Post by robinvt on Feb 23, 2006 14:54:12 GMT
There was a question on how to start a food plot. I am far from an expert but have put in many plots, so here it goes . . .
Believe it or not, the seed products that are designed for wildlife such as BioLogic, Whitetail Institute, and others are actually better than their farm variety counterparts. Here's the reason. The purpose of clover used by farmers is for harvesting. These blends tend to have long stems in order for the clover to grow high enough to be baled. Longer stems need to be thicker in order to help the plant stand up. Blends which are made for wildlife are engineered to have shorter stems and bigger leaves. These blends are much more digestible for deer and they get more nutrition/protein out of them. Now before I get flamed, I'm not saying that wildlife won't use the farm variety clover because they will. What I am saying is that if you are going to make an effort to create an acre plot of clover, you might as well try to get the most tonnage of digestible nutrition/protein you can in the space that you have to work with.
I personally prefer the Whitetail Institute's Imperial Clover and their Alfa-Rack Plus which is alfalfa, chicory, and clover mixed. Alfa-Rack should only be used in well drained areas such as hill tops or sandy soil. Imperial Clover needs more moisture, so damp soil (no standing water or clay) is preferred. Here are some general steps to take when putting in a plot.
1. You need to determine the type of soil you are dealing with and what to plant (see comments above).
2. A soil test is highly recommended (only about $10) to determine the amount of lime and fertilizer you should apply. Lime WILL BE NEEDED. Soils in the north east are typically around 5.0 pH. Clover and Alfalfa thrive in 7.0pH. Clover will grow in lower pH, but not as well. Alfalfa really needs the pH above 6.0 to have a chance.
3. Once you determine what to plant and how to amend, you need to prepare the site. The best way is to spray with Roundup. This will kill all vegetation and reduce weed competition.
4. It's best to try and break up the soil as well as you can. A rototiller or disc works best. Then try to level the site by dragging a bed spring or piece of chain link fence behind the tractor or ATV. Remove any debris that remains on the seed bed.
5. Spread your seed using the recommended seeding rates on the bag. For example, a 4lb bag of Imperial Clover will cover about half an acre. Try not to over seed as more isn't always better.
6. Try to get good seed to soil contact. You can do this by getting a roller and going over the bed. You can also drive on it with an ATV or tractor. You can also just walk all over the plot if that's all that is available.
7. Pray for a little rain after you plant and watch the seed germinate.
8. If the plot has weeds in it or gets high, you should mow or cut it down to about 6". Mow it BEFORE the weeds go to seed.
9. Some additional tips are try to orientate you plot in a north-south direction to maximize the sun. This stuff really needs sunlight to thrive. Also, pay attention to the prevailing winds. If you plan to hunt near it, you don't want your sent drifting over the plot.
Guess that's all I can think of for now. Give it a try, it's very rewarding!!!
Believe it or not, the seed products that are designed for wildlife such as BioLogic, Whitetail Institute, and others are actually better than their farm variety counterparts. Here's the reason. The purpose of clover used by farmers is for harvesting. These blends tend to have long stems in order for the clover to grow high enough to be baled. Longer stems need to be thicker in order to help the plant stand up. Blends which are made for wildlife are engineered to have shorter stems and bigger leaves. These blends are much more digestible for deer and they get more nutrition/protein out of them. Now before I get flamed, I'm not saying that wildlife won't use the farm variety clover because they will. What I am saying is that if you are going to make an effort to create an acre plot of clover, you might as well try to get the most tonnage of digestible nutrition/protein you can in the space that you have to work with.
I personally prefer the Whitetail Institute's Imperial Clover and their Alfa-Rack Plus which is alfalfa, chicory, and clover mixed. Alfa-Rack should only be used in well drained areas such as hill tops or sandy soil. Imperial Clover needs more moisture, so damp soil (no standing water or clay) is preferred. Here are some general steps to take when putting in a plot.
1. You need to determine the type of soil you are dealing with and what to plant (see comments above).
2. A soil test is highly recommended (only about $10) to determine the amount of lime and fertilizer you should apply. Lime WILL BE NEEDED. Soils in the north east are typically around 5.0 pH. Clover and Alfalfa thrive in 7.0pH. Clover will grow in lower pH, but not as well. Alfalfa really needs the pH above 6.0 to have a chance.
3. Once you determine what to plant and how to amend, you need to prepare the site. The best way is to spray with Roundup. This will kill all vegetation and reduce weed competition.
4. It's best to try and break up the soil as well as you can. A rototiller or disc works best. Then try to level the site by dragging a bed spring or piece of chain link fence behind the tractor or ATV. Remove any debris that remains on the seed bed.
5. Spread your seed using the recommended seeding rates on the bag. For example, a 4lb bag of Imperial Clover will cover about half an acre. Try not to over seed as more isn't always better.
6. Try to get good seed to soil contact. You can do this by getting a roller and going over the bed. You can also drive on it with an ATV or tractor. You can also just walk all over the plot if that's all that is available.
7. Pray for a little rain after you plant and watch the seed germinate.
8. If the plot has weeds in it or gets high, you should mow or cut it down to about 6". Mow it BEFORE the weeds go to seed.
9. Some additional tips are try to orientate you plot in a north-south direction to maximize the sun. This stuff really needs sunlight to thrive. Also, pay attention to the prevailing winds. If you plan to hunt near it, you don't want your sent drifting over the plot.
Guess that's all I can think of for now. Give it a try, it's very rewarding!!!
