Clover is a highly popular choice for deer food plots, primarily because it offers high protein content and the potential for a perennial stand that lasts multiple years. The success of a clover plot depends entirely on proper timing and meticulous preparation, ensuring young plants establish a robust root system before facing environmental stress. When managed correctly, clover provides a consistent, nutritious food source for deer throughout much of the year.
Optimal Planting Windows
The best time to plant clover is determined by the goal of the plot and the region’s climate, with two primary windows offering the greatest chance of success.
Late summer or early fall is widely considered the superior planting time for perennial clover, especially in the transitional and northern zones. Planting between mid-August and mid-September allows the clover to establish a strong root system before the first hard frost, which is crucial for perennial survival. This timing also means the seedlings face less competition from aggressive summer annual weeds, which are beginning to die off.
The second opportunity is during the early spring, typically late March through May, depending on the last frost date in your area. Spring planting is common in the North but presents a greater challenge due to the explosion of summer weeds that compete directly with the young clover plants. Successful spring planting requires the clover to be well-established before summer heat and drought cause stress. In the South, late spring planting should be avoided, as plants will not develop sufficient root growth before hot, dry conditions arrive.
Pre-Planting Essentials
Regardless of the planting season chosen, soil preparation must be completed first, as it dictates the plot’s long-term health and productivity. The first step involves a soil test, which provides precise recommendations for fertilizer and the necessary lime application. Clover thrives in a soil pH range of 6.0 to 7.0, with an optimal target often between 6.5 and 6.8.
If the test reveals low soil acidity, agricultural lime (aglime) must be applied to raise the pH level. Traditional aglime works slowly, taking time to neutralize the soil, so it should be applied well in advance of seeding, ideally several months prior. If tilling, the lime should be incorporated into the soil to speed up the process. Pelletized lime can be broadcast on the surface with a faster reaction time. Ensuring the correct pH is more important than initial fertilization, as low acidity prevents the clover from utilizing available nutrients efficiently.
Selecting the Right Clover Variety
Choosing the appropriate clover variety is an important factor in the success and longevity of the food plot.
Perennial clovers, such as Ladino and White Dutch, are favored for their ability to persist for multiple years and withstand high grazing pressure. These varieties spread by sending out horizontal stems called stolons, which root to create new plants, helping the stand regenerate and fill in bare spots. Small-leaf white clovers are particularly resilient to frequent browsing and mowing due to their high stolon production.
In contrast, annual clovers, like Crimson clover, grow quickly and are typically used in fall and winter plots when perennial varieties are dormant. Although fast-growing and nutritious, they complete their life cycle in less than a year and must be replanted annually. Red clover is often classified as a short-lived perennial, offering better cold and drought tolerance than white clover, and tolerates a pH as low as 5.5.
Post-Planting Care for Longevity
Once the clover plot is established, consistent maintenance is necessary to maximize its lifespan, especially for perennial varieties.
Weed control is a continuous effort. Grass-specific herbicides like clethodim are highly effective at eliminating grassy competition without harming the clover. Broadleaf weeds can be managed with selective herbicides such as Butyrac-200, which targets weeds while allowing the clover to thrive.
Mowing is a simple technique that temporarily sets back broadleaf weeds, encourages new growth, and stimulates stolon production in white clovers. Clover should be mowed when weeds begin to mature or when the clover starts to flower. Avoid mowing during periods of extreme heat or drought to prevent plant stress. Clover produces its own nitrogen, so annual fertilization should focus on phosphorus and potassium, often in the spring and late summer, according to soil test recommendations.