Planet Gorgeous Growing Hints and Tips:

There is still a great deal of confusion over what varieties of grass can be grown and when and where, Planet Gorgeous hope to answer them here, but if you have a more specific query please email us: planetg@planetguinea.co.uk

  • I want to start growing some grass for my guineas as I live in a flat.  Can I just buy grass seed from the local DIY store?

Grass bought from local DIY stores is often a Rye Grass mix, specifically blended for hardwearing lawns, not for guinea pigs and not for indoor growing! The grass will grow, slowly, but will work out more expensive and much more time consuming than buying a grass specifically selected for indoor growing, such as EasiGrow or Wheekgrass. We do not recommend growing Timothy or Orchard Grass indoors for the very same reasons, the root structure requires more than indoor growing can provide.

  • I’ve heard that it is too early to grow grass – is this true?

No, the correct variety can be grown year round in the correct conditions. All that is needed is warmth and moisture in the correct amounts for seed to germinate. Seeds are hindered by spots that are exposed to condensation and where there is a lack of moisture. On Planet Guinea we grow grass all year round for the guests and residents here. It is about selecting the right grass to grow for your situation. We always advise growing one of the Cereal Grasses indoors, no matter what the time of year is.

  • What is the best compost to grow grass and herbs in?  I hear conflicting information about some that contains animal products and would rather avoid these if possible.

We use Brilliant Bricks. These are made from Coconut waste and are organic. There are no animal products contained in the Brick and in effect you are recycling the waste from coconuts. The compost retains water better than peat and other composts and if it should dry out it reabsorbs water well making it less likely for your grass to fail. Peat on the other hand will form a layer which is pretty much water resistant. Brilliant Bricks are a waste product in their country of origin so they are environmentally friendly too- no destruction of wildlife’s habitat. J

Because the Brilliant Brick originates from above ground it does not contain any soil diseases. There have been claims of a study showing that they even bring resistance to some diseases.

On Planet Guinea we have stored a Brilliant Brick, when made up, for 4 weeks without mould forming. It will start to dry out and the colour will become lighter, but reabsorbtion of water will not hinder growth when more water is added.

  • How easy would it be for me to grow something to feed my guineas with?  I don’t have green fingers so I need something foolproof…….

Nothing should be described as “foolproof” but we do select varieties of Cereal Grass for ease of growth and speed of growing. Easigrow and Wheekgrass (wheat or barley) are the ones I am able to grow with minimal attention and while running a rescue and working full time as well as looking after my family!

This is all, of course, dependant on conditions, but we send step by step instructions with your order and would strongly recommend that you purchase our Super Spritzer and pay attention to the spot you select for growing your seeds. You should expect to have grass for feeding within 14 days.

The main reasons for failure involve watering (over or under) and an inappropriate growing spot. Remember that conditions change and the sun moves round so your grass may need moving at certain times of the day. The most common reason for failure seems to be where seeds are grown on windowsills where there is condensation.

Your seeds need an atmosphere similar to that of your guinea pigs but need spritzing little and often (as opposed to watering).

Other alternatives are Sunflower Greens (which take a little longer), and Plantain which grows well in a pot.

  • I’ve read about spring grass being very rich, if I grow some myself from seed, does the same apply?

Yes, “Spring Grass” is a misleading term to use. It is used when applied to horses grazing, but is better expressed as “New Grass”. All new grass is “rich”, even the grass grown inside and no matter what the variety is- even Timothy. The ideal grass for guinea pigs is mature grass and not necessarily one stuffed with nutritional goodness, it all hinges on the bigger pigture and what is included in the diet as a whole. Guinea pigs fed on Ratewatchers diet, which is hay based will be getting their nutrients from the fresh food.

  • Last year I found some Plantain in my grass and the guineas loved it.  Can it be grown in pots / grow-bags?

Plantain is one of the easier herbs to grow and for that reason is included in the Planet Guinea Mix which is suitable for growing where the run goes or in pots.

Plantain needs to be grown in a pot preferably, because of the root structure, though it will grow in grow-bags but will not be as long lived unless the grow-bag is particularly deep.

Whenever feeding any herb always mix with hay or mature grass. Herbage has very particular properties and in the wild guinea pigs will select when and how much to eat, if they are presented with only herbage then they may feel obliged to eat it if they are hungry! Watch your guinea pigs in the run and see how they select grass and herbage. Once they have got over the excitement of being outside a pattern often emerges in most guinea pigs

When feeding dry herbage the best is often the naturally occurring varieties in the hay. A good farmer will encourage natural herbage and destroy harmful herbage, though as a natural product there is no guarantee with any hay from anywhere. If you are sold a “bad bale” return it and tell the farmer why you are doing so. Better still select your bale carefully.

  • How much grass would I need to grow to give 4 guineas some each day?

We grow 25g of Easigrow per guinea pig here, so 100g per day would feed 4 guinea pigs. The packs are sold in 250g sizes, enough for 10 meals. Meal size is based on the amount that should be fed as a treat. As the grass is “rich” we consider that anymore is more likely to be harmful. Our guinea pigs often eat less than this now though. Based on putting a tray of grass in with a group, it was, at first, demolished immediately, but they have got over the fact that fresh grass is a treat here, it’s not, and they know there will always be more.

Always remember to offer plenty of hay when feeding grass or herbage. Ideally feed the hay meal prior to feeding the grass and/or herbage as well as with it. This ensures the gut is moving and will also help to prevent guinea pigs from over indulging or feeling “obliged” to eat the grass/herbage because nothing else is on offer. Never feed any grass or herbage that has signs of mould growing on it- discard it at once.

March 29, 2010  Tags: , ,   Posted in: Grasses, Herbage, Seasonal

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