The quality of hay . When To Cut Timothy Grass For Hay? (Explained for Beginners) Copyright Rabbit Hole Hay. Add organic matter, such as compost or well-rotted manure, to enrich the soil. It is known for its high nutritional value and palatability for livestock. Based on the results, appropriate amendments, such as lime or fertilizers, can be applied to ensure optimal soil conditions for growth. 1977 County Road 10 At Esty Ranch we traditionally grew Colt and have recently began inter-seeding our fields with premium quality Horizon. How To Grow Timothy Hay Indoors - Indoor Garden Tips They write new content and verify and edit content received from contributors. As with any crop, the timing and method of harvest can greatly impact the quality and yield of the final product. Timothy Stem Maggot (Meromyza americana): The timothy stem maggot is a common pest that feeds on the stem and leaves of timothy grass. Timothy | plant | Britannica Broadcasting the seeds by hand or using a spreader is a common method. This includes removing any existing vegetation, loosening the soil with a tiller or rake, and incorporating organic matter such as compost or well-rotted manure. In regions with mild winters, planting timothy grass seeds in late summer or early fall can also be successful. In terms of the frequency of cutting, timothy grass should ideally be cut every four to six weeks during the growing season. Winter: Timothy Hay is an extremely winter hearty plant. While every effort has been made to follow citation style rules, there may be some discrepancies. Timothy Grass Hay is a premium feed used for thoroughbred horses, pleasure riding horses, and ranch horses. This allows the grass to establish before the heat of summer or the harshness of winter. Timothy grass (Phleum pratense) is a common cool-season grass species used for forage production, particularly for making hay. Another option is drilling the seeds into the soil using a seed drill. ): Leaf spot is a common fungal disease that affects timothy grass. Timing is key when it comes to planting timothy grass seeds for hay production. Once the seeds are sown, you will need to keep the soil moist until they germinate. Applying insecticides at the first sign of infestation can help prevent further damage. Timothy Hay needs a slightly acidic soil to grow well (between 5.5pH and 7.0pH). It is important to select and apply the appropriate pesticides following label instructions. Join The HAY CLUB For New Blog Posts, Discount Codes, And More! The fine stem and consistent quality allows good consumption and provides basic protein levels of 7 - 10% Customer Support / WhatsApp Enquiry Need Help? The field is higher in elevation and the shadow cast upon it is consistent year after year, making this field able to grow hay that looks very similar to third cut hay. To prepare the soil for timothy grass, start by clearing the area of any vegetation and debris. Cutting at this height promotes regrowth, allows for a faster turnaround time between cuttings, and maintains a good balance between yield and quality. All rights reserved. why we have transitioned to labeling our Timothy Hays according to their qualities rather than by the order by which they are harvested. To control rust, planting cultivars with resistance to the disease is recommended. As the plants grow, you will need to keep an eye out for weeds. PDF Plant guide for Timothy (Phleum pratense) - USDA Plants Database In addition to regular watering, other factors can also affect the water requirements of timothy grass. Knowing the best time to plant timothy grass seeds will help ensure a successful and productive crop. This includes regular mowing to promote new growth, fertilizing as needed based on soil test results, and controlling weeds through mechanical or chemical means. Thank you for your feedback! I bought this hay while looking for an alternative to Timothy Hay. This article will provide an overview of the best climate and soil conditions for growing timothy grass for making hay based on scientific research and real-world experiences. Timothy grass is a popular forage crop that is commonly used for hay production. The bulk of the major growing regions for Timothy Hay are in a mountainous area, especially where the mountain range is volcanically produced. Cortney V. (California), "I should have ordered a bigger bag. Timothy is a common pasture grass in the u.s., native to europe and northern asia. The plant is named after American farmer Timothy Hanson, who promoted its use outside New England and among British farmers in the early 1700s. Altitude can cause interesting things to happen to the growth of the hay. One of the key factors to consider when cutting timothy grass for hay is the optimal height at which to make the cut. This allows for a more frequent cutting schedule, which can increase overall yield. When is the best time to plant timothy grass seeds for hay production? Following proper planting and maintenance practices will help maximize hay production and provide a nutritious forage source for livestock. Gunnison, Colorado 81230 With a 20-35 day recovery time needed after an early September harvest, there is just not enough time to allow the hay to fully grow to a harvestable size. Gunnison, Colorado 81230 Some principles of IPM include: In conclusion, timothy grass is prone to various pests and diseases that can negatively impact its growth and yield. By following these guidelines and monitoring the health of your timothy grass, you can ensure its optimum growth and vitality. The plant is named after American farmer Timothy Hanson, who promoted its use outside New England and among British farmers in the early 1700s. Timothy hay ( Phleum pratense) is a common animal fodder which is found in all states. Severe damage can result from early grazing under wet conditions. The optimal height at which to cut timothy grass for hay is around six to eight inches. This hay is so soft and fresh! Soil. Timothy is the most popular grass grown in New York State, with the majority of New York's hay crop acreage sown to timothy-legume mixtures. The leaves are typically rolled lengthwise and are about 44 cm (17 inches) long. Timothy grass ( Phleum pratense ), often referred to as Timothy hay is a cool-season perennial grass that originates from temperate regions (mainland Europe, North America, and the United Kingdom). Once the timothy grass has established, regular maintenance is necessary to ensure optimum hay production. (previously called First Cut Timothy Hay), (previously called Second Cut Timothy Hay), (previously called Third Cut Timothy Hay). It is easily . Areas with well-defined seasons, such as spring and fall, are ideal for timothy grass cultivation. Timothy hay is used most often as cattle and horse feed. In the West, specifically Washington, Oregon, and Idaho, timothy production is one means of doing this and is a major forage product that gets exported to countries like Japan and Saudi Arabia. Not only does it provide a great source of protein and fiber, but it also has a long growing season, making it a reliable and sustainable crop. Updates? We have all heard the saying: Location, Location, Location as being the three most important things in real estate. It is advised to keep the stubble height at around 3 to 4 inches (7.6 to 10.2 cm) to ensure optimal regrowth and to prevent weed competition. Chemical Control: If pest or disease populations exceed economic thresholds, chemical control measures may be necessary. 1977 County Road 10 In this article, we will explore these considerations and provide some guidelines for timothy grass hay production. On the other hand, if the grass is too tall, it may be more difficult to dry and bale properly, and the quality of the hay may suffer. It also prefers a fine-textured soil typical of clay and loam. The plant is drought resistant and can tolerate heavy and sandy soils. Proper soil preparation, timing of planting, and regular maintenance practices are essential for successful timothy hay production. However, if it is difficult to penetrate, it is a sign that the grass needs watering. I highly recommended this hay and the auto ship is convenient as well." Timothy grass should be watered regularly, especially during periods of drought or dry weather. We will update our content. It grows well with alfalfa, meadow grasses and clovers. In fact, all of the hay that Rabbit Hole Hay has to offer is high quality! Regular mowing (approximately every 4-6 weeks) helps maintain the desired height and encourages new growth. ): Rust is a fungal disease that causes orange or reddish-brown pustules on the leaves and stems of timothy grass. Where Does Timothy Hay Grow? - Anderson Hay Summer: Once the hay is cut it goes into shock, where it can take 20-35 days to recover before its given a second cut. When it comes to growing timothy grass for hay production, timing is crucial. I was struggling to find a hay that was just as crunchy as Timothy Hay. Incorporating organic matter, such as compost or well-rotted manure, into the soil can enhance its fertility and structure. Cultural Practices: Implement proper cultural practices such as maintaining adequate nutrition and irrigation, and optimizing planting density. Generally, farmers will harvest the hay at this stage based on the development of the seed heads and the length of the stalk (stem). Then, till or loosen the soil to a depth of about 6-8 inches to improve drainage. Additionally, it is important to determine the frequency at which the grass should be cut to maintain optimal yield and quality. The leaves of timothy grass are quite pale green. Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree. The ideal planting depth is around to inch (0.6 to 1.3 cm) deep. Timothy grass is a cool-season grass, meaning it thrives in cooler temperatures. These conditions tend to be prevalent in volcanic regions where past volcanic activity allows the soil to have a higher acidity. There's no one recipe for growing timothy - Hay and Forage I enjoy planting flowers and vegetables, watching them grow, then harvesting their fruits or veggies to cook with my family at dinner time. To summarize, timothy grass should be watered about 1-1.5 inches per week, either from rainfall or irrigation. In this guide, we'll explore the step-by-step process of growing timothy grass for making hay, from selecting the right seeds to harvesting and storing the final product. Early detection allows for timely intervention and reduces potential damage. It is best suited for regions with average annual temperatures ranging from 55 to 70F (13 to 21C). The highest quality Timothy hay is typically harvested at the early flowering stage, when it is rich in nutrients and is very tender. In the spring, planting should be done as soon as the soil can be worked and has reached a temperature above 50F (10C). It is also known as timothy-grass, meadow cat's-tail or common cat's tail. It is also suitable for a range of soil types, including clay, loam, peat, sand, silt, and clay loams. Timothy Hay (Phleum pratense) and Orchard Grass (Dactylis glomerata) are generally grown only in high mountain valleys, which hold the perfect conditions needed to allow the plants to thrive. A more frequent cutting schedule may result in a higher overall yield, but it may also lead to decreased quality as the grass may not have enough time to fully recover between cuttings. Timothy Hanson is believed to be the first person to grow and sell Timothy seed commercially. Timothy grass has a fairly rapid regrowth rate, and by cutting it at the optimal height, you can ensure that it will regrow quickly and be ready for the next cutting. Timothy grass hay is a very palatable forage hay. Its fresh and long strains instead of all chopped up like most hay you purchase in a store. Improved cultivars and places of development are: 'Essex' and 'Cornell 1777' (New Before planting timothy grass seeds, it is important to properly prepare the soil. Additionally, it is important to avoid cutting the grass too low, as this can damage the crowns and reduce regrowth potential. Its sensitivity to high temperatures has limited its productivity in southern Pennsylvania. Timothy grass hay is a very palatable forage hay. It is important to note that watering frequency will depend on the weather conditions in your area. Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approach: Implementing an integrated pest management (IPM) approach is crucial for effective pest and disease control in timothy grass. Mechanical methods like mowing can also help control small infestations. timothy, (Phleum pratense), also called herds-grass or meadow cats-tail, perennial grass of the family Poaceae. Healthy plants are less susceptible to pests and diseases. Timothy hay picked up its current name from Timothy Hanson, a Swedish immigrant, who began growing and promoting it as a superior fodder for horses in Baltimore, Maryland around 1720. Generally, what happens in the regions that grow great first and second cut Timothy Hay cannot grow the third cut. Due to the fast and vigorous growing the hay tends to be mostly stalks. It was originally called Herd grass after John Herd found it growing in the wild in New Hampshire in 1711 and began to promote it as a feed for cattle and horses. Not only is the quality of the hay wonderful and consistent, but so is the customer service. I find the smell of dirt pleasant. We are sorry. Monitoring: Regularly inspect timothy grass for signs of pests or diseases. After seeding, it is crucial to keep the soil consistently moist until the grass has established. In addition, it can be grown as an ornamental plant in lawns and gardens. Once the seedlings have emerged, you will need to thin them out so that they are spaced about 20cm apart. By following these guidelines, farmers can maximize the yield and quality of their timothy grass hay. Young leaves are rolled into the sleeve and then they grow in spirals. Tips for Bringing Your Lawn Back to Life: Getting Rid of Bare Spots in Your Grass. Timothy Hay History - Timothy Grass Hay For instance, if the grass is located in an area with poor drainage, it may require less watering as the soil retains more moisture. Ideally, the grass should be cut on a sunny day when the weather is dry. Monitoring the health and appearance of your timothy grass is essential to ensure it receives adequate water. To determine if your timothy grass needs watering, you can perform a simple soil moisture test. This water requirement can vary depending on soil type, climate, and other environmental factors. If it goes in easily to a depth of 6 inches, the soil has adequate moisture. Timothy Hay is a shallow-rooted plant that needs warm days and cool evenings to grow well. This hay satisfies all of my picky eaters. However, timothy grass can be planted throughout the growing season as long as there is enough moisture available. Introduced to North America by European settlers, the grass wasn't known as timothy until a Swedish immigrant farmer named Timothy Hanson began to promote its cultivation for horse fodder in the early 18th century. If you observe these symptoms, it is a clear indication that the grass needs watering. Itll also explain what makes our hay so special. To control armyworms, timely detection is crucial. Such a great deal and a great way to find out which hay your pet will love!!" Literally, equestrian ranches and small pet lovers from all over the world are vying to get our hay and we are working closely with experienced hay farmers to bring you the very best this region has to offer. Horizon grows especially well in the high-altitude fields around Gunnison, Colorado. This article was most recently revised and updated by, United States Department of Agriculture - Timothy. It can withstand full freeze which is unique in many of the vegetative pests that affect hay fields. This ensures that the water is distributed evenly across the grass surface.