When to Cut Clover Food Plots for Maximum Deer Nutrition

When to Cut Clover Food Plots?

Clover is a popular choice for food plots because it is a fast-growing, nutritious plant that deer love. However, knowing when to cut your clover food plot can be tricky. If you cut it too early, you will miss out on the benefits of clover’s high protein content. If you cut it too late, you will encourage the growth of weeds and reduce the amount of clover available for your deer.

In this article, we will discuss the best time to cut clover food plots, as well as how to properly manage your clover plot for maximum deer nutrition.

When to Cut Clover Food Plots?	Reason	Best Time
Early Spring	To promote new growth and attract deer	March-April
Late Summer	To reduce seed production and prevent volunteer plants	August-September

Clover is a popular legume that is often used in food plots to attract deer and other wildlife. It is a nitrogen-fixing plant, which means that it can help to improve the soil quality of your plot. However, it is important to know when to cut clover in order to maximize its benefits for your plot.

Factors to Consider When Deciding When to Cut Clover

There are a few factors to consider when deciding when to cut clover. These include:

• The time of year. The best time to cut clover is in the early spring or fall. This is when the plant is actively growing and producing new leaves. Cutting clover during the summer months can stress the plant and reduce its production of nitrogen.
• The type of clover. There are many different types of clover, each with its own growth and flowering cycle. Some types of clover, such as white clover, are more tolerant of being cut than others, such as red clover.
• The desired use of the plot. If you are using your food plot to attract deer, you will want to cut the clover frequently to keep it from becoming too tall. This will make it easier for deer to reach the leaves. However, if you are using your plot for grazing, you will want to cut the clover less frequently so that the deer have time to eat the leaves.
• The management goals for the plot. If you are trying to improve the soil quality of your plot, you will want to cut the clover more frequently. This will allow the plant to release its nitrogen into the soil. However, if you are trying to increase the biodiversity of your plot, you will want to cut the clover less frequently. This will allow other plants to establish themselves in the plot.

How to Cut Clover

The best time to cut clover is in the early morning or evening when the dew is still on the leaves. This will help to prevent the leaves from wilting and will also help to keep the mower blades sharp.

To cut clover, use a sharp mower set to a height of 2-3 inches. Cutting the clover too short can damage the plant and reduce its ability to produce new leaves.

After cutting the clover, rake up the clippings and compost them or spread them on your garden. This will help to add nutrients to the soil and improve its fertility.

Clover is a valuable plant that can provide many benefits for your food plot. By considering the factors listed above, you can choose the best time to cut clover to maximize its benefits.

Additional tips for cutting clover:

• If you are using a sickle bar mower, be careful not to cut the clover too close to the ground. This can damage the plant’s roots and prevent it from regrowing.
• If you are using a rotary mower, be careful not to mulch the clover leaves. This can reduce the plant’s ability to photosynthesize and produce new leaves.
• If you are cutting clover for hay, it is important to dry the hay before storing it. This will help to prevent mold and other problems.
• Clover can be a valuable source of food for deer and other wildlife. By cutting clover at the right time, you can help to create a healthy and productive food plot that will attract wildlife to your property.

When To Cut Clover Food Plots?

Clover is a popular choice for food plots because it is a nitrogen-fixing legume that can help to improve the soil quality and provide a nutritious source of forage for deer and other wildlife. However, when to cut clover food plots can be a tricky question. There are a few factors to consider when making this decision, including the type of clover you are growing, the time of year, and your goals for the plot.

Benefits of Cutting Clover

There are a number of benefits to cutting clover food plots, including:

• Improved forage quality: Cutting clover can help to improve the quality of the forage by removing old, mature leaves and allowing new, tender growth to emerge. This can make the plot more palatable for deer and other wildlife.
• Control of weeds: Cutting clover can help to control weeds by reducing the amount of sunlight that they receive. This can make it more difficult for weeds to compete with the clover for nutrients and water.
• Attraction of deer and other wildlife: Cutting clover can help to attract deer and other wildlife to the plot. This is because deer and other wildlife are attracted to the new, tender growth that emerges after the plot is cut.

Potential Drawbacks of Cutting Clover

There are also a few potential drawbacks to cutting clover food plots, including:

• Reduction in nitrogen availability: Cutting clover can reduce the amount of nitrogen available to other plants in the plot. This is because clover is a nitrogen-fixing legume, and when it is cut, it releases the nitrogen that it has stored in its roots into the soil. This nitrogen can be used by other plants in the plot, but it can also be lost through leaching or volatilization.
• Difficulty for deer to browse: Cutting clover can make it more difficult for deer to browse the plot. This is because the new, tender growth that emerges after the plot is cut is often too high for deer to reach.
• Reduction in cover: Cutting clover can reduce the amount of cover available for wildlife. This is because clover provides a dense, leafy canopy that can provide shelter from predators and the elements.

When to Cut Clover Food Plots?

The best time to cut clover food plots depends on a number of factors, including:

• The type of clover you are growing: Some types of clover, such as white clover, are more tolerant of being cut than others, such as red clover.
• The time of year: The best time to cut clover will vary depending on the climate in your area. In general, it is best to cut clover in the spring or fall, when the weather is cool and the plants are actively growing.
• Your goals for the plot: If you are primarily interested in improving the quality of the forage, you may want to cut the plot more frequently. If you are primarily interested in attracting deer and other wildlife, you may want to cut the plot less frequently.

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to the question of when to cut clover food plots. The best time to cut will vary depending on the type of clover you are growing, the time of year, and your goals for the plot. By considering all of these factors, you can make the best decision for your specific situation.

Here are some additional tips for cutting clover food plots:

• Use sharp tools: When cutting clover, it is important to use sharp tools to avoid damaging the plants. Dull tools can crush the stems and leaves of the clover, which can reduce the quality of the forage and make it more difficult for deer to browse.
• Cut the plot at the right height: The ideal height to cut clover will vary depending on the type of clover you are growing and your goals for the plot. In general, it is best to cut clover at a height of 4-6 inches.
• Dispose of the cuttings properly: After you have cut the clover, it is important to dispose of the cuttings properly. You can compost the cuttings, or you can spread them around the plot as a mulch.

By following these tips, you can help to ensure that your clover food plots are healthy and productive.

When should I cut my clover food plot?

There are a few factors to consider when determining when to cut your clover food plot.

• The time of year: Clover grows best in the spring and fall, so it is best to cut it during these times. Cutting it in the summer can stress the plants and reduce their production of nectar and pollen.
• The stage of growth: The best time to cut clover is when it is in full bloom. This is when the plants are producing the most nectar and pollen, which will attract deer and other wildlife.
• The desired height of the plants: You can cut clover at any height, but deer prefer it to be between 6 and 12 inches tall. If you cut it too short, the plants will not have time to regrow before the next deer season. If you cut it too tall, the plants will be more susceptible to pests and diseases.

Generally speaking, the best time to cut clover is in the early spring or late fall. The specific time will vary depending on your location and the climate.

How often should I cut my clover food plot?

You should cut your clover food plot every 3-4 weeks during the growing season. This will help to keep the plants healthy and productive, and it will also help to prevent them from becoming overgrown.

What should I do with the clippings after I cut them?

There are a few things you can do with the clippings from your clover food plot.

• Leave them on the ground: The clippings will decompose and provide nutrients to the soil. This will help to improve the health of your clover plants and the overall productivity of your food plot.
• Rake them up and compost them: Composting the clippings will help to reduce their volume and make them easier to dispose of. It will also help to improve the quality of your compost.
• Use them as mulch: The clippings can be used as mulch around trees and shrubs. This will help to keep the soil moist and cool, and it will also help to prevent weeds from growing.

How can I prevent my clover food plot from getting overgrown?

There are a few things you can do to prevent your clover food plot from getting overgrown.

• Cut it regularly: The best way to prevent your clover food plot from getting overgrown is to cut it regularly. This will help to keep the plants healthy and productive, and it will also help to prevent them from becoming too tall.
• Fertilize it regularly: Fertilizing your clover food plot will help to promote growth and keep the plants healthy. You should fertilize it once or twice a year, depending on the fertility of your soil.
• Water it regularly: Watering your clover food plot will help to keep the plants healthy and productive. You should water it deeply once or twice a week, depending on the weather.

What are some common problems with clover food plots?

There are a few common problems that can occur with clover food plots.

• Weeds: Weeds can compete with clover for water, nutrients, and sunlight. This can reduce the growth and productivity of your clover plants.
• Diseases: Diseases can damage or kill clover plants. Some common diseases that affect clover include powdery mildew, rust, and leaf spot.
• Insects: Insects can damage or kill clover plants. Some common insects that affect clover include aphids, grasshoppers, and leafhoppers.

If you are experiencing any of these problems, there are a number of things you can do to address them. For more information, you can consult with a local extension agent or a certified crop advisor.

When to cut clover food plots is a topic that is often debated among hunters and land managers. There are a few different factors to consider when making this decision, including the type of clover you are planting, the time of year, and your goals for the plot.

In general, it is best to cut clover food plots in the late summer or early fall. This allows the clover to regrow and produce new seed heads, which will provide food for deer and other wildlife throughout the winter. However, if you are planning to hunt over your clover plot in the fall, you may want to delay cutting it until after the hunting season is over. This will help to keep the deer from being spooked by the noise of the mower.

If you are planting a new clover plot, it is important to wait until the plants are well established before cutting them. This will give them time to develop a strong root system and to produce more seed heads.

Finally, you should consider your goals for the plot when making a decision about when to cut it. If you are primarily interested in providing food for deer, then you will want to cut the plot as often as possible. However, if you are also interested in attracting pollinators or other wildlife, then you may want to leave some of the clover uncut to provide a source of nectar and pollen.

By considering all of these factors, you can make the best decision about when to cut your clover food plots. This will help you to ensure that your plot is providing the most benefit to the wildlife in your area.

Here are some key takeaways regarding the topic of when to cut clover food plots:

• The best time to cut clover food plots is in the late summer or early fall.
• This allows the clover to regrow and produce new seed heads, which will provide food for deer and other wildlife throughout the winter.
• If you are planning to hunt over your clover plot in the fall, you may want to delay cutting it until after the hunting season is over.
• If you are planting a new clover plot, it is important to wait until the plants are well established before cutting them.
• Finally, you should consider your goals for the plot when making a decision about when to cut it.