Autumn and Winter Paddock Preparation

As the end of summer approaches, it is the ideal opportunity to prepare your paddock for the coming winter and to make sure that it goes into the new spring season in the best possible condition.

1. Walk the paddock, checking for areas of bare ground where the grass has been eaten away and bare ground is seen or weeds have taken over, this is especially common in feeding areas
   
2. Mow or scythe any grass that has gone to seed reducing the average height of the paddock to around 10- 15cm. This will encourage the plant to re-grow from the base, maximising leaf production and minimising any damage from winter frosts.
   
3. Remove small areas of Ragwort, by digging it out with a Ragfork and removing the plants from the paddock. Other perennial weeds such as creeping thistle, docks, nettles and creeping buttercup can be spot treated with Ragtime. Ensure the plants are at the correct growth stage for the spray to work, even if it means cutting them and allowing them to re-grow. For larger areas, consult your local agricultural contractor.
   
4. In bare areas and those on which sprayed weeds have died, harrow (rake) to remove the dead material and loosen the soil surface to the depth of 1cm. Sow Equi-Club Horse Paddock grass seed at a rate of 5-10gms per sq metre by hand onto small areas and tread in, or broadcast from a fertiliser spreader and roll into larger areas. Remember nature hates bare ground so if you don’t sow productive grasses, the weeds will just come back bigger and stronger!!
   
5. Feed the grass with a low nitrogen fertiliser, particularly in areas that have been cut for hay/haylage, this will replace the phosphate and potash removed by the crop ensuring good, healthy root and shoot structure to survive the winter and grow away well in spring. Top Paddock at 50kg per acre is recommended.