De-weeding sprays

[Tippiethetortoise]

Deweeding* Sprays (Sorry, had to fix that)
I just moved to a new house. I know they used chemical sprays in the yard, since it is a brand new house in a developing subdivision. How long until I can let Tippie graze on the grass? I don't want her to get sick on the chemicals they use.

 

[Tom]

Deweeding* Sprays (Sorry, had to fix that)
I just moved to a new house. I know they used chemical sprays in the yard, since it is a brand new house in a developing subdivision. How long until I can let Tippie graze on the grass? I don't want her to get sick on the chemicals they use.

I would wait at least one year, and that is assuming they won't be spraying any more toxic chemicals in your space.

 

[Tippiethetortoise]

I would wait at least one year, and that is assuming they won't be spraying any more toxic chemicals in your space.

Jeez dang... So I guess it's store bought for a good long while then :/

 

[Speedy-1]

Jeez dang... So I guess it's store bought for a good long while then :/

I am sort of in a similar situation , so I have grown plants in pots ! I have a hibiscus , a grape vine , have some summer squash going and am waiting for my pumpkin plants ! I also plant birdseed in little shallow trays ! just a few ideas !

 

[Tom]

Jeez dang... So I guess it's store bought for a good long while then :/

No need for store bought at all. You can find, scrounge or grow your own from seeds. There is a whole world of tortoise food all around us. Especially in spring time.

Grass clipping from untreated lawns, mulberry, hibiscus and grape vine leaves, many types of flowers and their leaves, all sorts of weeds, Mazuri, spineless opuntia, squash leaves and blooms grow quickly, alfalfa, clover, etc...

If you must use grocery store foods, favor endive and escarole heavily, but use lots of variety. It would also be a good idea to use some ZooMed Grassland tortoise food with the grocery store greens. Soak a single pellet until its mushy and mix it in with the day's greens. This will add some much need fiber and variety.

Check this out for more ideas:
http://www.tortoiseforum.org/threads/for-those-who-have-a-young-sulcata.76744/

 

[JoesMum]

My next door neighbour was delighted when I offered to keep his garden free of weeds. Apart from mowing grass he doesn't touch it, so I have a plentiful supply of dandelions, clover, plantain, etc

 

[spud's_mum]

My next door neighbour was delighted when I offered to keep his garden free of weeds. Apart from mowing grass he doesn't touch it, so I have a plentiful supply of dandelions, clover, plantain, etc

I was thinking about asking the neighbours to fill out a form asking if they had used any fertilisers/killers on the plants in the last year and then offer to take the weeds lol

 

[JoesMum]

I was thinking about asking the neighbours to fill out a form asking if they had used any fertilisers/killers on the plants in the last year and then offer to take the weeds lol

Just look at the gardens. The untidy overgrown ones are less likely to use chemicals then get chatting. However, at your age there's no knocking on doors of people you don't know.

 

[spud's_mum]

Just look at the gardens. The untidy overgrown ones are less likely to use chemicals then get chatting. However, at your age there's no knocking on doors of people you don't know.

I'm too shy to be knocking at people's doors anyway. My next door neighbour said that I can have her weeds but the only ones I recognise there are dandelions and I'm not sure if she has used chemicals so I tend to stay clear of them.

 

[JoesMum]

I'm too shy to be knocking at people's doors anyway. My next door neighbour said that I can have her weeds but the only ones I recognise there are dandelions and I'm not sure if she has used chemicals so I tend to stay clear of them.

1. Ask about the chemicals
2. Even dandelions are better than nothing
3. Tortoise Table Plant ID booklet (pdf) http://thetortoisetable.org.uk/site/plant_booklet_8595_40.asp