Timothy hay (Phleum pratense) is a popular cool-season grass commonly used for feeding livestock, particularly horses, rabbits, guinea pigs, and other small animals. Its high fiber content and low protein make it an ideal feed for maintaining animal digestive health. Growing Timothy hay requires proper soil preparation, timing, and care to ensure a productive harvest. This guide will walk you through how to grow Timothy hay, from planting and maintenance to harvesting and storing your crop.
Understanding Timothy Hay
Timothy hay is a perennial grass that thrives in cooler climates and grows best in well-drained, fertile soils. It’s typically harvested for hay in late spring or early summer, once it reaches its peak nutritional value. Timothy hay comes in several cuts:
- First cut: Coarser with thicker stems, this cut has the highest fiber content.
- Second cut: Softer and leafier, with a higher nutritional profile and more suitable for small animals.
- Third cut: Rare and very soft, but less nutritious and often used as bedding.
Step-by-Step Guide to Growing Timothy Hay
Follow these steps to successfully grow and harvest Timothy hay on your farm or property.
1. Choose the Right Location
Timothy hay requires a location with cool temperatures, well-draining soil, and plenty of sunlight. It is commonly grown in regions with mild summers and cold winters, making it ideal for northern climates.
Ideal Growing Conditions for Timothy Hay:
- Temperature: Grows best in areas with cool spring and fall temperatures, between 60°F and 75°F (15°C to 24°C).
- Soil: Well-drained loamy or sandy soils with a neutral to slightly acidic pH (6.0 to 7.0) are ideal.
- Sunlight: Full sunlight is essential for strong growth, so select an area that receives at least 6 hours of sunlight per day.
- Moisture: Timothy hay prefers moist conditions, especially during germination and early growth. However, it doesn’t tolerate standing water or overly wet conditions, so good drainage is important.
2. Prepare the Soil
Proper soil preparation is essential for a successful Timothy hay crop. Begin preparing the soil a few weeks before planting to give the hay the best possible start.
Steps for Soil Preparation:
- Test the soil: Conduct a soil test to determine the pH and nutrient levels. Amend the soil as needed to achieve a pH of 6.0-7.0. Add lime to raise the pH if the soil is too acidic or sulfur to lower it if too alkaline.
- Till the soil: Use a tractor or rototiller to till the soil to a depth of 4-6 inches. This helps to break up compacted soil and allows for better root penetration.
- Incorporate organic matter: Add compost or well-rotted manure to improve the soil’s fertility and texture. This will help the grass establish strong roots and grow vigorously.
- Fertilize: Apply a balanced fertilizer, such as 10-10-10 (N-P-K), to provide essential nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Follow soil test recommendations for specific nutrient needs.
3. Plant Timothy Hay at the Right Time
Timothy hay is a cool-season grass, so it should be planted in the early spring or late summer/fall when temperatures are cool but not freezing.
Best Planting Times:
- Spring planting: In cooler climates, plant Timothy hay in early spring (March to April), once the soil temperature reaches about 50°F (10°C).
- Fall planting: In warmer regions, Timothy can also be planted in late summer or early fall (August to September) to establish roots before winter dormancy.
4. Sow Timothy Hay Seeds
After preparing the soil, it’s time to sow the Timothy hay seeds. Proper seed distribution and depth are key to ensuring even growth and a high-yield crop.
How to Sow Timothy Hay Seeds:
- Choose quality seeds: Purchase high-quality, certified Timothy hay seeds from a reputable supplier to ensure good germination rates and healthy growth.
- Sow the seeds: Timothy hay seeds are small, so they should be sown shallowly. Use a broadcast spreader to distribute the seeds evenly across the planting area. Aim for a seeding rate of 8-12 pounds of seed per acre.
- Lightly rake the soil: After sowing, lightly rake the soil to cover the seeds with about ¼ inch of soil. This protects the seeds from birds and ensures they are in contact with the soil for better germination.
- Roll the soil (optional): For larger plots, use a roller to press the seeds gently into the soil. This step can improve seed-to-soil contact, leading to better germination rates.
- Water the seeds: Water the area immediately after planting to ensure the soil is moist. Keep the soil consistently moist during germination, which typically takes 7-14 days.
5. Water and Maintain the Timothy Hay Crop
Once planted, Timothy hay requires consistent care, particularly in terms of watering and weed control.
Watering:
- Keep soil moist: Water the field regularly to keep the soil consistently moist, especially during the first few weeks after planting. Once the hay is established, water only during dry periods, as mature Timothy hay is drought-tolerant to some extent.
- Avoid overwatering: Overwatering can lead to fungal diseases and root rot, so ensure the field has proper drainage and avoid waterlogged conditions.
Weed Control:
- Weed early: Weeds can compete with young Timothy hay for nutrients and space, so it’s important to control weeds early. Hand-pull weeds in small plots or use a pre-emergent herbicide to prevent weed seeds from germinating.
- Mow weeds: Mow the field when necessary to prevent weeds from flowering and spreading. Once the hay is established, the thick growth of Timothy can help suppress weed growth naturally.
6. Fertilize the Timothy Hay Field
Timothy hay requires regular fertilization to maintain strong growth and ensure a high-quality harvest. Fertilizer application depends on soil conditions and crop needs.
Fertilizing Tips:
- Spring application: In early spring, apply a nitrogen-rich fertilizer (like ammonium nitrate) to promote vigorous growth. Follow soil test recommendations to avoid over-fertilization.
- Top-dressing: Apply a top-dressing of nitrogen after the first cutting to encourage regrowth for a second harvest.
7. Harvest the Timothy Hay at the Right Time
Harvesting Timothy hay at the right stage is crucial for preserving its nutritional value and palatability. The best time to harvest is when the grass is in the early flowering or boot stage, just before the seed heads fully emerge.
When and How to Harvest Timothy Hay:
- First cut: The first cutting should occur in late spring or early summer when the grass reaches about 12-18 inches tall and is in the early bloom stage. This is when the hay has the highest nutritional value.
- Mow the hay: Use a hay mower to cut the hay. Mow the hay early in the day when the grass is dry to reduce the risk of mold developing during drying.
- Dry the hay: After cutting, allow the hay to dry in the field for 2-3 days, depending on weather conditions. The hay should be turned regularly using a hay tedder to ensure even drying.
- Check moisture levels: The hay is ready for baling when it has dried to a moisture content of 15-20%. Overly wet hay can develop mold and spoil, while overly dry hay can become brittle and lose nutrients.
8. Bale and Store Timothy Hay
Once the hay has dried sufficiently, it’s time to bale and store it. Proper baling and storage are essential to preserve the hay’s quality.
Steps for Baling and Storing Hay:
- Bale the hay: Use a baler to compact the hay into square or round bales. Square bales are easier to handle, while round bales are more efficient for larger-scale production.
- Store in a dry location: Store the bales in a dry, well-ventilated area to prevent moisture buildup and mold growth. Ideally, store the hay under a covered structure, such as a barn or hay shed.
- Elevate the bales: Place bales on pallets or a layer of plastic to prevent ground moisture from seeping into the hay.
- Inspect regularly: Check stored hay regularly for signs of mold, moisture, or pest infestations, especially during the first few weeks after baling.
Conclusion
Growing Timothy hay can be a rewarding venture, whether you’re feeding livestock or small pets, or producing hay for sale. With the right soil preparation, planting techniques, and care, you can grow a productive Timothy hay crop that yields high-quality forage. By following the steps in this guide, from choosing the right planting time to harvesting and storing the hay properly, you’ll ensure a successful Timothy hay crop that thrives year after year.
FAQs
- How long does it take Timothy hay to grow? Timothy hay typically takes 50-70 days from planting to reach maturity, depending on climate and growing conditions.
- Can Timothy hay be grown in warm climates? Timothy hay is a cool-season grass and grows best in regions with cool springs and falls. It may not perform well in areas with hot, dry summers.
- How many times can you cut Timothy hay in a season? Timothy hay can be cut 1-2 times per growing season, depending on the climate and growing conditions. The first cut is the most important and yields the highest-quality hay.
- What’s the best time to plant Timothy hay? The best time to plant Timothy hay is in early spring or late summer/fall, when temperatures are cool and soil moisture is sufficient for germination.
- How do you dry Timothy hay after cutting? After mowing, allow the hay to dry in the field for 2-3 days, turning it regularly to ensure even drying. The hay is ready for baling when it reaches 15-20% moisture content.
- What’s the difference between first-cut and second-cut Timothy hay? First-cut Timothy hay is coarser and higher in fiber, while second-cut hay is softer, leafier, and higher in nutrients. First cut is typically better for horses, while second cut is preferred for small animals like rabbits and guinea pigs.