Best Time To Plant Clover Food Plots

[@outdoorztime2923]

Thanks so much for the information. I have a couple plots that I plan to plant for the first time. You completed your video with a mouth full. That will help my first-time food plots to reach their maximum potential. Thanks again!

[@bradgoliphant]

Can I sow clover in early fall?

[@Whitetail_Properties]

Yes you can.

[@STRATOS21MAG]

So if I put say forage oats in my clover as a cover crop what about spring turkey do I mow off the oats ???

[@Whitetail_Properties]

Yes

[@kayd8848]

So what month exactly would you start the clover plot and how would you recommend I get my spot ready. There is just currently grass there now:

[@Whitetail_Properties]

You can plant clover in the spring or the fall. It does depend on what part of the country you are in. But, if you are establishing a new plot as you mentioned the late summer/early fall is a good option (August-September) The reason Tim was saying he prefers to plant new clover plots during this time of year is because you will have less weed competition with the young clover because most weeds aren't growing rapidly like they are in the spring and summer. This will help to ensure the clover gets established and isn't choked out by competing weeds vegetation. As far as site prep, an appropriate application of glyphosate to kill the grasses and existing vegetation would be the first step. Allow 2 weeks or so for the chemical to kill off the site before disturbing the soil. Once everything is brown and dead you can go in and lightly disc the site, cultipack and seed. If equipment is limited you can mow the sight as low as possible, use a drag to remove debris or rake off any clippings and debris and broadcast the seed. You wont get the best seed to soil contact, limiting germination, but it is an option.

[@kayd8848]

Whitetail Properties as for the site prep, would it work if I was to till an area, wait a few weeks then spray it then a few weeks later seed. Would this help with the soil to seed contact or no?

[@Whitetail_Properties]

@@kayd8848 Yes depending on the condition of the site that should work just fine! Mowing the site down before tilling would help too.

[@mpharr2]

Do you have Japanese Silt grass yet?

[@Whitetail_Properties]

In our clover plots?

[@mpharr2]

@@Whitetail_Properties Like some shade not to much sun or deep shade - Grows to 3.5 feet - Transported by streams & Rivers - Seeds can germinate for 7 years Germinates at soil temps below 50 deg f

[@Whitetail_Properties]

@@mpharr2 We also see it along trail systems after ATVs or UTVs cross creeks/streams and disperse them along trails.

[@mpharr2]

Spring 2024 will try using pre-emengence when soil temp 2 inches below surface is 40 and other testing at 45 deg f. @@Whitetail_Properties

[@stanleybuck4195]

What weed killer spray do you recommend? Is it safe? Notba Round up type product?

[@Whitetail_Properties]

Whitetail Institute makes a grass selective herbicide called arrest that we like to use to control grasses in our clover food plots.

[@josephjacobjr]

I am interested in planting approximately 1/2 acre of white, red clover in New York (approx 35mi north of NYC) early April. Seeing a significant amount of information regarding testing pH levels and soil sampling, using lime as well. If the area that I currently plan to put down my plot does not have adequate soil depth, do you have a recommended alternative for bringing soil in to do the job? I can manage a couple wheelbarrows full from the surrounding land, but I want to be mindful of the environment and utilize the earth where I am planting. There is on average 6-7hrs of ideal sunlight on the area and a stream that can be used to water and keeps the soil moist. I don't plan on watering the plot every week though because of the proximity from my home. Any additional thoughts, recommendations would be appreciated!

[@Whitetail_Properties]

There is a lot to take into consideration to ensure a proper response. When you say "soil depth" what exactly do you mean? Is it a rocky sight with little top soil? Generally clovers are fairly shade tolerant so you 6-7 hours of sunlight seems to be okay. I would try to get a soil sample from the sight so you know how to amend the soil properly. Otherwise you could be wasting a lot of time and effort on money and seed. We plan on filming both soil testing and spring clover planting next week. Stay tuned and hopefully some of our upcoming content will you help you out!

[@anthonykontos7931]

@@Whitetail_Propertiescan you start a clover plot in Virginia outside of dc like 30 miles ? Like early August?

[@rightreasons7908]

Maybe spraying the field with Round up first would help with the weed competition. Looks like you’re just disking the weeds in.

[@DeaconRob]

How much clover and oat per acre do you use?

[@Whitetail_Properties]

Depends on the type of clover! For instance, you would seed crimson clover at a rate of 20lbs per acre, and berseem clover at 10-15lbs per acre, and ball clover at 3-4lbs per acre. The manufacture should specify seeding rates on the bag of seed. As far as oats go, 100-120lbs per acre is a good number to remember.

[@stanleybuck4195]

Is it not harmful or cancer producing?

[@Whitetail_Properties]

Not sure if there is any research around it relating to that. Used at the proper rate and wearing proper clothing most herbicides are safe to use.

[@Camera1931-p5v]

Picking all your rocks in Vermont is laughable! We pick a lot of them though! I have seen Iowa soil! No rocks at all with 5 feet of topsoil!

[@Whitetail_Properties]

That would be a tall order in Vermont, and a few other states we can think of lol. Yes, Iowa has some of the most fertile soils in the country.

[@jerimahjohnson8698]

Ohio rocks

[@quinnm.2314]

most of this advise is not applicable to those who have properties 1+ hours away from where they live. Plus, going into the woods during prime tick season is difficult...

[@Whitetail_Properties]

It would mean an extra trip to the farm, but who doesn't want an excuse to get out on the farm?! Also, the double herbicide application is mainly for establishing new plots. If it were a pre-existing plot weed competition would most likely not be as much of an issue.

[@quinnm.2314]

@@Whitetail_Properties yeah, guess so. problem for me as a no till food plotter who would like to use a cover crop, is that I would have to plant it during prime tick season (May / June) which I wont do unfortunately. maybe i can find a different cover crop that takes longer to mature

[@bigweb0311]

CCGG262 you have PTSD? (Post tick stress disorder)😂😂