Weed control

[RightMove]

Just wondering without spraying how effective pulling weeds from the root is I've got a new field with a lot of thistles but been quoted hundreds to spray plus no where to put ponies while it's done

 

[JanetGeorge]

If you're energetic - with a good back - and the field isn't too big - you could do it BUT thistles can be ruddy hard to pull up. And the teensiest bit left - they'll grow again. Why not get a knapsack sprayer, divide the field in 2 with electric fence, and spray with Grazon. Give it a few weeks for them to die back, then swap sides.

 

[Bede]

Pulling is free and if you leave the pulled up thistles in the field the ponies will probably eat them once wilted. I do this, just a small patch every day while dung picking. They do grow back but if you keep at it they give up eventually

 

[Suechoccy]

I sprayed some with Grazon from a knapsack sprayer but it was hard work. When the Grazon ran out, I pulled one to see how easy it came up and was pleasantly surprised how easy they do come out.
So now I'm doing 2 x 0.5 hour a day after poo-picking, while the dogs run round. Leave them in field and pones will eat them.

 

[RightMove]

Thanks everyone spent a couple of hours digging up this morning in the enterance looks loads better but still loads to do :/ I need to get some posts and tape and try the grazon theres a patch where thwre about 4ft hight n its a big 6ft circle full im dreading tackling that bit :/

 

[Suechoccy]

The 4ft high stuff is the easiest to pull out. Much easier than the short stubby ones where there's not much to grab hold of.

 

[happyclappy]

experience tells me a ragfork is good foe thistles, an mine love to eatb the thistles, so i feel it is worthwhile

 

[Goldenstar]

Topping will effectively contain most weeds .

 

[RightMove]

Decided to mow the big circle down with my car after an hour with the ragfork lowered mgzr it's flat as a pancake my little sec a was munching them about an hour later

 

[Doris68]

We're currently having serious problems with Self Heal, a very invasive weed, related to mint!! Think the only way to get rid of it is to spray the entire paddock! We sprayed it last year, but because it's so invasive, spraying hasn't worked. We have (4 acres in total) only 1.5 acres for grazing and it's now a real problem....despite being very diligent with our weed control, this has taken over completely! Dreadful stuff!!

 

[FellOutOfFavour]

experience tells me a ragfork is good foe thistles, an mine love to eatb the thistles, so i feel it is worthwhile

I second the ragfork suggestion. They are great for any weeds with a tap root.