Food Plots crimson clover
- Thread starter Cutover
- Start date
Remington700
Well-Known Member
What are they eating? I have a neighbor with a clover plot and never find any in the deer I kill. Always just full of acorns.
JCDEERMAN
Well-Known Member
I don't see many deer eating our crimson. We typically just plant it to add nitrogen to the soil and help improve the soil overall. It does have some good pollination benefits in the spring with all the bugs and bees. The turkeys will be in there in the spring, as they like it a lot.
They are devouring some winter wheat I have planted right now.
Same here.
Where I'm at it will start putting out the crimson blooms in mid to late May or first part of June
Wiley
Well-Known Member
They're wearing my ladino clover and rape mix out in north AL. Once frost hits the rape they constantly hammer it.
I have ladino clover and Balansa clover and it is being hammered
TN-Hunter
Member
End of April to early May
DoubleTap
Well-Known Member
Newbie question, but when did you plant your winter wheat?
It was September or October one. It was right before one of those hard rains we got from a hurricane in the Gulf.
TN-Hunter
Member
They are hitting my crimson clover in my blend of winter wheat and tiller radish. My plot is only about an inch tall now. Hopefully this warm weather will kick the plot back to growing.
Split Brow
Well-Known Member
Can you spring plant crimson, and if so when is the best time. I have always planted in the fall.
I planted crimson clover over winter wheat plots during our snow storm. The "Frost" seeding method worked great and my plots are now showing beautiful red flower heads. As mentioned above, the deer aren't eating the crimson clover, but I've seen a bunch of rabbits and turkey in the plots. Adding nitrogen and more organic matter is a huge benefit.
BSK
Well-Known Member
You can plant crimson any time. Just realize it will mature, flower and die back at some point during the summer if unmowed. If mowed once a month, it may not flower and can last all summer.
JCDEERMAN
Well-Known Member
Yep - I don't see deer eating much of it. I do see a lot of turkeys and bugs/pollinators in it. Agree 100% on the nitrogen and organic matter as a huge benefit.
BSK
Well-Known Member
I hesitate adding nitrogen to nitrogen fixing legumes because that's exactly what invasive grasses need!
BSK
Well-Known Member
Once spring green-up starts, deer usage of crimson clover really drops off. But if you plant a second crop for summer, or maintain your clover so it doesn't bloom, deer will be back on it by June.
Split Brow
Well-Known Member
Cool deal, thanks for all responses, very helpful.
