Timothy hay is a common forage crop that is grown all over the world and fed to horses and other animals.
This is a good grass that is full of fiber and nutrients, making it perfect for animals that need to eat a lot of fiber.
Timothy hay needs to be cut, ted, and raked. This blog post will talk about how to do those things.
Timothy grass is a popular forage crop for livestock such as horses, cattle, and sheep. With its high nutritional value and palatability, it makes excellent hay and pasture grass. However, proper planting techniques are required for timothy grass to establish successfully and produce optimal yields. In this article, we’ll discuss step-by-step instructions on how to plant timothy grass.
Overview of Timothy Grass
- Timothy grass (Phleum pratense) is a perennial cool-season grass native to Europe and Asia.
- It grows best in cooler climates and does not tolerate heat or drought well. The ideal growing temperature is 60-75°F.
- Timothy is high-yielding and tolerant of cold and freezing. It is winter hardy in most regions.
- It has shallow, fibrous roots that require adequate moisture. Excessive drought causes the plants to go dormant.
- The grass grows 2-4 feet tall and produces an inflorescence type of flower spike for seed production.
- For hay, it is cut in the boot stage before flowering. Regrowth occurs rapidly after cutting if sufficient soil moisture is present.
- Timothy has excellent forage quality when harvested at the right stage. It is very palatable and digestible for horses and livestock.
- It is commonly grown with legumes like alfalfa and clover to improve nutrition, yield, and nitrogen fixation.
Selecting the Right Timothy Grass Variety
Many timothy cultivars are available. The ideal variety depends on your climate and intended use.
For pasture Choose late-maturing grazing-tolerant varieties like Clair, Climax Grazeland, Hermes, Meadow, and Rangeland.
For hay Select earlier-maturing varieties like Champ Climax, and Late.
For horse hay: Derby, Empathy, and Hercules are good choices.
Cold tolerance: Norseman, Durar, and Champ have the best winter hardiness.
Always choose certified, weed-free seed for optimal establishment and yield. Check your region’s recommended varieties.
Soil Requirements for Timothy Grass
Timothy thrives in fertile, well-drained loam or sandy loam soils. Ideal pH is 6.0-7.0. Key requirements:
- Conduct a soil test to determine pH and nutrient levels. Adjust pH if needed.
- Timothy requires high soil fertility. Amend soil with compost or manure before planting.
- Apply supplemental nitrogen fertilizer if not planting with a legume. Topdress with nitrogen in spring and after cuttings.
- Ensure the soil has good drainage and moisture holding capacity. Wet soils promote disease.
Preparing a good seedbed is vital for even stand establishment. Ideal planting conditions are when the top 3-6 inches of soil are dry enough to work but moist underneath.
When to Plant Timothy Grass
Spring planting: Early spring once soil reaches 40°F is ideal. This allows adequate growth before summer heat.
Fall planting: 6-8 weeks before first fall frost. Earlier plantings risk winterkill.
In mild winter climates: October to November or February to April.
Avoid planting in summer heat. Irrigate if planting in dry conditions.
Planting Methods for Timothy Grass
Seeding rates: 10-12 lb/acre drilled, 12-15 lb/acre broadcast. Reduce rates if mixing with legumes.
Depth: Sow at 1⁄4 to 1⁄2 inches deep. Don’t plant deeper than 1⁄2 inch.
Row spacing: Drill seed in rows 6-8 inches apart or broadcast evenly.
Companion crops: Plant with legumes like red clover or alfalfa at low seeding rates.
New seedings: Avoid competition from weeds. Mow frequently but not below 3-4 inches.
No-till planting: Possible into cover crops or crop residue. Use higher seeding rate.
Always use certified, cleaned seed for best results. Seed treated with fungicide improves establishment.
Post-Planting Care of Timothy Grass
- Irrigate regularly after planting until established. 1-1.5 inches of water per week.
- Control weeds during establishment when plants are less than 4 inches tall.
- Fertilize with 45-60 lb nitrogen/acre when planted without legumes.
- Allow at least 6-8 inches of growth before first grazing or cutting.
- Avoid overgrazing. Rotational grazing supports regrowth.
- Cut for hay at boot stage before more than half of heads bloom.
With proper planting techniques and care, timothy will produce an excellent yield of nutritious hay or pasture for livestock. Pay close attention to selecting the right variety, soil preparation, planting date, seeding depth, and moisture. Follow these best practices for successfully establishing timothy grass.
Cutting Timothy Hay
When Timothy hay is ready to be picked, it needs to be cut at the right time to make sure it has the most nutrients. Here are some tips for cutting Timothy hay:
- When to Cut: Timothy hay should not be cut after it starts to bloom early, which is usually in the summer. The grass has the most nutrients at this point, and it is easier to dry.
- Height: Set the mower so that it cuts the grass about 3 to 4 inches above the ground. This will make enough hay to help the grass dry out faster.
- Pick the right time to cut the hay. If the grass is wet or damp, don’t cut the hay.
Caring for Timothy Hay
Timothy hay requires proper care to ensure that it grows healthy and provides high-quality feed for your animals. Here are some tips for caring for Timothy hay:
- Soil Preparation: To make the soil ready, harrow and level the ground to make a smooth, even surface. Add fertilizers, lime, and other soil amendments as needed.
- Timothy hay seeds should be planted in prepared soil at the right time, which can be in the spring or fall depending on where you live. Follow the recommended seeding rate and depth for your area.
- Watering: Timothy hay needs consistent moisture to grow well. The soil should be damp but not soaked, and the plant should be watered often to stay healthy.
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FAQ
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