June is the best time for the field to grow actively. Another consideration is the time you have to devote toward managing your plots. One last detail that I suggest is to over-seed your perennial plots every other spring. February 1, 2023 By: Mark Turner. The rye germinates and grows quickly, serving as a cover crop for the slower-growing clover. Developed by renowned University of Georgia plant breeder Dr. Joe Bouton, Durana perennial white clover is the premier clover on the market for whitetail deer management. In Ontario they prefer annuals (brassicas, soybeans and cereals) during that same time. However, this results in less stolon production, fewer daughter plants and the loss of new growth. Mowing should keep broadleaf weeds out of your plots and a grass herbicide should help rid any remaining competition. The ultimate would be if you could go over the broadcasted seed with a cultipacker or roller to ensure good seed-to-soil contact. The time of year that quality forage is available for annual and perennial forages is very different and should weigh heavily on the management strategy for your hunting land. More frequent mowing, but not removing as much of the plant each time, will restrict total plant height, but enhances stolon survival and increases the stem density per acre. This nutritious broadleaf crop is actually in the, There are a myriad of combinations that can be used with cool-season food plots. | However, if you live in an area with a warm climate, it is best to wait until the weather cools down before planting. In North America, the Japanese pachysandra is the more vigorous ground cover and will fill in an area faster. This means; do a soil test and incorporate the necessary lime to neutralize the acidity to bring your pH to 6.5 to 7.0. Imazethapyr and 2,4-DB are effective choices for control of most broadleaf weeds. So prepare for a little lag-time before your whitetails roll up their sleeves and tear into chicoryonce that happens, watch the heck out. Perennial food plots provide consistent nutrition throughout the year and with proper maintenance can last three to five years or more. If we want to grow wildlife crops that grow as well as row crops like corn and soybeans, then habitat managers should pay attention to soil sampling and fertilizing according to lab results. Food Plot Species Profile: Oats | National Deer Association Limiting mowing to a single time in the late growing season is an easy way to ensure you are producing as much forage as possible in your perennial clover. Does this blend need to be cut each year to keep it fresh n tender?? Even though they get much more rain in the south, this is somewhat how some perennials get used there, as well. Besides how often you mow, another important aspect is how much of the plants height is removed during mowing. Unlike red or white clovers, it has no warm season value to deer. Here are a few simple steps to plant clover for deer successfully: Start your planting process in May. Perennial clover simply cant withstand hot, dry conditions and will go dormant or even die out during this time. All rights reserved. Amazon.com: Clover For Deer The collaboration is set to launch on June 1 and will be available for purchase on heydude.com and in select retail locations. For the best experience on our site, be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser. Some examples of perennial forages that are commonly planted for deer include various white clovers, red clover, alsike clover, alfalfa and chicory. With a perennial white clover blend, a good stand can be encouraged both, by frequent mowing during the spring to increase stolon production and survival, and no mowing to promote seed production during droughts or when the clover is growing slowly. The first thing to consider is the climate. They germinate from seed, grow for several months, produce new seed, and then die in less than one year. -All returns must be preauthorized by contacting us via email atservice@deercreekseed.comor by calling our customer service department at (877) 247-3736 between the hours of 7:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Central Time. Some innovative sprays that arent harmful to clover, alfalfa, etc. Late winter is also associated with post-rut recovery. Todd Amenrud |Originally published in GameKeepers: Farming for Wildlife Magazine. For example, Carolina horsenettle is nearly impossible to eradicate from clover plots and can become widespread enough to warrant killing the entire plot. Email us today and one of our specialists will respond as soon as possible. Of course, there are other food varieties such as corn, soybeans, and sorghum. In general, nutritional plots are larger (1 to 5 acres) and are intended to provide abundant nutrition over numerous months. You have a clean slate of annual plot locations to work with for the coming year, but how will they benefit your wildlife? This premium no-grass mix can be planted in the spring or fall, as well as dormant and frost seeded. Still, mowing is important with these, especially during the cooler times during the growing season. And, with some return visits to clip the plot each summer, youll have a food source whitetails will adore from the first blush of summer to the snowfalls of late fall. Sedges also may be a problem, especially on plots in wet locations. However, they are typically not as attractive as most white varieties. Large-leaved types have fewer stolons and usually dont regenerate or persist as long as medium and small-leaved whites. When the annuals that are planted to hunt over during deer season die off, the clover still will be. Its all about regeneration and anew. Ladino Clover for Deer | A Step-by-Step Guide The use of herbicides is also recommended to help keep the unwanted competition out of your perennial plots. In cases with especially problematic weeds, it is best to rotate the plot out of perennial clover to allow for weed control. When to Plant Deer Food Plots: Late Winter to Early Spring. In addition to postemergence control, imazethapyr also provides preemergence activity against many species. Maintaining perennial clover isn't as difficult as some think. Trained as a high school English teacher and coach, Scott Bestul left that lucrative field to pursue anotheras a full-time freelance writer in 1990. Our normal business hours are 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (Central Time), Monday through Friday. If you manage your property for whitetails, turkey or upland birds, whether your goal is attraction or nutrition, a perennial clover blend should be on your food plot menu. By the time any newly planted annuals become edible for your wildlife you would be missing out on two very important months of antler genesis and fawn rearing. However, soil-active herbicides can have similar, damaging effects on your future plantings if the, There are two main types of food plots for deer, nutritional and hunting plots. Persistence is greatest in the varieties that create the most stolons, which tend to be the small-leaved white clovers. Alfalfa cannot be frost-seeded into existing plantings, as the existing alfalfa produces allelopathic chemicals that prevent new alfalfa from establishing. Product Information Application or Use: Ground Cover, Pasture, Food Plot, Cover Crop, Nitrogen-Fixing, Cover Crop, Cattle Forage, Livestock Grazing The annuals possibly help as a nurse crop to conserve moisture and provide excellent forage during the fall and into winter. Some food-plotters assume perennial forages involve less work because they last longer. These planting times ensure the best survival for the crop since perennial clovers need 45-60 days to establish a root system so they will indeed be perennial for you and return after dormancy. Planting Clover for Deer | Outdoor Life If the plants are not browsed heavily or mowed often they will flower and produce seed. I typically treat with a grass-specific herbicide one to three times during the growing season. What Is the Best Weather for Turkey Hunting? When planting anything for whitetails, moisture is the key. You can be among the first to get the latest info on where to go, what to use and how to use it! To subscribe, click here. Anchor Food Plots With Clovers - BUCKMASTERS Food plot managers consistently struggle with weed control in perennial food plots despite several great options for chemical control. The deer do really love this clover. Fertilizer gives plants the boost they need to compete with undesirable species and, even better, it helps them taste good to deer. $3499 ($0.44 / Ounce) FREE Returns FREE delivery Saturday, May 20 Or fastest delivery Thursday, May 18. By planting in stages you never eliminate all of your perennials at once. Tips for Choosing and Caring for Clover | Mossy Oak Whether this is caused by weed competition or an extended period of drought, adding seed to the plot can extend the life for several years. There are many variables that influence the costs associated with managing annual and perennial plots. Clover is a productive food for both deer and turkeys. Remember, if you replant, that means the field will not provide a good source of food for almost an entire hunting season. As said, small-leaved types do not grow as tall as the larger-leaved clovers, but they have numerous small leaves and many stolons so they are an excellent choice for areas that receive heavy browse pressure. Some examples of annual forages include the cereal grains wheat, oats, rye, triticale crimson clover, arrowleaf clover, berseem clover, balansa clover, rape, kale, turnips, Austrian winter peas, soybeans, corn, and cowpeas. You worked hard to produce 4,000 pounds per acre of high-quality clover and chicory. Regeneration from seed helps longevity in areas with dry summer conditions. When to Plant Deer Food Plots | Field & Stream Perennials, like white or red clover, have distinct advantages. This tactic can work with other annual seeds as well. Phone: 1-800-209-DEER (3337) It usually seems to do good for me and last for several seasons. Perennial Plus Clovers Food Plot Mix is a low-maintenance food plot option for your perennial food plot needs. Soil fertility strongly influences the vigor and productivity of perennial clover plots. You may think that using herbicides, fertilizers and possibly a second herbicide treatment during the off-season is a lot of work and a lot of expense. Keep in mind that cutting may drastically reduce available forage in the plot, and it is best to strategically mow if necessary. Continue to maintain the pH at a level of 6.0 to 6.5. Whitetail Institute's Imperial Whitetail Clover is a proven perennial crop for bringing in deer. Throughout Canada, the northern tier of states and many of the transitional states, perennials can be planted in spring or late summer. Perform a soil test for exact recommendations. So persistence is greatest in the varieties that create the most stolons, which tend to be the small-leaved white clovers. I want the maximum leaf production possible considering the specific sites limitations and how often I will be able to visit/work on the plot. Infrequent mowing during the spring will allow the development of larger leaves. Perennial clovers also make seed, but (assuming environmental conditions and management are appropriate) individual plants can live more than one year. If you lack the time needed to manage your perennial plots throughout the summer as needed, annual plots may be better suited for you since they typically require less maintenance. Don't worry. However, soil-active herbicides can have similar, damaging effects on your future plantings if the, There are two main types of food plots for deer, nutritional and hunting plots. You dont have to shop in the food plot section very long to realize that most seed makers bag up several seed types to be used in a single planting. 1: Frost-Seed Some Cover Frost seeding, or winter seeding, is a great way to re-establish perennial clover food plots. Clethodim and sethoxydim are the two most popular active ingredients in grass herbicides. Aside from certain nutrients being bound in the soil so they arent available for the plants, in acidic soil (or low pH) some micronutrients can be present at levels toxic to clover. Mix components are subject to change without notice, subject to availability. First, they can tolerate extended wet or cold periods. These perennials have a deeper root system than clover and will provide quality forage during dryer conditions. Soil tests reveal the amount of lime and fertilizer your dirt will require and its wise to follow those directions. Frequent mowing during the spring favors white clover growth. Most perennials prefer a well-drained site that receives adequate to good sunlight (5-6 hours/day or more). During hot or dry conditions, white clovers should not be mowed frequently and in some cases should even be left un-mowed long enough to produce seed heads. All good things must come to an end, as the saying goes. The seed should not be covered any more than of an inch. As hunters, we shouldnt be as worried about diseases that deer may receive from ticks. Have a question? Like other clovers, crimson is highly attractive, nutritious and extremely digestible to deer. Here at Deer Creek we want to see your success! No credit can be given for product that is opened or damaged, due to the nature of our products. The following tips will help you guide even challenging clover floor plots into old age. Arrowleaf clover: Cool: Annual: 6.0-6.5: Broadcast 10-15: September: Grows best on well-drained soils. A combination of both annual and perennial forages is often needed to fill these voids, and determining the best ratio of annual to perennial plots can be accomplished with a little practice and patience. He earned his bachelor's degree in wildlife science from Mississippi State University and his master's in wildlife management from the University of Tennessee. What is the best food plot for deer? | MidwayUSA Hands down the best clover you can plant. Given the different management necessities of the numerous varieties, before choosing which type of clover to plant, think about your growing conditions, your deer density in relation to the amount of acreage you have in clover and what you will be able to do for a maintenance routine (how often you will mow, spray with herbicides, fertilize, etc.). Become a free Basic NDA Member and get the following benefits: The National Deer Association is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. So spraying alfalfa to combat these pests may be necessary, and staying in touch with your local elevator or farm supply store for maintaining alfalfa health is a good idea. Perennial clover food plots represent an efficient option for attraction during hunting season, as well as high-quality forage during early antler growth, late gestation, and early lactation. Can it be over seeded to renew? However, clover just isnt as big a draw there as it is just about everywhere else Ive been. Cool-season grains, warm-season grains, and brassicas are all excellent choices to follow clover, as they have high nitrogen requirements and allow for different herbicide applications. Veteran food plotters chant soil test to near-annoying levels, but listen to their advice, which they get from the farmers; folks who really know how to grow stuff. Large-leaved types have fewer stolons and usually dont regenerate or persist as long as medium and small-leaved white clovers. Note the annual growth characteristic is not based on a calendar year, however. For the best experience on our site, be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser. Dock often occurs in patches around a field, and spot treatment with either glyphosate or imazapic can work. Imperial Whitetail Clover is the number one food plot planting See the amazing results of spraying Whitetail Institutes Arre See 12 year old Colin Say take his very first buck ever in Nor See 9 year old Colin Say take his very first deer ever over a Imperial Whitetail Clover is the number one food plot planting in the world! Despite the great fishing and hunting experiences that these waterbodies provide, farm ponds may be one of the most overlooked landscape features when it comes to monitoring and planning for effective habitat stewardship. This highlights the need to adequately incorporate amendments into soil during plot establishment as well as anticipating deficiencies before they become extreme. Summer annual plots typically only need one herbicide treatment if any after planting, and mowing isnt necessary, thus saving time and money. Perennials offer several advantages for the food plotter. Become a free Basic NDA Member and get the following benefits: The National Deer Association is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Instagram: @markturner442, Maximize Clover Food Plots for Deer with Winter Maintenance Now, demonstrated that to be an ineffective practice, Be entered for regular NDA member prize drawings. It is especially attractive to land managers on a budget, because it requires no special equipment and little, if any, soil preparation. Large-leaved types (like Non-Typical or Ladino) perform best when they are mowed less frequently, or when browsing pressure is limited and plants are allowed to mature. Clover Food Plot Seed for Deer. If you want to attract more deer to your property, hold them there and make sure they receive optimal nutrition for good health and antler growth, plant Imperial Whitetail Clover. Advertising Dutch White Clover is a slow-growing, nitrogen-fixing perennial clover used for lawns, ground cover, erosion control, cover crop, and in food plot and pasture mixtures. Food Plots: Keep it Simple, Plant Clover or Alfalfa I love the mentality of others that think saving money planting cow clover is as good. By planting in stages you never eliminate all of your perennials at once. When planted during the late summer, the weed cycle may be easier on you but you must make certain your perennials have about 50 days of frost-free growth to establish a root system or theyll not be recurrent and come back after dormancy. See the best of MidWest Outdoors in our weekly newsletter. LOL. Hardiness: Both of them can be grown as far north as USDA plant hardiness zone 5. In my experience, if your deer arent familiar with species like chicory, it can take an introduction period for them to figure out exactly how tasty it is. Annuals When planting anything for whitetails, moisture is the key. Deer Food Plot Seed for Sale Online | OutsidePride The repeated freezing and thawing of the ground in late winter and early spring works small perennial seeds into the ground naturally .