Field Management - docks,ragwort,thistles and hard work

[Horsewidow]

this is our second season owning several fields and its seems a never ending battle with the 1959 weeds act - i.e. to remove ragwort, dock leaves and thistles - I have been told by 'others' that the fields can be sprayed to only let grass grow (Yes!) - but what is it where do I get it and when do I spray it?

 

[Fleur100]

Have a word with your local farmer they might be able to spray the field for you as you need a license to spray. It is normally done in the spring as the shoots come through and the stock have to remain off the land for 5-7 days.

You will have to still dig up ragwort but it will get rid of docks and thistles for you.

 

[Horsewidow]

"local farmer" - in the the yellow pages?
I'm really looking for names of chemicals to buy and how to get a licence or a list of licenced sprayers

 

[Tia]

Broadsword and Grazon are a couple of broad leafed weedkillers, which is what you want. You have to be a farmer or a licenced sprayer to get them though. Once you get them, you'll need to have a tractor sprayer if your acreage is not manageable by foot.

Your best bet is to speak to a local farmer, as suggested above, and he should be able to put you in touch with someone who will help. If you aren't familiar with any of your neighbouring farmers then have a chat to the people at your local agricultural store and they should know of someone who can do the job for you.

As said, Spring is the time to spray.

 

[Faithkat]

Depitox - either watered on with watering can or sprayed thoroughly. Wonderful stuff, wiped out thistles and nettles for me and they haven't come back. I used the watering can method which is pretty labour intensive but worth it. I did it during late summer which may not be the ideal time (but was the only time I could have the horses off the field) and it still worked. I don't know where you are but I bought the Depitox from SCATS (aka Mole Valley Farmers). I tried Grazon as well and that worked ok but works out a bit more expensive than Depitox

Edited to say that you don't need a licence or anything - they just take your name and address much the same as when you buy wormers