A Step-by-Step Guide to Planting a Clover Food Plot

1.

2. Benefits of planting clover for deer

3. Choosing the right type of clover

4. Preparing the soil

5. Planting clover seeds

6. Watering and fertilizing clover

7. Managing clover growth

8. Harvesting clover

9. Deer-proofing your clover planting

10. FAQ

Topic	Features
Clover food plot	Attracts deer, provides forage, improves soil
How to plant clover	Choose the right type of clover, prepare the soil, plant the seeds, water and fertilize
Clover benefits	Attracts deer, provides forage, improves soil
Clover planting guide	Choose the right type of clover, prepare the soil, plant the seeds, water and fertilize
Clover seeding rate	1-2 pounds of clover seed per acre

2. Benefits of planting clover for deer

Clover is a great food source for deer, and it can provide a number of benefits for your deer herd. These benefits include:

• Clover is a high-quality forage that is rich in protein and nutrients.
• Clover helps to improve soil quality by adding nitrogen and other nutrients.
• Clover provides shelter and cover for deer.
• Clover helps to attract other wildlife, such as turkeys and quail.

If you are interested in planting clover for deer, there are a few things you need to keep in mind. First, you need to choose the right type of clover for your area. There are many different types of clover, and some are better suited for certain climates than others. Second, you need to prepare the soil properly before planting. Clover does best in well-drained soil that is rich in nutrients. Third, you need to plant the seeds at the right time of year. Clover seeds should be planted in the spring or fall. Finally, you need to water and fertilize the clover regularly to ensure that it grows well.

3. Choosing the right type of clover

There are many different types of clover, but not all of them are suitable for planting as a food plot for deer. The best types of clover for deer include white clover, red clover, and crimson clover. These types of clover are high in protein and nutrients, and they are also palatable to deer.

When choosing a type of clover for your food plot, it is important to consider the climate and soil conditions in your area.

White clover is a cool-season legume that does well in most climates, while red and crimson clover are warm-season legumes that are best suited for warmer climates..

It is also important to consider the amount of sunlight that your food plot will receive. White clover and red clover can tolerate partial shade, while crimson clover requires full sun.

Once you have considered the climate, soil conditions, and amount of sunlight in your area, you can choose the best type of clover for your food plot.

4. Preparing the soil

The first step in planting clover is to prepare the soil. Clover does best in well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. If your soil is not well-drained, you can improve drainage by adding compost or sand. You can also add organic matter to the soil by spreading a layer of mulch around the planting area.

Once you have prepared the soil, you can begin planting clover seeds. Clover seeds are very small, so it is important to spread them evenly over the planting area. You can use a seed spreader or simply sprinkle the seeds by hand.

After you have planted the seeds, you should water the area thoroughly. The seeds need to be kept moist in order to germinate. You should water the area regularly until the seedlings have emerged and are established.

5. Planting clover seeds

To plant clover seeds, you will need:

• Clover seeds
• A rake
• A hoe
• A watering can

To plant the seeds, follow these steps:

1. Rake the soil to loosen it up.
2. Sprinkle the seeds evenly over the soil.
3. Cover the seeds with a thin layer of soil.
4. Water the seeds thoroughly.

The seeds will germinate in about 1-2 weeks.

6. Deer-proofing your clover planting

Deer are attracted to clover, so it is important to take steps to protect your planting from them. Here are a few tips:

• Use a deer-resistant variety of clover.
• Install a deer fence around your planting.
• Use repellents or deterrents to keep deer away from your planting.
• Harvest your clover regularly to prevent it from becoming too mature and attractive to deer.

By following these tips, you can help to protect your clover planting from deer and enjoy the benefits of this versatile plant.

Managing clover growth

Once your clover has been established, it will require some basic management to keep it healthy and productive. Here are a few tips for managing clover growth:

• Water your clover regularly, especially during dry periods.
• Fertilize your clover every 6-8 weeks with a balanced fertilizer.
• Mow your clover regularly to keep it from getting too tall.
• Aerate your clover every few years to improve drainage and air circulation.
• Control weeds and pests to prevent them from competing with your clover.

By following these tips, you can help your clover grow healthy and productive, and provide a valuable food source for deer and other wildlife.

Harvesting clover

Once your clover has reached maturity, you can begin harvesting it. The best time to harvest clover is in the early morning, when the dew is still on the leaves. This will help to preserve the nutrients in the clover.

To harvest clover, you can simply cut the stems with a pair of scissors or a hedge trimmer. Be sure to leave some of the stems intact so that the clover can continue to grow.

You can store fresh clover in the refrigerator for up to a week.

You can also dry clover for later use..

To dry clover, spread the leaves out on a screen or in a dehydrator. Once the leaves are dry, store them in an airtight container.

Clover is a versatile plant that can be used in a variety of ways. You can add it to salads, soups, and stews. You can also use it to make tea or extract essential oil.

Clover is a nutritious and delicious plant that is a great addition to any diet. It is also a valuable resource for deer and other wildlife.

9. Deer-proofing your clover planting

Deer are a common problem for many clover plantings. They can quickly eat all of the clover, leaving you with nothing but bare ground. There are a few things you can do to deter deer from your clover planting:

• Use a deer-resistant variety of clover. There are a number of varieties of clover that are less palatable to deer, such as white Dutch clover and red clover.

• Install a deer fence around your clover planting. A deer fence should be at least 8 feet tall and made of a material that deer cannot see through, such as wire mesh or plastic.

• Use repellents. There are a number of commercial repellents available that can help to keep deer away from your clover planting. These repellents are typically made from natural ingredients, such as garlic or hot pepper, and are sprayed on the foliage of the clover.

• Use decoys. Deer are territorial animals and will avoid areas that they perceive as being occupied by other deer. You can use decoys, such as fake deer, to scare deer away from your clover planting.

By following these tips, you can help to deter deer from your clover planting and enjoy the benefits of this valuable forage crop.

FAQ

Q: What are the benefits of planting clover for deer?

A: Clover is a high-protein, high-calcium forage that deer love to eat. It is also a good source of vitamins and minerals.

Q: What is the best type of clover to plant for deer?

A: There are many different types of clover, but the best type for deer will depend on your climate and soil conditions. Some of the most popular types of clover for deer include white clover, red clover, and crimson clover.

Q: How much clover should I plant per acre?

A: The recommended seeding rate for clover varies depending on the type of clover you are planting and your soil conditions. However, a good rule of thumb is to plant 20-30 pounds of clover seed per acre.