Too late to spray weeds?

[palomino698]

I have 2.5 acres smothered in weeds, much of it Oxford ragwort, but also lots of dandelions and things the horses like to eat. There is enough grass worth preserving so I don't want to use Roundup. There's far too much ragwort to hand pull (there just isn't time with full time work, a family, and horses to exercise)and it's all in flower now.

I have a backpack sprayer and am considering using Grazon, or similar, assuming I can get it without an agricultural licence. I have read mixed reports of the very expensive Barrier H. Does anyone know how long Grazon takes to work? I don't need to graze this paddock yet but could do with it by the end of October.

I know flowering ragwort will still seed if it's killed off. I wonder if it would make more sense just to mow it, rake up the mowings before they die, and spray next spring instead - that was the plan this year, and by the time the intended contractor was available, the gateway was too flooded to get in, and we missed our chance with him. Or should it be sprayed so the roots are hit, then cut and raked up? The ragwort plants are about 2 feet high.

[Zingy]

I think if you spray ragwort then you have to not graze the field for about 6 months to ensure that all traces of it are gone. I certainly wouldn't spray and put horses in after just a couple of months. Spraying generally works best shen the plants are growing quickly, so ideally spring/ early summer is the best time. Not sure what results you'ge get from spraying now - I generally class August as too late!

[H & Bailey]

most spray weedkillers will only be effective on rosettes,ie just as they are starting to come through,if they are too big it doesnt work!i tried some round up and it only shrivelled rosettes never mind flowering stuff.the only way to do it is pull it up bag and burn it..you could chop it and rake it up, then spray the new rosettes when they come through but are risking spreading the stuff about if its flowering.

[Wally]

Some sprays dictate you must spray an autumn and a spring session. It depends upon the kind of chemical you use.

[kat1]

Just had this converstaion with the farmer I rent my field off. He offered to spray but I said it was too late and I wanted to get the roots out. I have just one acre so a bit more manageable (and 6 weeks off work for the summer). I hate ragwort - a pet hate - really really hate it!. This year it has been horrendous to get on top of. No sooner have I dug it up than more has come through. The last three days, I have spent hours pulling the stufff up with my rag fork (the best thing I ever bought) Got 5 wheelbarrows full! Feel really guilt now for letting it get like that but until councils start to do their bit on the roadside, the seeds just keep coming. I have just walked my field this morning and feel quite pleased but I have 2 blisters on my hands from all that digging! Can you not just section off part of your field to get on top of it?

[janette carter]

I have my one acre paddock divided into two at the moment. Have had to move pony onto resting section this week as part she was grazing on is infected:mad: with ragwort. All the fiddly tiny seedling/pre rosette loads of them. Yes I pull regularly other nearby and adjoining paddocks are not cleared so these are going to be first year plants that have seeded ...it is so unfair. And the thistles...don't get me started on the thistles:mad:

Anyway I have pulled up then sprayed in the roothole with Barrier H to hopefully catch any missed bits of roots. I think this product is citronella so it shouldn't be that poisonous and I have stamped earth over the holes after spraying. I have even used this method on the rested piece which she in now out on with grazing muzzle during day and back on the other section during the night until she gets used to extra grass.

I knew I would have to use both sections for a week or so this is why I have avoided spraying the tops of the plants - you have to leave them off it for a fortnight and make sure all the dead debris is cleared. I didn't dare leave her any longer on the old section exclusively as grass was very poor and I thought there was too strong a risk of her taking the seedlings.

Yes Barrier H v. expensive about £40.00 and I've only got half a container left. Why do I have to pay for things like this on top of normal livery..guess I am just one of those neurotic femal horse owners:rolleyes:

Anybody tried that new RAGWEED spray....think you can use that on thistles:D
I think that is about £30.00 though and I need more fertiliser.......

[Fanshawe]

Ragwort is another issue altogether but if you want to get rid of weeds-thistles,dock,dandelions,nettles,brambles even gorse then find a local goat person and let them use the field for free! Ragwort is still poisonous to them but they will improve the ground no end. The poo is the best fertiliser going and they eat all the stuff horses don't- my field (I have 9 goats) has the best grass ever (as shown by my girl's weight recently!) and I never fertilise, roll or harrow it- chickens do that for me! Will need good electric fencing though as they like to escape! Just a thought!