Getting rid of dock leaves...

[ABC]

I spent an hour and a half last night pulling up dock leaves, I didnt even manage to pull one whole "section"

So, if there a technique? Or anything else you recommend?

Btw, Im planning on getting 2 acres cut and baled for the farmer to take away, and the other acre left as it is. Can't wait to get it sorted but seems to be taking forever!

 

[*hic*]

Spray them, concentrate on looking really carefully for ragwort in the rosette stage instead.

 

[ABC]

There is no ragwort, scoured the fields for it yesterday and pulled a few small plants.

What would I spray them with?

Thanks

 

[*hic*]

I'd ask whoever was going to be doing the spraying what they'd recommend (And what they had part packs of to save some cash).

 

[TTK]

SBK Brushwood killer works on docks - use the dilution they recommend.

 

[ABC]

Okiedokie thanks,
Will have to try and see the farmer tonight

 

[ABC]

SBK Brushwood killer works on docks - use the dilution they recommend.

Thanks! I'll google

 

[jinglejoys]

I've got goats and mules but no docks

 

[ABC]

I've got goats and mules but no docks

Wanna lend me a couple ?

When I asked the farmer he told me to get a couple of goats I wish I could but I'd have no use for them once the docks have gone

If only you could rent a goat

 

[Tormenta]

We used to 'top' them before they seeded and it did help but now have 2 goats, great characters and dock eaters

 

[ABC]

Argh, I want a goat now

But its not practical... (Or thats what I'm telling myself )

 

[Tammytoo]

Best time to spray is Spring, but obviously that's not very helpful! I moved into a field that was about a three quarters grass and one quarter docks and used a weedkiller called Graze-on (Ithink it's called Headland now). I sprayed in Spring and it cleared the lot! I do get the odd one now but I either dig it up or spot spray it.

You could spray now to kill them (although it would probably be just as effective to cut them down) and then in Spring (April)next year spray to finish off the ones that seeded from this year.

 

[Twinkle Twinkle]

We used to dig them up by the root so every year there is less to get rid of.

 

[Tnavas]

You need to spray them in spring before they start flowering - when new leaves start to grow. They are hell to get rid of once they have started to flower.

When I've missed the early spray I go around with a blade weedeater and cut them off as low as possible and remove from the field. If you can prevent them from actually seeding you have at least reduced their numbers a little.