When it comes to creating a thriving food plot for wildlife, few plants rival clover in terms of its nutritional value and attraction quality. However, to truly unlock the potential of clover and enhance its benefits for deer, turkeys, and other game animals, it’s essential to consider what to mix with it. This guide will delve into the various plants that can complement clover, their benefits, and how to mix them effectively to create a lush, diverse food plot that attracts wildlife throughout the year.
The Importance of Mixing in Clover Food Plots
Mixing different plants in your food plot isn’t just about diversity—it’s about creating a balanced habitat that supports wildlife while ensuring optimal growth conditions for each species. Clover, known for its high protein content and palatability, becomes even more productive and beneficial when paired with the right companion plants.
- Enhanced Nutritional Profile: Different plants contribute various nutrients, rounding out the diet for both ruminants and other game animals.
- Extended Feeding Opportunities: Mixing allows for a staggered growth cycle, providing forage year-round as different crops mature at different times.
- Soil Health Improvement: Certain plants improve soil nitrogen content and overall health, benefiting clover and other plants in the mix.
Choosing the Right Plants to Mix with Clover
When selecting plants to mix with clover, consider the specific needs of the local wildlife and the growing conditions of the area. Below, we explore several excellent options to mix with clover, along with their advantages.
1. Chicory
Chicory is often recommended as one of the best companions for clover. This deep-rooted perennial provides additional nutrients and can thrive in dry conditions, making it a great pairing.
Nutritional Benefits: Chicory offers high protein content (up to 20%) and is highly palatable for deer. It’s also rich in minerals.
Growth Characteristics: With a taproot that can reach depths of 3 feet, chicory can access moisture and nutrients that shallow-rooted plants cannot, improving the resilience of the food plot.
2. Timothy Grass
Timothy grass is another excellent choice, especially in cooler regions. This perennial grass offers different growth patterns and can establish well alongside clover.
Structural Diversity: Timothy grass provides vertical structure, which can enhance the habitat for small animals. Its growth can also improve soil surface stability.
Feeding Resilience: This grass can last into winter, ensuring that forage is available for animals when clover growth slows.
3. Brassicas
Brassica plants such as rape, kale, and turnips are known for their unique ability to provide forage in late fall and winter.
Diverse Foraging Times: Brassicas grow well in cooler weather, offering high-energy food when clover might be less available.
Attractiveness: Many game species are extremely attracted to the taste of Brassica, making them a strategic choice for food plots aimed at attracting deer and other wildlife.
4. Peas
Mixing peas with clover can enhance the overall protein levels of your food plot, providing a further nutrient-rich forage option.
Nitrogen Fixation: As legumes, peas contribute nitrogen back into the soil, benefiting surrounding plants including clover.
Soft Texture: Peas are a favorite for many wildlife species due to their tender and palatable leaves.
5. Millet
Millet is a great option to mix in for a summer food plot. This grass-growing annual offers a splash of color and attracts different species.
Seed Production: Millet produces seeds that are attractive to birds and other game animals, providing a multi-species feeding ground.
Drought Resistance: With low water requirements, millet can thrive in less-than-ideal soil conditions, complementing clover’s growth during dry spells.
Best Practices for Mixing Clover with Other Plants
To ensure your food plot reaps the benefits of mixing, consider the following best practices:
1. Soil Testing
Before planting, conduct a soil test to understand the pH and nutrient levels. Clover prefers slightly acidic to neutral soil (pH of 6.0 to 7.0). Adjust accordingly with the proper amendments before planting your seeds.
2. Proper Timing
Timing plays a crucial role in establishing a successful clover food plot. Plant clover and its companions during optimal planting windows:
- Spring Planting: Ideal for blends that include annual plants and cool-season perennials.
- Fall Planting: Beneficial for establishing winter wheat and brassica blends, allowing them to set roots before winter.
3. Planting Method
Utilize no-till planting methods to preserve soil structure and minimize erosion. This can involve the use of a drill or broadcast seeding followed by light raking to cover seeds.
4. Maintenance and Management
Regularly monitor your food plot for weeds, pests, and overall health. Consider implementing the following:
- Mowing: Maintain the plot by mowing at strategic intervals to control height and promote new growth.
- Fertilization: Occasionally applying nitrogen fertilizer will boost the performance of both clover and its companions.
Seasonal Management of Clover Food Plots
Managing a clover food plot requires seasonal attention to maintain its health and productivity.
Spring Care
- Assess Growth: Look for any bare spots and consider overseeding if necessary.
- Weed Control: Use herbicides cautiously, especially if growth is dense, to avoid damaging clover.
Summer Maintenance
- Irrigation: Supplement watering during dry spells to keep clover and companion plants thriving.
- Monitoring Pests: Keep a lookout for insects or diseases that could threaten your plot’s health.
Fall Preparation
- Planting Winter Crops: In late summer to early fall, introduce winter-hardiness crops like winter wheat and brassicas.
- Soil Testing Again: Post-harvest soil tests can help plan for the next growing season.
Winter Care
- Wildlife Observation: Ensure that your food plot continues to attract wildlife during winter months. Monitor the eating habits of deer and other game to determine effectiveness.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
To maximize the effectiveness of your clover food plot, avoid these common pitfalls:
- Planting Too Many Species: While diversity is important, overcrowding can lead to competition and suboptimal growth for all plants involved.
- Neglecting Soil Health: Healthy soil is critical; neglecting amendments and upkeep can lead to failures in your food plot.
- Ignoring Local Conditions: Understand your local wildlife preferences and environmental conditions to adapt your mix accordingly.
Conclusion
Clover is a standout choice for food plots, but by mixing it with the right companion plants, you can elevate its benefits significantly. From chicory and brassicas to peas and millet, each plant brings unique advantages that help create a sustainable and attractive habitat for local wildlife. Through proper planning, diligent maintenance, and an understanding of your local ecology, your clover food plot can become a vital source of nutrition for deer, turkeys, and other game animals year-round. By implementing these strategies, you’ll contribute positively to the environment while enjoying the practical results of a bountiful food plot.
What is a clover food plot and why is it beneficial for wildlife?
A clover food plot is a cultivated area planted primarily with various types of clover, which are legumes that provide high-quality forage for wildlife. These plots not only serve as a food source but also improve soil quality by fixing nitrogen in the ground, which promotes overall ecological health. Clover attracts a variety of wildlife, including deer, turkey, and smaller animals, making it an excellent choice for landowners interested in enhancing their property for wildlife viewing or hunting.
In addition to attracting wildlife, clover food plots are beneficial because they are relatively low-maintenance and drought-resistant. Clover can thrive in poor soils where other crops might struggle, making it an economical choice for landowners. The nutritious foliage of clover supports animal health, particularly during the critical feeding times in early spring and late summer when other food sources may be scarce.
How do I choose the right type of clover for my food plot?
Choosing the right type of clover depends on your soil type, climate, and the specific wildlife you aim to attract. White clover, red clover, and ladino clover are some popular options. White clover is often favored for its durability and persistent growth, while red clover is known for its high protein content. Ladino clover is ideal for rich soil and can grow taller, providing better foraging opportunities for deer.
Consider the conditions of your food plot area, including sunlight exposure and moisture levels, when selecting your clover type. Conducting soil tests can provide insights into pH levels and nutrient content, helping you determine which variety will thrive in your specific environment. Mixing different types of clover can also provide a diverse habitat that benefits a range of wildlife species.
What is the best time for planting a clover food plot?
The best time to plant a clover food plot typically falls in late summer or early fall, depending on your location. Planting in these seasons allows the clover to establish roots before winter, leading to a stronger plot in the spring. Alternatively, early spring planting is also a viable option but can be slightly riskier due to competition with weeds and adverse weather conditions. Timing is crucial, so align your planting schedule with local climatic patterns.
For optimal growth, it’s recommended to plant clover when soil temperatures are consistently above 50°F. This typically occurs in mid to late spring or late summer. Ensure you prepare the ground properly beforehand, which includes clearing debris, tilling the soil, and bringing the soil pH to the ideal range (6.0 to 7.0) for clover growth. Good timing and preparation can set the stage for a flourishing food plot.
How do I prepare the soil for a clover food plot?
Soil preparation is a critical step in establishing a successful clover food plot. Begin by testing your soil to determine its pH and nutrient levels. This information will guide you in amending the soil appropriately, as clover prefers a pH range of 6.0 to 7.0. Depending on the test results, you may need to add lime to raise the pH or sulfur to lower it. Fertilizers can also be added to enhance nutrient levels, ensuring your clover will have the necessary elements for robust growth.
Once you have amended the soil, clear the area of any weeds, old grass, or debris to minimize competition. Tilling the soil to a depth of about 6-8 inches will aerate it and encourage healthy root development. After tilling, smooth the surface, and consider lightly compacting the soil before planting your clover seed. Properly prepared soil leads to better seed-to-soil contact and results in a more successful food plot.
Do I need to fertilize my clover food plot, and if so, how?
Fertilization can greatly benefit your clover food plot but should be approached cautiously. Clover is a legume and has the unique ability to fix nitrogen from the atmosphere, reducing its needs for synthetic fertilizers. However, it can still benefit from phosphorus and potassium, especially during establishment and early growth stages. A soil test will help identify any nutrient deficiencies you need to address.
If fertilization is necessary, apply a balanced fertilizer with an N-P-K ratio that supports clover growth, typically a formula higher in phosphorus and potassium. Timing is key; apply fertilizer during the establishment phase right before planting or shortly after germination. Avoid excessive nitrogen, as it may encourage leafy growth at the expense of flowers and seeds. A targeted approach ensures your clover thrives and provides adequate forage for wildlife.
How do I manage weeds in my clover food plot?
Weed management is essential for the success of a clover food plot, as weeds can compete for nutrients, light, and water. An effective method is to prepare the soil properly before planting, as this helps remove existing weeds. Consider implementing a pre-emergent herbicide to prevent weed seeds from germinating, especially if planting in spring. Always follow label instructions to ensure safe and effective application.
Once your clover is established, managing weeds becomes more challenging but is still manageable. One effective technique is to mow the plot to control weeds while allowing the clover to thrive. Ideally, mow once the clover reaches a height of 8 to 10 inches, ensuring you avoid cutting it too short. Regular monitoring and timely action will keep weeds at bay and maintain the health of your clover plot.
How often should I mow my clover food plot?
Mowing your clover food plot is an important maintenance practice that should be done at the right intervals to promote healthy growth. Generally, you should mow your clover when it reaches a height of about 8 to 10 inches. This height ensures that the clover is mature enough to withstand the cutting and will help prevent weeds from becoming overly established. Early spring and late summer are key times for mowing, as clover can benefit from trimming during these growth peaks.
Mowing frequency can vary depending on weather conditions, rainfall, and the growth rate of the clover. Most plots may need mowing every 4 to 6 weeks during the growing season. Avoid mowing too short, as this can stress the plants and weaken their growth. Regular mowing not only controls weed pressure but also promotes thicker clover stands, ultimately providing more forage for wildlife.