn't an option. (Think of all the wonderful nettle "tea" you can make... I wish I had some clean nettle available here!)