Imagine a field buzzing with life, drawing in deer and other wildlife like a magnet. That’s the power of a well-planned food plot! But when it comes to choosing the right clover, it can feel like navigating a maze. You want the best for your hunting grounds, but with so many types and claims, how do you know which one will truly thrive and attract the animals you want to see?
Choosing the wrong clover can lead to wasted time, money, and disappointing results. You might end up with a plot that doesn’t grow well, or one that doesn’t attract the wildlife you hoped for. This can be frustrating for any hunter or landowner who wants to improve their land.
Don’t worry, we’re here to help! In this post, we’ll break down the world of clover for food plots. You’ll learn how to pick the perfect variety for your specific needs, understand what makes clover a superstar for attracting deer, and discover how to create a plot that flourishes year after year. Get ready to transform your land and boost your success!
Top Clover For Food Plots Recommendations
- Packed with ANTLER-BUILDING protein
- Helps does deliver HEAVIER, HEALTHIER fawns and produce more milk
- EXTREMELY cold tolerant as well as heat and drought resistant
- Coated with RainBond for ENHANCED seedling SURVIVABILITY
- Lasts up to 5 YEARS from a SINGLE planting
- Great for both deer and turkeys
- Establishes quickly with vigorous stolon growth
- Persistent, high drought tolerance
- Plant Spring or Fall
- High protein for developing antlers and growing larger, healthier fawns
- Packed with ANTLER-BUILDING protein
- Helps does deliver HEAVIER, HEALTHIER fawns and produce more milk
- EXTREMELY cold tolerant as well as heat and drought resistant
- Coated with RainBond for ENHANCED seedling survivability
- Lasts up to 5 years from a single planting
- Packed with ANTLER-BUILDING protein
- Helps does deliver HEAVIER, HEALTHIER fawns and produce more milk
- EXTREMELY cold tolerant as well as heat and drought resistant
- Coated with RainBond for ENHANCED seedling survivability
- Lasts up to 5 years from a single planting
- PREMIUM QUALITY CLOVER SEED: This high-quality white clover seed is perfect for erosion control, creating a lush lawn alternative, enriching pasture mixtures, and supporting seasonal food plot preparation. Ideal for homeowners, gardeners, landscapers, farmers, and wildlife managers, it works well for deer food plots, green manure crops, ground cover, lawns, gardens, and backyards.
- ADVANCED NITROCOATED & INOCULATED SEEDS: Specially treated to support superior germination rates and enhance soil health, these ground cover seeds promote robust plant growth. They naturally boost soil nitrogen by fixing nitrogen from the air into the soil, making them a great clover seed choice for lawns, gardens, pastures, cover crop mixes, and agricultural applications.
- ADAPTABLE TO USDA ZONES 3-10: Thriving in a wide range of climates, from full sun to partial shade, this white clover seed for lawns is suitable for various regions across the country. Great for spring or fall planting, lawn renovation, pasture improvement, and sustainable ground cover, this resilient clover provides lush growth and reliable coverage.
- EASY & EFFECTIVE SEEDING: Simply disperse the white flower seeds on prepared soil, lightly rake them in, and keep them continually moist. Plant alone or mix with grass seed, pasture blends, or cover crop mixes. Expect quick germination within 14 days at 65-70°F, with a seeding rate of 1/4 lb to 1/2 lb per 1,000 square feet or 8 to 10 lbs per acre.
- OPTIMAL GROWTH & AESTHETIC APPEAL: Growing to a manageable height of 8-12 inches, this perennial clover seed features beautiful white blooms that enhance your landscape. Perfect for customers interested in eco-friendly lawn alternatives, soil improvement, reduced yard maintenance, and a drought-tolerant lawn alternative that naturally supports healthier soil.
- CLOVER SEEDS FOR DEER & TURKEY – Pure Whitetail Clover Xtreme Select Food Plot Seed Blends create an irresistible natural forage buffet for whitetail deer and turkey. Using only the highest quality clover food plot seeds, Pure Whitetail’s Clover Xtreme Select Seed Blends create habit forming deer and turkey travel patterns in your desired locations.
- PREMIUM SEEDS – Pure Whitetail’s Clover Xtreme uses only the highest quality food plot seeds, which create a potent all-season turkey and deer food source. Don’t work harder than you need to. Let these turkey and deer food plot seeds bulk up the deer and turkey for you. Turkey and deer hunting has never been simpler.
- EASY TO USE – These premium food plot seeds for whitetail deer provide no till food plot seed for deer that is perfect for your favorite hunting spots. Deer feeders aren’t necessary when you use these premium deer food plot seed. Simply sow the seeds wherever you want to feed deer. Pure Whitetail Clover Xtreme is also excellent as turkey food plot seed. Turkey and deer feed, grow big and strong, and keep coming back for more!
- DROUGHT RESISTANT PERENNIAL FOOD PLOT – Pure Whitetail Clover Xtreme is the perfect choice for a year-round turkey and buck food plot that resists heat, drought, disease, and cold. Clover Xtreme includes a precise mixture of White Cloud Clover seed, Black Arrowleaf Clover seed, and Ladino Clover seeds. These protein rich and highly palatable hardy food plot seeds for deer and turkey provide a reliable food source with minimal effort.
- ONE 5 LB BAG COVERS 1 ACRE – Sow the seeds where turkey and whitetail access your favorite hunting spot to create a whitetail food plot deer and turkey will return to forage year-round. Clover Xtreme may be the easiest way to create a secret spot food plot for wildlife. Growth between 12" - 36" high. Our mix grows up to 5 years. Each bag covers 1 acre.
- 5 types of clover
- Perennial Mix; Up to 5 Years
- Highly Palatable Protein
- Drought Tolerant
- Graze Tolerant
- PREMIUM QUALITY CLOVER SEED: This high-quality white clover seed is perfect for erosion control, creating a lush lawn alternative, enriching pasture mixtures, and supporting seasonal food plot preparation. Ideal for homeowners, gardeners, landscapers, farmers, and wildlife managers, it works well for deer food plots, green manure crops, ground cover, lawns, gardens, and backyards.
- ADVANCED NITROCOATED & INOCULATED SEEDS: Specially treated to support superior germination rates and enhance soil health, these ground cover seeds promote robust plant growth. They naturally boost soil nitrogen by fixing nitrogen from the air into the soil, making them a great clover seed choice for lawns, gardens, pastures, cover crop mixes, and agricultural applications.
- ADAPTABLE TO USDA ZONES 3-10: Thriving in a wide range of climates, from full sun to partial shade, this white clover seed for lawns is suitable for various regions across the country. Great for spring or fall planting, lawn renovation, pasture improvement, and sustainable ground cover, this resilient clover provides lush growth and reliable coverage.
- EASY & EFFECTIVE SEEDING: Simply disperse the white flower seeds on prepared soil, lightly rake them in, and keep them continually moist. Plant alone or mix with grass seed, pasture blends, or cover crop mixes. Expect quick germination within 14 days at 65-70°F, with a seeding rate of 1/4 lb to 1/2 lb per 1,000 square feet or 8 to 10 lbs per acre.
- OPTIMAL GROWTH & AESTHETIC APPEAL: Growing to a manageable height of 8-12 inches, this perennial clover seed features beautiful white blooms that enhance your landscape. Perfect for customers interested in eco-friendly lawn alternatives, soil improvement, reduced yard maintenance, and a drought-tolerant lawn alternative that naturally supports healthier soil.
Choosing the Best Clover for Your Food Plots
Planting clover in your food plots is a fantastic way to attract deer, turkeys, and other wildlife. It provides nutritious forage that they love to eat. But not all clover is the same! This guide will help you pick the perfect clover for your needs.
Key Features to Look For
When you’re shopping for clover seeds, keep these important features in mind:
1. Species of Clover
There are a few main types of clover you’ll find:
- Red Clover: This is a tough and reliable choice. It grows tall and can handle different soils. It’s great for attracting deer.
- White Clover: This clover stays low to the ground and spreads well. It’s a favorite for turkeys and rabbits because it’s easy to graze.
- Alsike Clover: This type can grow in wet spots where other clovers might struggle. It’s a good all-around option.
- Crimson Clover: This clover has pretty red flowers. It grows fast in the spring and is a good cover crop.
2. Seed Size and Coating
Smaller seeds might be harder to spread evenly. Some seeds come coated with a special material. This coating helps protect the seed and can give it nutrients to get started. This can be a big help, especially if your soil isn’t perfect.
3. Cold Tolerance and Drought Resistance
Think about your local weather. If you have cold winters, choose a clover that can survive. If your area gets dry spells, look for clover that can handle a lack of water. Some clovers are better at this than others.
4. Disease Resistance
Just like plants can get sick, so can clover. Some varieties are made to fight off common diseases. This means your food plot will stay healthy and productive.
Important Materials
The main “material” you’re buying is the clover seed itself. The quality of the seed is super important. Look for seeds that are:
- Fresh: Old seeds might not sprout well. Check the “pack date” if you can.
- Pure: You want mostly clover seeds, not a lot of weed seeds mixed in.
- Viable: This means the seeds are alive and ready to grow.
Sometimes, clover is sold in mixes with other plants like grasses or grains. These mixes can offer more variety for wildlife.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Several things can make your clover food plot better or worse:
Factors That Improve Quality:
- Good Soil: Clover likes soil that isn’t too acidic. Getting your soil tested can tell you if you need to add lime.
- Sunlight: Most clovers need at least 6 hours of sunlight each day to grow their best.
- Proper Planting Depth: Don’t plant clover seeds too deep. They need light to sprout.
- Good Seed-to-Soil Contact: Pressing the seeds into the soil after planting helps them grow.
- Rainfall or Irrigation: Young clover needs consistent moisture.
Factors That Reduce Quality:
- Poor Soil: Very rocky or very wet soil can be tough for clover.
- Too Much Shade: If your plot is covered by trees, clover won’t thrive.
- Overgrazing: If deer eat the clover too much when it’s young, it might not recover.
- Weeds: Weeds can choke out the clover and steal its nutrients.
- Drought: Long periods without rain can kill young clover.
User Experience and Use Cases
People plant clover for a few main reasons:
- Attracting Deer: Clover is a protein-rich food that deer love, especially during the spring and summer when they need to grow antlers and nurse fawns.
- Improving Turkey Habitat: Turkeys eat clover, and the low growth provides good cover for them.
- Benefiting Small Game: Rabbits and other small animals enjoy grazing on clover too.
- Soil Health: Clover is a legume, which means it can add nitrogen to the soil. This helps other plants grow better.
Most users find that planting clover is a straightforward process. The biggest challenge is often getting the conditions just right for the seeds to sprout and grow strong. Once established, a good clover plot can provide food for wildlife for several years.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the best type of clover for deer?
A: Red clover and white clover are generally excellent choices for attracting deer. They provide good nutrition and are highly palatable.
Q: How much clover seed do I need per acre?
A: The amount varies by clover type, but a common recommendation is 5-10 pounds of seed per acre. Always check the seed bag for specific rates.
Q: When is the best time to plant clover for food plots?
A: The best time depends on your climate. Generally, early spring or late summer/early fall are good times to plant so the clover can establish before extreme heat or cold.
Q: Can I plant clover in shady areas?
A: Clover prefers full sun. While some varieties can tolerate partial shade, they won’t grow as well or be as attractive to wildlife in deep shade.
Q: Do I need to till my soil before planting clover?
A: Tilling can help, but it’s not always necessary. You need good seed-to-soil contact. You can sometimes plant directly into well-prepared ground or even over existing vegetation if you manage it correctly.
Q: How long does clover last in a food plot?
A: A well-established clover food plot can last for 3-5 years or even longer, depending on the species planted and how well it’s maintained.
Q: What is “inoculant” for clover seeds?
A: Inoculant is a special powder that contains bacteria. These bacteria help clover plants take nitrogen from the air and put it into the soil, which is great for plant growth.
Q: Can I mix clover with other food plot seeds?
A: Yes, clover is often mixed with other plants like brassicas, grains, or other legumes to create a diverse food source for wildlife.
Q: How often should I mow my clover food plot?
A: Mowing helps control weeds and encourages new growth. Mow about 3-4 times during the growing season, usually to a height of 4-6 inches.
Q: Will clover grow in poor soil?
A: Clover prefers decent soil, but some varieties are more forgiving than others. Improving your soil with lime and fertilizer will always lead to better results.