Erradicating a **** Buttercup infestation!?

Spyda

Spyda

Well-Known Member
Joined
30 October 2005
Messages
5,148
Location
U.K.
Visit site

Not had this problem before so not sure best way to tackle it. We're in South Devon and this year my paddocks are riddled with Buttercups. They're absolutely everywhere all of a sudden. What's the best way to get rid of them? I've a 3 acre paddock to treat. Also, because the adjacent field has them, will they spread back into my treated paddocks straightaway?
 
Spray, harrow and then treat with seaweed fertilizer. Simple systems Ltd used to do one, but can't find it on their website. You could try ringing them. ou will have to keep horses off for a hwile, but best thing is horses don't like eating them and grazing has to be really bare for them to attempt the bitter taste.
 
I have the same problem but I am moving in a few months and don't want to kick up a fuss with my lovely farmer. Would putting cows in the field for a few days help eat them up...I know they would grow back but maybe not so much??? Help I am clueless...
 
We sprayed some fields to eradicate them, but the stuff was incredibly expensive from Mole Valley, and you needed a contractor to use it as it is toxic.
I think it was around £128 which did three fields then the contractor was £85 on top..
Not sure where in S devon you are but he was from Widecombe I think.
 
Must be something going on this year perhaps due to last years bad weather? We've never had buttercups before but this year they are everywhere.
 
We've got masses of buttercups this year, I am pretty sure there was nothing like it in previous years but unfortunately we haven't been able to have any sheep in the field for some time - not sure if that's a cause or not.

I am quite worried about it after all the posts on here recently
frown.gif
 
you can use Grazon 90 for smaller areas - or Forefront. But Forefront can only be sprayed by a licensed contractor. I have just had 35 acres sprayed with forefront and it has cost me £560 for the chemicals alone. plus then £160 for the contractor. It gets rid of plantain, buttercup, nettles, docks, ragwort. You need to take the horses off for 7 days. It was fantastic watching the stuff die
ooo.gif
 
Its too late to spray to get rid of them now, (don't believe anyone who tells you that they can be killed effectively now) save your money and spray with a broadleaved weed spray now to knock them back and use the grazon in the spring next year when it will have a better effect on the younger b/cups. Also get the ph checked, b/cups are often a sign of low ph.
 
Can I join the buttercup infested gang? South Somerset here. I have been told to use Broadsword, which I think you can do yourself. I am going to check out an organic site I know and will get back to the forum if I have any input
 
If they are in flower, you are too late to spray to control.

I believe there are 'old man rights' to spray so if you can find someone over 60 I believe they can spray without a certificate.

However all you can really do now is top the paddocks to help stop them going to seed.
 
My research confirms the harrowing of the ground. Breaks up the plants. Most of the weedkillers are not nice stuff, not least for us humans. It appears to be down to the wet conditions we have had. They like the wet weather - so good drainage would help. Most curious suggestions are SALT - just common salt and even vinegar...I was waiting for chips to be suggested as well. So may be worth salting an area and see what happens. I am going to give it a try any one else want to join me and provide feedback???
 
Get some sheep!! I know it sounds very silly, but the farmer next door to us does not have one buttercup on his land, and he claims this is due to his sheep. However we are covered with buttercups, my horses legs are turning yellow from the pollen and my dads horse has buttercup rash!

A more pratical way may be to spray them! Good luck in getting rid of them!
 

If we top the flowering buttercups in my paddock, do we have to rake up the cut plants. Worried she might eat the dried plants?
 
Dead buttercups are not poisonous (unlike ragwort). I use Forefront and spray it myself
confused.gif
, calcified seaweed as an occasional fertiliser and borrow next-door's sheep. If I don't do all three, the sods come back. I was told it was my drainage, though my fields aren't bad at all.........
 
Having tried simple salt on a test area, the plants are withering and dying. I am mindful of not putting on too much in case this affects the ground too much. I have applied it dry and I am going to try a larger area shortly, one dry and one in solution. The trouble with sheep is that you need a nice farmer who will take them away before they destroy everything. Ta
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top