Most companies will claim a lifespan of three to five years on their perennials. However, if you care for them properly a perennial stand can last for many years. Perennials like red and white clovers, alfalfa, trefoils and chicory provide dependable nutrition and attraction and are especially important for antler growth, fawn rearing and early hunting season attraction. If you decide to plant a perennial like Non-Typical Clover just follow these words of advice to get the most out of your food plot.
Test Your Soil
It is always beneficial to get a soil test done before you begin. The soil that you begin with will be significant in how long your perennials will last. The pH of your soil needs to be fairly neutral (6.2 to 7.5) if you want longevity from your stand. If you have acidic soil (or a low pH) it doesn’t mean that you can’t grow perennials, it just means that you need to incorporate some lime into the soil to raise the pH and reduce the acidity. With an initially neutral pH a perennial stand can grow-on for eight to ten years or more.
Mowing Clover Food Plots
Perennials should be mowed periodically during the growing season (at least three times). Mowing not only helps to keep broadleaf weeds and grasses at bay, but it also promotes new, more attractive, palatable growth on your perennials. Many people want to plant perennials because they believe they will be less work since you only plant them once and they last for years, but perennials actually need more “tractor time” than annuals. Perennials are less expensive for the production that you receive, but with the maintenance required they will take a bit more work than annuals if you wish to do it right.
Using Herbicide on Clover
In most regions of the country you may also find the need to treat your stand with a clover safe herbicide. Mowing will usually take care of broadleaf weeds, but in severe cases there may also be selective herbicides that will deal with the broadleaf problem, depending upon what type of plants are in your perennial stand. There are numerous brands of grass herbicides that will work over perennial blends like Clover Plus or Non-Typical. If you have questions contact a habitat consultant at http://www.plantbiologic.com .
Fertilize Your Clover
It is also important if you want longevity from your perennials to feed them from time to time. It’s best to fertilize with what your soil test results recommend. Most often the best fertilizer for clover will recommend around 300 lbs of 0-20-20 per acre annually. Many choose to fertilize at planting time and then during the spring annually thereafter. Some also believe that a boost of potassium during the late summer in the north, or early fall in the south, can increase cold hardiness of the stand. About 200-250 lbs of 0-0-60 per acre should suffice.
For more tips and tricks on caring for your food plots check out “7 Tips To Keep Weeds Under Control.” We know the most common problems in food plots, especially perennials, is weed competition. Weeds rob your plot of essential nutrients, water, and root space. Learn how to keep weeds under control.
FAQs
A balanced fertilizer with N (such as 10-10-10) can be used at planting time when establishing the clover, but after it's established I would use zero N. Legumes produce their own nitrogen, if you add nitrogen to legumes you encourage other grasses and unwanted weeds to take root and you “train” your clover to be lazy.
How often should I fertilize my clover food plot? ›
Fertilizer rates of 0-20-20 or 5-15-15, at an application rate of 200 pounds per acre, should provide the clover with the nutrients it needs in early spring. In addition, fertilization of the clover plot should also be conducted in the fall. The same application rate works for both times of year.
Can you put down too much clover seed? ›
The seed count is determined by experts in agronomy, not an armchair plotter who thinks they know more. Set the spreader low and cover the same area 3 times if need be, but don't lay it down too thick as you will run out of seed, and the areas you over seed clover in will choke themselves out.
Should you mow your clover food plots? ›
ANSWER: There are two principle reasons for mowing a clover plot. One is for weed control. The other is to promote growth.
Does nitrogen help clover grow? ›
Clover thrives off of nitrogen.
Similar to other legumes, clover takes nitrogen from the air and thrives off of it. Because of how it thrives, clover tends to take root in nitrogen-poor soil, so it's a good idea to have your soil tested.
Does clover need to be fertilized? ›
This also means that clover lawns don't need to be fertilized. Clover plants are drought tolerant and usually won't require regular watering once they are established.
What kind of fertilizer kills clover? ›
Applying a nitrogen-rich fertilizer can stunt its growth and choke it out. The good news is that you have several natural, organic products to choose from, like manure, earthworm castings or bone meal. You should be able to find any of these fertilizers at your local garden-supply store.
What makes clover grow faster? ›
The key to giving clover a boost over competing grasses is to cut back on nitrogen-based fertilizers. Since clover fixes its own nitrogen, it will thrive even if this nutrient is lacking (while grasses usually won't).
What height do you mow clover food plots? ›
Mow when you start seeing flowers on the clover plants or when the plants reach a height of 18 inches. Mow the plants back to a height of about 8-10 inches.
How do you keep weeds out of clover food plots? ›
MANAGING WEEDS IN CLOVERS
- Keep Forage Plants Competitive. A thin forage stand provides an environment that is more favorable for weed seed germination and weed growth. ...
- Kill Weeds, Then Plant Clover. ...
- Use A Herbicide. ...
- Time Herbicide Application. ...
- Grazing Management. ...
- Clipping.
They are a great way to enhance the beauty of your garden while benefitting the environment! We see people asking if you can throw clover lawn seed on the ground and let nature take its course. And the answer is yes; you can throw the clover lawn seed down, and it will germinate and grow.
Can I seed clover without tilling? ›
If you must till or plow the soil before planting, be sure you wait 4 to 6 weeks for new weeds to emerge so you can kill them before planting the clover seed. You may also use the no-till method.
Should you rake in clover seed? ›
Lightly rake the seeds into the soil to ensure good contact without burying them deeply. Water the area thoroughly and keep moist until germination. As the clover seedlings emerge, they will begin to establish, spread, and become thicker and denser over time.
What height should I mow my clover plot? ›
Mow when you start seeing flowers on the clover plants or when the plants reach a height of 18 inches. Mow the plants back to a height of about 8-10 inches.
What is the best thing to plant with clover in a food plot? ›
In these small food plots, you want something that can produce a ton of forage and hold up to significant browse pressure from deer, while still being attractive. My go-to options for small food plots under an acre are clover and some type of fall blend that usually consists of winter wheat, radishes, and brassicas.
What promotes clover growth? ›
Adapt nitrogen applications
Clover does not like nitrogen. Therefore, apply a minimum of artificial fertiliser and limit your applications of slurry to about 2/3 of a normal rate and only fertilise in the spring. Clover does need potassium, which is a good fertiliser to apply in summer.
How do you make clover thrive? ›
Gently rake so that seeds are in contact with soil. Water with a sprinkler or use a gentle shower setting on your hose. Keep soil moist, watering whenever there isn't adequate rainfall. Once clover is established, rainfall provides the moisture it needs except during long and hot dry spells.
