Paddock maintenance now its finally getting a break!

[Kacey88]

Hello!

My one acre paddock is finally getting a well deserved break. Its very very eaten down, muddy in parts and has been in use for quite a while.

So I have a boom sprayer, lots of energy and some time on my hands. There are some nettles I know, lots and lots of buttercups, dandelion and daisy. I'm sure in a few weeks I'll find out exactly what's growing now its not being grazed.

I won't able to leave it idle long enough to re-do the whole thing, but I have a few months. I'd rather not get machinery in - its divided into three sections.

What would be the best plan of action? Can I over seed it myself, at least in some parts?

Thanks in advance for any advice

 

[Barton Bounty]

When I had a smaller paddock, i used to fertilise it myself and aerate the grass and just dig out the weeds. Very satisfying

 

[Kacey88]

When I had a smaller paddock, i used to fertilise it myself and aerate the grass and just dig out the weeds. Very satisfying

You're like me, I love that sort of thing I might just take it one little bit a time, but definitely need to throw down grass seeds I'd say

 

[rextherobber]

Harrowing is excellent, if you can arrange it, you can get small car towed ones, you dont need a tractor. Grass seed might be better to do in the autumn, I did it in April last year, and then watched helplessly as all the seedlings scorched and burned in the sun. Its good to spread well rotted manure ( provided your worming protocol is good) and/or any old hay on bare patches, if you can keep the horses off for 6-8 weeks. I also enjoy working in the fields, it's hugely satisfying!