Can you grow timothy hay

I regularly seed my 'salad bar' for my chickens with mixed seeds from the local feed store. I just have a sort of garden box, fill it with rabbit poo, and put the seed down. Water and wait. SA Farm":p3d09z2y said:. Click to expand Dood Well-known member RabbitTalk Supporter.

The spread rate is roughly 20lb of seed per acre so for pure seed you may need to buy a small amount off a hay farmer. They might also know of local agri seed suppliers. You could also collect wild seeds but it is a bit late in the season for this. I found this about how to grow timothy hay. It also looks like they sell the seeds but they are very expensive compared to the amount we really would need.

It might be better for us to just continue to buy bales as we need them. MaggieJ Administrator Staff member. RabbitTalk Supporter. Jimmywait, could you please add your state or province to your profile. Questions like this are dependent on climate, soil conditions and so forth, so knowing approximately where you are is important. Timothy is easy to grow.

We planted a patch of mixed alfalfa, timothy and red clover in It was about 20 feet by 60 feet and it produced well for many years. Eventually other weeds crept in and the clover and alfalfa dwindled, but is certainly made feeding the rabbits easy.

Timothy is best-suited as part of a rotation of grazing, and typically requires around three weeks or more of growth between grazings. Seed collection is easy. Do not remove the flowering spikes, seeds will develop in the inflorescences. After a period of time you can notice a changing of color in the seed spike, usually it will lighten in color.

Mature seeds can be brown to light tan depending on species. It is important to note for collection that seeds will not come readily off the spike if they are immature. For collection grasp your hand around the base of the mature inflorescence and in a clasping motion pull upwards and strip the seeds from the spike.

Ripe seeds come off very easily. Allow the seeds to dry in a large open bowl for several days, small seeds will need a few days to dry, larger seeds may require more time, especially in damp weather. It is important to assure that the seeds are thoroughly dry before storing them. Their will be a good amount of chaff with the seeds, it is not always easy to remove.

Their purpose is part of the dispersal means of the plant. As an animal passes close by and brushes against the inflorescence the seeds are snagged onto the coat and can stay attached for some distance, the seed eventually breaks from its hooks and falls to the ground where it might germinate.

Seeds are usually traded with the chaff, for sowing rub both seeds and chaff into the surface of moist soil and press in well. Seed Packs. Indoor Seed Starting. Seed Starting Calendar. Seedling Care.

Natural Pest Control Guide. Companion Planting. A-Z of Garden Pests. Beneficial Garden Friends. About Non-Hybrid Seeds. Organic Gardening Resources. Non-Hybrid Seeds.

Organic Growing Guides. Pre-Seeded Pellets. Pre-Seeded Pots. Pre-Seeded Mats. Pre-Seeded MicroGreens Mats. Pre-Seeded Wheatgrass Mats. Pre-Seeded Baby Lettuce Mats. Private Label Seed Products. Guide to Growing Vegetables. Bok Choy. Brussels Sprouts. As is the case for many types of sun-cured forage, wind can also be a key factor in drying time while hay is in wind-rows after cutting. Extended drying time puts forage at risk for nutrition and color loss, which is especially important in the export market.

Light winds can help to decrease drying time, limiting exposure in the windrow to uncontrollable elements like rain, sun bleach, and humidity. The combination of these conditions is found in only a few regions around the world, most commonly near major mountain ranges. Below are growing regions known in North America for producing the highest quality Timothy hay:. Situated at the base of the Canadian Rockies, Lethbridge has a perfect climate for growing high quality Timothy Hay.

In the shadows of beautiful Mt. Shasta, McArthur is a small agricultural community in northern California. Much of the Timothy Hay grown in this area is sold domestically, and any hay that is exported typically ships from the Port of Seattle.

Apart from being used as hay it also produces a durable and attractive lawn. Growing timothy hay is relatively an easier task. Timothy hay growing should be done on a flat area that receives partial shade. Timothy grass grows well in both sandy or clay rich soil. It tolerates the wet conditions and thrives in slightly dry state for a short time too. Keep the soil moist all the time. For growing timothy hay, regular watering is required as the plant has shallow roots that are not able to provide water under the surface of the soil, so even a short drought period can be detrimental for plant.