What To Know
- Teff hay can be grown in a variety of soil types, but it prefers well-drained soils with a pH between 5.
- You can harvest the hay by cutting it with a sickle or a scythe.
- Once the hay has been cut, you can either leave it in the field to dry or you can bale it immediately.
Teff hay is a nutritious and versatile forage crop that can provide high-quality feed for livestock. It is a drought-tolerant grass that is well-suited to dry climates. If you are interested in planting teff hay, here is a comprehensive guide to help you get started.
Choosing the Right Location
Teff hay can be grown in a variety of soil types, but it prefers well-drained soils with a pH between 5.5 and 7.0. It is important to choose a location that receives full sun for at least six hours per day.
Preparing the Soil
Before planting teff hay, it is important to prepare the soil properly. This includes removing any weeds or debris, and tilling the soil to a depth of 6-8 inches. You may also want to add some fertilizer to the soil, such as a balanced 10-10-10 fertilizer.
Planting Teff Hay
Teff hay can be planted from seed or from transplants. If you are planting from seed, it is important to use a high-quality seed that has been treated with a fungicide. You can plant the seed by broadcasting it over the prepared soil, or by using a drill. If you are planting from transplants, you can purchase them from a local nursery or online.
Watering Teff Hay
Teff hay is a drought-tolerant grass, but it will still need to be watered regularly during the growing season. You should water the hay deeply, but infrequently. Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings.
Fertilizing Teff Hay
Teff hay will benefit from fertilization, but it is important to avoid over-fertilizing. You should fertilize the hay every 4-6 weeks with a balanced fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10 fertilizer.
Harvesting Teff Hay
Teff hay is ready to harvest when the seed heads are fully mature and have turned a golden brown color. You can harvest the hay by cutting it with a sickle or a scythe. Once the hay has been cut, you can either leave it in the field to dry or you can bale it immediately.
Storing Teff Hay
Teff hay should be stored in a dry, well-ventilated area. You can store the hay in bales or in loose form. If you are storing the hay in bales, you should stack the bales on their sides to allow for air circulation.
Troubleshooting
There are a few common problems that you may encounter when growing teff hay. These problems include:
- Weeds: Weeds can compete with teff hay for water and nutrients. You can control weeds by mowing them regularly or by using herbicides.
- Pests: Pests, such as grasshoppers and aphids, can damage teff hay. You can control pests by using insecticides or by releasing beneficial insects into the field.
- Diseases: Diseases, such as leaf spot and rust, can also damage teff hay. You can control diseases by using fungicides or by planting resistant varieties of teff.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the best time to plant teff hay? The best time to plant teff hay is in the spring or fall.
- How much water does teff hay need? Teff hay is a drought-tolerant grass, but it will still need to be watered regularly during the growing season. You should water the hay deeply, but infrequently. Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings.
- How often should I fertilize teff hay? You should fertilize teff hay every 4-6 weeks with a balanced fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10 fertilizer.
- When is teff hay ready to harvest? Teff hay is ready to harvest when the seed heads are fully mature and have turned a golden brown color.
- How do I store teff hay? Teff hay should be stored in a dry, well-ventilated area. You can store the hay in bales or in loose form. If you are storing the hay in bales, you should stack the bales on their sides to allow for air circulation.
