Unlock the Key to Successful Wildlife Management: Learn How to Plant Clover for Deer

Are you looking for a natural way to attract deer to your property and provide them with a nutritious food source? Planting clover is a fantastic option! Clover is a highly palatable and nutritious plant that deer absolutely adore. It’s a great way to enhance your wildlife habitat and create a beautiful, thriving ecosystem. This guide will walk you through the process of how to plant clover for deer, from choosing the right type to ensuring successful germination and growth.

Understanding Clover: The Deer’s Delight

Clover is a legume that belongs to the Trifolium genus. It’s known for its rich green foliage, delicate flowers, and its ability to fix nitrogen in the soil, making it a beneficial addition to any garden or landscape. There are numerous varieties of clover, each with its own characteristics. When choosing clover for deer, consider the following:

• White Clover (Trifolium repens): This is a popular choice for deer, as it’s highly palatable and spreads readily, creating a dense ground cover.
• Red Clover (Trifolium pratense): Red clover is another excellent option, offering a vibrant splash of color to your landscape. It’s known for its high nutritional value and its ability to attract pollinators.
• Crimson Clover (Trifolium incarnatum): Crimson clover is a fast-growing annual that provides a quick source of food for deer. It’s also a great choice for soil improvement.
• Alsike Clover (Trifolium hybridum): Alsike clover is a versatile option that combines the best qualities of white and red clover. It’s adaptable to various soil conditions and provides excellent forage for deer.

Preparing the Soil: The Foundation for Success

Before planting clover, prepare the soil to ensure optimal growth. Follow these steps:

1. Test the Soil: Conduct a soil test to determine the pH level and nutrient content. Clover thrives in slightly acidic to neutral soil (pH 6.0-7.0).
2. Amend the Soil: If the soil test reveals low fertility or an unsuitable pH, amend the soil accordingly. Add lime to raise the pH if it’s too acidic. Incorporate organic matter like compost or manure to improve soil structure and nutrient content.
3. Till the Soil: Till the soil to a depth of 6-8 inches to break up clumps and create a loose, workable texture. This will allow the clover roots to penetrate easily.
4. Remove Existing Vegetation: Weed the area thoroughly to remove any competing plants that could hinder the clover’s growth.

Planting Clover: A Simple Process

Once the soil is prepared, planting clover is straightforward:

1. Choose a Planting Method: Clover can be planted using seeds or plugs. Seeds are less expensive, but they may take longer to establish. Plugs are more expensive but offer a faster start.
2. Seed Planting: If using seeds, broadcast them evenly over the prepared soil. You can use a seed spreader for a more consistent application. Lightly rake the seeds into the soil, ensuring good seed-to-soil contact.
3. Plug Planting: If using plugs, space them 6-12 inches apart. Gently press the plugs into the soil, making sure the roots are well-covered.
4. Water Thoroughly: After planting, water the area thoroughly to encourage germination and root development.

Caring for Your Clover Patch: Nurturing Growth

Once your clover is planted, provide the right care to ensure healthy growth and attract deer:

1. Watering: Keep the clover patch consistently moist, especially during the first few weeks after planting. Water deeply and infrequently, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings.
2. Fertilizing: Clover is a nitrogen-fixing plant, meaning it doesn’t require much additional nitrogen. However, you can supplement with a balanced fertilizer if the soil test indicates low levels of other nutrients like phosphorus and potassium.
3. Mowing: Mow the clover regularly to prevent it from becoming too tall and woody. This will encourage new growth and keep the clover palatable for deer.
4. Weed Control: Monitor for weeds and remove them promptly to prevent them from competing with the clover.

Beyond Planting: Enhancing Your Deer Habitat

While planting clover is a fantastic start, consider these additional tips to create a truly inviting deer habitat:

1. Provide Cover: Deer need shelter from predators and harsh weather. Plant trees and shrubs around the clover patch to provide cover and shade.
2. Offer Water Sources: Deer need access to fresh water. Create a shallow pond, install a bird bath, or provide a water trough.
3. Minimize Disturbance: Keep human activity to a minimum in the area where you’ve planted clover. Deer are naturally shy and avoid areas with frequent human presence.

The Enduring Bounty: A Thriving Deer Habitat

By following these steps, you’ll create a flourishing clover patch that will attract deer to your property. Your efforts will provide them with a valuable food source, contribute to the local ecosystem, and add a touch of wild beauty to your landscape.

Answers to Your Questions

Q: When is the best time to plant clover for deer?

A: The best time to plant clover is in the spring or fall. Spring planting allows the clover to establish itself before the summer heat arrives, while fall planting allows it to take root before the winter cold sets in.

Q: How often should I mow my clover patch?

A: Mow your clover patch every 4-6 weeks, depending on its growth rate.

Q: Can I plant clover in my garden?

A: Yes, you can plant clover in your garden as a ground cover. It’s a low-maintenance option that can help suppress weeds and improve soil fertility.

Q: What are some other plants that attract deer?

A: Deer are also drawn to other plants like apple trees, berry bushes, oak trees, and various wildflowers.

Q: Will clover attract other wildlife?

A: Yes, clover is a valuable food source for many other wildlife species, including rabbits, squirrels, and birds.