Food Plots Spray, mow, or ?

[Bwales95]

Hoping for some direction from the experienced food plot guys. This is our first plot and its going into its second year. Any help on the best way to get it back into shape is appreciated.

We disced about an acre in a wooded area last year and planted white/red clover, and added some throw and grow to add volume. It did well and the clover is coming back this year, albeit with weeds. Since there is existing clover, mowing it and starting over doesn't seem right. Our thoughts are to mow it about a foot off the ground, but should we then spray it (with what if yes?). Do we then over seed? The second thought is to again mow it high and broadcast more clover without spraying. We're definately open to options, and I'll add that hunting over a food plot you helped grow is pretty amazing. Thanks!

 

[JCDEERMAN]

I would be hesitant mowing clover right now for the purposes of reseeding from the flowers. It is already stressed from the heat and needs to retain as much moisture as possible. I think the height is great. I would spray with clethodim and then let it take its course, and then come August/September, I'd go through and broadcast more clover into it right before a rain. Right before a rain is key. Establishing and maintaining clover requires a lot of attention.

 

[Pioneer1789]

I assume you're trying to keep a perennial clover plot here?

 

[Bwales95]

Hi Pioneer. Yes, clover seems to be the ticket and the deer worked it over pretty good last year.

 

[JCDEERMAN]

@tellico4x4 is the clover genius. He may chime in. I gave up on perennial clover plots years ago.

 

[megalomaniac]

Actually, this late, I would clip the weeds above the clover if possible. Like JC said, I would not cut the clover this late. Not even sure spraying it right now is a good idea...

I've had some incredible perennial clover plots for a year or 2 at the most, then we hit the crazy hot and dry spells in late July and lose 80% of it. Our average soil depth is 12 inches before solid limestone... so I've since given up on monoculture perennial clover plots and prefer a blend and strongly favor the annual clovers.

 

[tellico4x4]

I mowed & sprayed all mine the past two weeks. Normally I would not do this late, but have had 40" of rain so far this year with 8" this month. Moisture is best I've ever seen for July.

Very rare for me to lose clover due to hot dry weather. Sure it'll go dormant, but with fall rain & 0-20-20 it comes right back in time for gun season. The past two years we have had enough rain that it has been in good shape for bow season.

As far as overseeding goes, I have better luck doing annual clover in fall & perennial in late Jan or early February.

It does take a fair amount of attention but worth it to me to pretty much have a year round food source. None of my neighbors do it so we pull a lot of deer off them. I think it's also the reason that we have turkeys when others in our area don't.

Impressive that you have that good of a stand with a new plot. As Mega said I'd mow it high right now. This fall you could overseed & fertilize right in front of rain then mow closer laying a layer of thatch over the seed.

 

[megalomaniac]

I mowed & sprayed all mine the past two weeks. Normally I would not do this late, but have had 40" of rain so far this year with 8" this month. Moisture is best I've ever seen for July.

Very rare for me to lose clover due to hot dry weather. Sure it'll go dormant, but with fall rain & 0-20-20 it comes right back in time for gun season. The past two years we have had enough rain that it has been in good shape for bow season.

As far as overseeding goes, I have better luck doing annual clover in fall & perennial in late Jan or early February.

It does take a fair amount of attention but worth it to me to pretty much have a year round food source. None of my neighbors do it so we pull a lot of deer off them. I think it's also the reason that we have turkeys when others in our area don't.

Impressive that you have that good of a stand with a new plot. As Mega said I'd mow it high right now. This fall you could overseed & fertilize right in front of rain then mow closer laying a layer of thatch over the seed.

Great advice, ty!

But I've only had 1.5in rain total in the past 5 weeks on my TN farm! Multiple showers, but most like yesterday... 0.15in accumulation :(

Now in south MS, I bet I've had over 10in in the past month. Haven't gone more than 4 days without at least a half inch. Having to mow the yard every 5 to 6 days

 

[tellico4x4]

I mowed & sprayed all mine the past two weeks. Normally I would not do this late, but have had 40" of rain so far this year with 8" this month. Moisture is best I've ever seen for July.

Very rare for me to lose clover due to hot dry weather. Sure it'll go dormant, but with fall rain & 0-20-20 it comes right back in time for gun season. The past two years we have had enough rain that it has been in good shape for bow season.

As far as overseeding goes, I have better luck doing annual clover in fall & perennial in late Jan or early February.

It does take a fair amount of attention but worth it to me to pretty much have a year round food source. None of my neighbors do it so we pull a lot of deer off them. I think it's also the reason that we have turkeys when others in our area don't.

Great advice, ty!

But I've only had 1.5in rain total in the past 5 weeks on my TN farm! Multiple showers, but most like yesterday... 0.15in accumulation :(

Now in south MS, I bet I've had over 10in in the past month. Haven't gone more than 4 days without at least a half inch. Having to mow the yard every 5 to 6 days

Amazing how much it varies this time of year. I'm on the southern Wayne & Hardin county line & we've only one two week dry stretch that I can remember this year.

 

[deerfever]

I have had a good stand of ladino clover for 3 years now and I usually mow it two / three times a year to take care of the weeds. I have never sprayed it at all( probably should) . Yes it gets some weeds but the deer don't seem to mind and the clover is very thick. I usually mow before or after some good rain. I have never had any problem with it coming back and looking good. Like others said this time of year can be hard on the clover due to lack of rain . Mine has some weeds driving me up the wall right now but deer are in it good. I will mow again when I get a chance and the time is right. Good luck with your plot! Lots of knowledgeable guys on here with great information I have learned a ton on here. This picture was mid June. Again mine is not the best but never sprayed at all.

 

[BSK]

GREAT looking plot deerfever!