Food plot.

[roosterslayer]

Does anybody know of a good spring time food plot that does not have white clover in it?

[PerchJerker]

Why don't you want white clover?

There are a ton of other clovers, Ladino is probably the best for deer but it is a type of white clover. There's also red clover (usually not as good as white), annual clovers, and alfalfa. And lots of blends that have a variety of clovers plus other things too.

There's lots of other things you can plant in the spring. Cereal grains and soybeans will get used right away, but won't feed the deer for too long before they're gone or the deer turn to other things. Other things you can plant are brassicas, chicory, corn, etc. but those won't get hit by the deer until later in the year.

I think ladino clover is the best foodplot for year-round use and preference by the deer.

Good luck.

[Rolly22]

This is the start of a great post. We have some clearings on our property that would be great for small food plots. They are covered with wild grasses that we keep mowed down. How easy is it to plant something in an area like this? Can you use one of those disks that you pull behind a four wheeler and then seed? I hope I'm not jacking this thread, it's kind of along the same line.

[PerchJerker]

You'll want to kill the grass, mowing won't do it, use Roundup or similar. I use an atv with pull behind disc but it takes some time and extra weight to cut through turf and/or soil that has never been disced before. And you need to lime and fertilize to get a decent plot. Good luck.

[jlm]

I agree. Check out the round up ready products out there, they are great for first time "plotters". A weed free plot makes a huge difference (plus it looks nice). Take a look at alfalfa, its new and looks great. Good luck!

[roosterslayer]

Perchjercker the only reason I cant use white clover is because the land owner that is allowing me to plant a food plot said the only way i can plant a food plot on his property is no white clover. Can you let me know the best place to pick up this ladino clover. I have some of the annual blend from BLB and plan on planting it the mid to end of August, but would really like to have a good spring plot. Thanks for the info.

[PerchJerker]

Ladino is a variety of white clover so you may be SOL -- I wouldn't risk crossing the landowner without checking with him first.

My favorite is Imperial Whitetail Clover, which is a ladino -- there's mixed opinions on it, it is expensive but I think it's worth it, others will tell you it's not worth the price compared to other clovers.

There's lots of places to buy on-line, the one I use the most is called Nature's Own and is in Illinois or somewhere out that way. Lots of local coops or ag stores carry seed too.

You may want to try Red clover, I don't like it as well as white but it is easier to grow and is more tolerant of less ideal soils than white clover.