Timothy hay is a popular forage crop that is widely grown and used as feed for horses and livestock.
It is a high-quality grass that is rich in fiber and nutrients, making it an ideal food source for animals that require a high-fiber diet.
In this blog post, we will discuss how to care for Timothy hay, how to cut it, ted it, and rake it.
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, I’ll provide a step-by-step guide on how to plant timothy grass for a bountiful harvest.
An 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.
Choosing the Right Timothy Grass Variety
Many timothy cultivars are available. The ideal variety depends on your climate and intended use
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For pasture: Choose late-maturing grazing-tolerant varieties like Clair, Climax Grazeland, Hermes, Meadow, and Rangeland.
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For hay Select earlier-maturing varieties like Champ Climax, and Late.
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For horse hay: Derby, Empathy, and Hercules are good choices.
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For 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 60-7.0. Key requirements
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Conduct a soil test to determine pH and nutrient levels. Adjust pH if needed.
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Timothy requires high soil fertility. Amend soil with compost or manure before planting.
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Apply supplemental nitrogen fertilizer if not planting with a legume. Topdress with nitrogen in spring and after cuttings.
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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
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Seeding rates: 10-12 lb/acre drilled, 12-15 lb/acre broadcast. Reduce rates if mixing with legumes.
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Depth: Sow at 1⁄4 to 1⁄2 inches deep. Don’t plant deeper than 1⁄2 inch.
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Row spacing: Drill seed in rows 6-8 inches apart or broadcast evenly.
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Companion crops: Plant with legumes like red clover or alfalfa at low seeding rates.
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New seedings: Avoid competition from weeds. Mow frequently but not below 3-4 inches.
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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.
Caring for Timothy Grass After Planting
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Irrigate regularly after planting until established. 1-1.5 inches of water per week.
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Control weeds during establishment when plants are less than 4 inches tall.
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Fertilize with 45-60 lb nitrogen/acre when planted without legumes.
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Allow at least 6-8 inches of growth before first grazing or cutting.
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Avoid overgrazing. Rotational grazing supports regrowth.
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.
Harvesting Timothy Hay at the Right Time
When timothy hay is ready to be harvested, it needs to be cut at the right time to maximize nutrients:
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When to cut: Timothy hay should be cut before it starts blooming in early summer. Nutrient levels peak at this point, and it’s easier to dry.
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Height: Set the mower to cut the grass about 3 to 4 inches above the ground. This provides enough hay to accelerate drying.
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Moisture: Pick the right time to cut the hay. If the grass is wet or damp, don’t cut it.
Proper timing is crucial for getting the highest quality timothy hay. Follow these tips to know when to cut it.
Caring for Your Timothy Hay Field
Timothy hay requires proper care to grow healthy and provide top-notch animal feed:
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Soil preparation: Harrow and level the ground to create a smooth, even surface. Add any needed fertilizers, lime, and amendments.
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Planting: Sow certified timothy hay seed in prepared soil at the right time for your climate. Follow recommended seeding rates and depth.
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Watering: Timothy needs consistent moisture to thrive. Keep soil damp but not soaked. Water frequently.
With good establishment and growing conditions, your timothy hay will produce excellent yields year after year. Pay close attention to soil, planting, and moisture.
Growing Timothy Grass for Small Animal Feed
You can also grow timothy grass as pet food for tortoises, rabbits, guinea pigs, gerbils, hamsters, mice, and more. Here are some tips:
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Choose potting mixes and containers suitable for growing grass indoors.
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Use shallower pots, 2-3 inches deep. This prevents rotting.
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Try wheatgrass or oat grass varieties along with timothy.
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Rinse grass to remove any mold or fungal spores before feeding.
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Introduce new grass gradually to avoid digestive issues.
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Cut grass frequently to encourage regrowth for a steady supply.
With proper care, timothy and other grasses make great fresh food for small animals. The growing process is straightforward when you follow these guidelines.
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: Prepare the soil by harrowing and leveling the ground to create a smooth and even surface. Add fertilizers, lime, and other soil amendments as needed.
- Seeding: Plant Timothy hay seeds in the prepared soil at the right time, usually in the spring or fall, depending on your location. Follow the recommended seeding rate and depth for your area.
- Watering: Timothy hay needs consistent moisture to grow well. Ensure that the soil is moist but not waterlogged, and water the crop regularly to keep it healthy.
Cutting Timothy Hay
When Timothy hay is ready to be harvested, it needs to be cut at the right time to ensure that it has the highest nutrient content. Here are some tips for cutting Timothy hay:
- Cutting Time: Cut Timothy hay no later than the early bloom stage, usually in the summer. At this stage, the grass is at its peak nutrient content, and it is easier to dry.
- Mowing Height: Set the mower height to cut the grass at around 3-4 inches from the ground. This will leave enough stubble to help the grass dry faster.
- Timing: Cut the hay during dry weather, and avoid cutting when the grass is wet or damp.
How to sow Timothy Grass to grow as pet food for tortoises rabbits guinea pigs gerbils hamsters mice
FAQ
How do you plant Timothy Grass?
Timothy should be planted no deeper than one-fourth-inch during the normal cool-season seeding dates. If the seed is planted using the broadcast method, the soil needs to be 80% weed-free, rolled, seeded, and rolled again to ensure adequate seed-to-soil contact.
Does Timothy Grass come back every year?
Perennial grasses come back every year and Timothy hay is this type of grass. Timothy grass can grow to be 5 feet tall.
Where does Timothy Grass grow best?
Timothy is adapted to a cool and humid climate. Timothy thrives best on rich, moist bottomlands and on finer textured soils, such as clay loams.
What are the disadvantages of Timothy hay?
Disadvantages. Short stand life, low quality when cut late, little regrowth after first cutting.
When to plant timothy grass?
When to Plant Timothy Grass Planting at the right time is crucial for successful growth. Best Time to Plant: The ideal time to plant Timothy grass is in early spring or late summer to early fall. These seasons provide the cool temperatures Timothy needs to establish strong roots before the heat of summer or the cold of winter.
How do I grow Timothy grass?
The first step to growing Timothy grass is preparing the soil. Timothy grass prefers well-drained soil that is slightly acidic with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. Before planting, it is essential to test your soil’s pH and adjust it accordingly. To do this, take a sample of your soil and send it to a local agricultural extension office for testing.
How long does timothy grass take to grow?
Timothy grass is generally sown in spring or summer. It takes 50 days to establish for harvesting in most climates. The best time to plant late crops is six weeks or more prior to the first fall frost, which gives the stand enough time to establish before cold weather. Where does Timothy grass grow best? Timothy grass thrives in cool, moist areas.
How much sun does timothy grass need?
It can tolerate frost and is relatively hardy in winter but does not thrive in hot, arid climates. Sunlight Requirements: Plant Timothy grass in a location that receives full sunlight for at least 6 hours per day. While it can tolerate partial shade, its growth will be most vigorous in full sun.
What kind of soil does timothy grass need?
Timothy grass requires well-prepared soil to establish healthy roots and thrive. Soil Type: This grass prefers well-draining, loamy soil that is rich in organic matter. While it can grow in a variety of soil types, it struggles in heavy, compacted clay or overly sandy soils with poor water retention.
Can timothy grass be used for hay production?
Timothy grass (Phleum pratense) is a common cool-season grass species used for forage production, particularly for making hay. It is known for its high nutritional value and palatability for livestock. However, to ensure successful growth of timothy grass for hay production, it is important to consider the optimal climate and soil conditions.