The Ultimate Guide to Clover Food Plots for Deer & Turkey

As a seasoned outdoor writer and hunter with over a decade spent exploring and writing about the American landscape, I’ve seen firsthand the incredible impact a well-managed clover food plot can have on local wildlife populations. If you’re looking to attract and hold deer – and even turkeys – on your property, understanding the best clover for deer is crucial. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from selecting the best clover seed for deer to ongoing clover food plot maintenance, ensuring a thriving food source for years to come.

Why Clover? The Benefits of a Clover Food Plot

Clover isn’t just a pretty groundcover; it’s a nutritional powerhouse for deer and turkey. Unlike many other food plot options, clover is a legume, meaning it fixes nitrogen in the soil, naturally improving soil health and reducing your fertilizer needs. Deer readily consume clover throughout much of the year, and it provides high-quality protein, especially important during antler growth and lactation. Turkeys also enjoy clover, adding another layer of benefit to your plot. According to the National Park Service, promoting native plant communities, like clover, is a key component of responsible wildlife management.

Nutritional Value for Deer and Turkey

• Protein: Clover boasts a high protein content, crucial for deer development.
• Digestibility: Easily digestible, even for young fawns.
• Palatability: Deer and turkeys consistently show a preference for clover.
• Soil Health: Nitrogen fixation improves soil fertility.

Choosing the Best Clover Seed for Your Food Plot

Selecting the best clover to plant for deer depends on your location, soil conditions, and desired longevity of the plot. There isn’t a single “best” – it’s about finding the right fit. Here’s a breakdown of popular options:

Red Clover vs. Crimson Clover for Deer

This is a common debate. Red clover is a perennial, meaning it comes back year after year, offering a long-term food source. However, it’s slower to establish and can be less palatable initially. Crimson clover is an annual, providing quick growth and high palatability, but it needs to be replanted each year. Do deer eat crimson clover? Absolutely! It’s often the first clover they’ll hit in a new plot. Do deer like red clover? They do, but it takes longer for them to really key in on it. The USDA Forest Service (fs.usda.gov) offers excellent resources on regional plant suitability.

Popular Clover Varieties

• Red Clover: Long-lasting, good for soil health, requires patience.
• Crimson Clover: Fast-growing, highly palatable, annual replanting needed.
• Ladino Clover: A perennial with larger leaves, offering high yields. Ladino clover for deer is a great choice if you want a robust, long-term plot.
• Durana Clover: A newer perennial clover known for its disease resistance and longevity. Durana clover for deer is becoming increasingly popular.
• Microclover: Low-growing, blends well with lawns, and provides a consistent food source.

What Clover Do Deer Like Best?

While deer will eat most clover varieties, crimson clover often gets the initial preference due to its rapid growth and sweet taste. However, a mix of clover types – including red and ladino – provides a more diverse and sustainable food source. Consider a blend specifically formulated as food plot clover seed for optimal results.

Planting Your Clover Food Plot: A Step-by-Step Guide

Successful planting is key to a thriving clover food plot. Here’s how to do it:

1. Soil Testing: Before you do anything, get your soil tested. This will tell you the pH and nutrient levels, allowing you to amend the soil appropriately.
2. Site Preparation: Clear the area of vegetation. Tilling is often necessary, but no-till drilling is becoming increasingly popular for soil health.
3. Lime Application: Clover thrives in a pH of 6.5-7.0. If your soil test indicates a lower pH, apply lime for clover. The concept of plot start vs lime is important – lime needs time to work, so apply it well in advance of seeding.
4. Fertilizer Application: Use a fertilizer formulated for legumes. Clover food plot fertilizer should be based on your soil test results.
5. Seeding: Use a clover seed spreader to ensure even distribution. Follow the seeding rate recommended on the seed package.
6. Seed-to-Soil Contact: Lightly rake or drag the seed into the soil to ensure good contact.
7. Watering: Keep the seedbed moist until germination.

Clover Food Plot Maintenance: Keeping Your Plot Thriving

Planting is just the beginning. Ongoing clover food plot maintenance is essential for long-term success.

Weed Control

Weeds compete with clover for nutrients and sunlight. Regular mowing can help suppress weeds. If necessary, use a selective herbicide specifically labeled for clover. Choosing the best herbicide for clover food plots requires careful consideration to avoid damaging the clover. Always read and follow label instructions.

Mowing

Mowing encourages clover growth and prevents it from going to seed too quickly. Mow to a height of 4-6 inches.

Fertilizing

When to fertilize clover food plot depends on your soil test results and the clover variety. Generally, a light application of fertilizer in the spring and fall can be beneficial. Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can encourage weed growth.

Pest and Disease Management

Monitor your plot for pests and diseases. Address any issues promptly to prevent them from spreading. Disease-resistant varieties, like Durana clover, can help minimize problems.

Rotation

Even with perennial clover, rotating your food plots every few years can improve soil health and prevent the buildup of pests and diseases. Consider rotating with other wildlife-friendly plants.

Addressing Common Questions

Do Turkeys Like Clover?

Yes! Do turkeys like clover? Absolutely. Clover provides valuable protein for turkeys, especially during nesting season. The best clover for turkeys is often a mix that includes ladino and red clover.

Do Deer Like Lime?

Deer don’t directly like lime, but they benefit from it! Lime raises the soil pH, making nutrients more available to the clover, which in turn makes it more nutritious and palatable for deer. Do deer like lime indirectly, yes, because it improves their food source.

Broadcasting Clover Seed: Tips for Success

Broadcasting clover seed is a common method, but it requires careful attention to ensure even distribution. Use a calibrated spreader and consider making multiple passes at different angles. Lightly harrowing or dragging the seed into the soil after broadcasting improves seed-to-soil contact.

Resources for Further Learning

• Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics
• REI Expert Advice – Food Plots
• Your local agricultural extension office

Creating and maintaining a clover food plot is a rewarding experience that benefits both wildlife and the land. By following these guidelines and adapting them to your specific situation, you can create a thriving food source that will attract and hold deer and turkey for years to come. Remember to always practice responsible land management and prioritize the health of the ecosystem. For more information on creating a comprehensive wildlife management plan, check out our article on Designing a Year-Round Wildlife Habitat.