Growing Westley's World Seeds
A 'meadow' grown with WW seeds - Orchard, Timothy and Prairie grasses, Chicory and
Plantain
Timothy, Prairie, Tall Fescue, Yorkshire Fog and Orchard Grasses.
These are slower growing ‘longer-term’ grasses compared to the short growing cycle of Wheatgrass.
Most grasses will germinate and establish best in Spring and Autumn. Depending on where you live, in winter it is too cold for germination and often in mid summer the temperatures are too high and the soil moisture levels are too low/inconsistent for both germination and getting established. This is especially true for Timothy which germinates best when sown in cooler weather so is best sown in early Spring and late Autumn.
I find grasses grown directly in the ground vs in containers are more productive and vigorous. You can sow your grass seeds direct in an area of your lawn or garden that you want to dedicate to growing for your rabbits. If you are seeding your lawn then the best option is probably Tall Fescue and Timothy. Use the same techniques as you would for sowing other lawn grasses.
To make a lawn from seed, you need to sow approx. 25-30gm/m2 of grass seed. If you are over-seeding to renovate an existing lawn, 15-25g/m2 is plenty.
If you need to use containers the following approach is reasonable reliable -
Select a box of your choosing. I quite like to use the 'mini stacka’ boxes, which are available from Bunnings or Mitre10 for around $6-7, but anything that’s around 10cm deep or more, will work.
* Make some drainage holes in the bottom and fill with good quality potting mix to within 1cm of the top. Pat the potting mix down lightly with your hand.
* Sprinkle your grass seed over the soil – I like to use 2-4 Tbsp in a box this size, and pat into the soil gently.
* Sprinkle a very thin layer of potting mix over the top of the seed and pat down gently with your hand.
* Use a gentle spray mist of water to dampen the soil – a spray bottle is good to use for this.
* Keep the soil moist at all times, but not sodden and wet.
* I keep mine out of direct sun at this stage so that the soil doesn’t dry out. This helps keep the moisture level consistent, which helps germination rates.
* Once the grass is germinating strongly you can move the box into a brightly lit/full sun area.
* Check moisture levels every day and water as needed. A watering can/gentle hose spray is fine once the grass is growing strongly.
* Once the grass is 10cm or so tall you can either cut it to feed, or give your rabbit access to the box for grazing. Remove the box to let it ‘rest’ and regrow once it’s been eaten down to about 2 cm high.
* Feed your grass box with a liquid fertiliser regularly to keep it growing strongly.
* I find these boxes can grow well for up to 6 months or even longer, depending on growing conditions. Once the grass is not re-growing/coming back well, it’s time to start a new box.
Chicory & Plantain
I find these do well in a permanent bed in the garden, as they are tap rooted so need deeper soil to grow happily in. They are long-term semi perennial plants. This means they will keep cropping for many seasons – especially Plantain.
To grow in a garden bed
* Prepare the soil by racking it over so that the top layer has no big lumps in it.
*Sprinkle your seed thinly and evenly over the soil and then cover with a thin layer of seed raising mix.
* Keep evenly moist until they germinate and are growing well, and then water as needed. If you need to grow these in containers then deeper ones will better house the plants’ tap roots comfortably.
To grow in pots/containers
* Choose containers or pots that are at least 20-30cm deep. 54L box tubs from Bunnings are great and cost less than $10.
* Make sure they have drainage holes in the bottom.
* Fill to within 2cm of the top with good quality potting mix.
* Sprinkle your seed sparingly and evenly over the soil and then cover with a thin layer of seed raising mix.
* Keep evenly moist until they germinate and are growing well, and then water as needed. Chicory and Plantain will need to grow for longer before you can start to harvest them. Wait until both are well established, and at least 20cm tall before using them. I cut or carefully pull leaves to harvest and feed as needed, never stripping any one plant of all of its leaves. Chicory should happily grow and be harvested for 2 years or more and Plantain even longer if well looked after. Keep an eye on the soil moisture level and feed monthly with a good liquid fertiliser to keep the plants growing vigorously.
Clovers and Spineless Burr Medics
The best time of year to sow Clovers is Spring and early Summer so that it has time to establish before Winter.
White Clovers - These are long lived plants and grow well through the Winter.
Red Clovers - these are shorter lived, persisting for about 3 years. It does not grow well during Winter.
Spineless Burr Medics - Best sown autumn to early Winter.
You can read more about growing Wheatgrass here - Growing Wheatgrass Trays
Info about various types types of grasses and Pasture plants are discussed here - Grasses and Pasture Plants