Mowing goldenrod

[Chilly807]

Just a question for you that are agriculturally minded. I've got a couple horse pastures that are pretty heavy with goldenrod.

When we built this house, I mowed behind the construction site about this time of year, and nothing has come back but grass for the most part. If I can get rid of a good part of the goldenrod, then now's the time to mow off the pastures.

Any thoughts on this approach?

Sean

 

[brin]

I have not put down any pre emergent weed killer or any chemicals at all on my pastures in over 30 yrs. and I have very few weeds..I have controlled them strickly by bush hogging. Just try not to let them go to seed and get big enought to shade and crowd out your pasture grasses...has worked for me..

 

[backdoor]

Make sure you keep plenty of fertilizer on the pastures. That helps the grass crowd out weeds along with the regular mowing. I mow a field for my neighbor about once a year, usually when the goldenrod is blooming. All kinds of stinging wasps and bugs are thick after the flower nectar then.

 

[jenkinsph]

I agree with all of the above posts, mowing, fertilizer and water make the biggest difference in weed control. I allow the grass to grow tall at least once a year and go to seed after July to September. This is after the main weed season in my locale. I am also a believer in using a winterizer fertilizer to keep the roots healthy during the winter months.

 

[mjarrels]

Your killing me... goldenrod makes the best ice tea there is!

mark

 

[BeeferMan]

Yes, mowing at the right time and keeping the soil right for grass (read: fertilize!) is the primary tool. It helps to know what you have for weeds too. Annuals can be controlled just by mowing before they go to seed, perennials can be a little harder, you're approach has to be dependent on the exact plants. Don't be surprised if it takes a few years to get some weeds under control, some have seeds that will germinate after several years...