Imagine your deer herd thriving, their coats sleek and their numbers growing strong. What if the secret to attracting and feeding them wasn’t some elaborate hunt, but simply the right patch of green in your own backyard? For many landowners and hunters, creating a haven for deer is a dream, but knowing where to start with planting can feel overwhelming.
Choosing the perfect clover for your deer plot is a common challenge. You want a plant that deer love to eat, one that grows well in your soil, and that provides the best nutrition. But with so many types of clover out there – red, white, crimson, and more – it’s easy to feel lost. The wrong choice could mean wasted effort and money, with little reward for your furry visitors.
This post is your guide to unlocking the secrets of successful deer clover planting. We’ll cut through the confusion and show you exactly what to look for. By the end, you’ll understand which clovers are best for attracting deer, how to plant them for maximum growth, and the simple steps to creating a food source that will have deer flocking to your land. Let’s get planting!
Our Top 5 Clover To Plant For Deer Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Clover To Plant For Deer Detailed Reviews
1. EVOLVED HARVEST Throw & Gro No-Till Forage for Deer – Easy-to-Plant Fast-Growing Food Plot Seeds
Rating: 8.9/10
The EVOLVED HARVEST Throw & Gro No-Till Forage for Deer is a simple way to give deer a healthy and tasty food source. This 5-pound bag of seeds is designed to grow quickly and provide lots of nutrients. You can plant it without a lot of work, making it easy to create a food plot for your local deer herd.
What We Like:
- It’s packed with nutritious ingredients like ryegrass, clovers, and brassicas that deer love.
- You don’t need to till the soil, saving you time and effort.
- It’s super easy to plant – just spread the seeds and help them make contact with the ground.
- You can plant it in the spring for growing season energy or in the fall to help deer through tough times.
- It creates a personal food plot, even in hard-to-reach spots.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 5lb bag covers 1/4 acre, so larger plots will require multiple bags.
- While it’s “no-till,” some ground preparation like dragging with fencing is recommended for best results.
Overall, this seed mix is a fantastic option for creating an easy, fast-growing food plot that will benefit deer year-round. It’s a smart choice for anyone looking to improve their local wildlife habitat.
2. Evolved Habitats Throw & Gro X-treme w/Radish Forage for Deer – Easy-to-Plant Fast-Growing No-Till Food Plot Seeds
Rating: 8.7/10
Creating a fantastic food plot for deer has never been easier with Evolved Habitats Throw & Gro X-treme w/Radish. This 5 lb bag of seeds is designed for hunters and wildlife enthusiasts who want to give their local deer herd a nutritious and delicious food source. It’s packed with everything deer need to thrive, especially during crucial growing and stressful seasons.
What We Like:
- It’s packed with protein and minerals deer love.
- The forage radishes grow super fast, giving deer quick food.
- You don’t need to till the soil, saving you a lot of work.
- It works in spots you thought you couldn’t plant before.
- Planting is as simple as spreading the seeds.
- You can plant it in the spring or fall for year-round benefits.
- It helps deer stay healthy through tough weather.
What Could Be Improved:
- For best results, dragging the plot after planting is recommended, which adds a small step.
- The 5 lb bag covers 1/4 acre, so larger areas will need multiple bags.
This seed mix is a game-changer for creating personal deer plots. It offers a simple, effective way to support your local wildlife with minimal effort.
3. Domain Outdoor Hot Chic Food Plot Seeds for Deer
Rating: 8.9/10
Transform your hunting grounds with Domain Outdoor Hot Chic Food Plot Seeds. This specially crafted mix is designed to attract deer and turkey with its nutrient-rich forage. It’s a hardy blend of perennials that can last for years, offering a reliable food source. You can plant it in the spring or fall, making it a versatile choice for any hunting season.
What We Like:
- One jug covers a generous 1/2 acre, which is 22,000 square feet.
- The seeds come in a handy, reusable container.
- This mixture is built to last several years, providing long-term food for wildlife.
- It’s a hardy blend that tolerates different soil pH levels and can handle drought.
- The seeds help crowd out weeds, keeping your plot healthy.
- It’s perfect for starting a brand new food plot location.
- The forage is attractive to deer and turkey throughout spring, summer, and fall.
What Could Be Improved:
- For best results, periodic mowing and fertilizing are recommended.
- It requires a bit of upkeep to maintain its full potential.
This food plot seed mix is a fantastic investment for any serious hunter. It offers a durable and attractive food source that will keep wildlife coming back year after year.
4. Hit List Seed No Till Food Plot Seeds for Deer [Annual Mix] – Throw and Grow Food Mix – Deer Seed Blend with Clover
![Hit List Seed No Till Food Plot Seeds for Deer [Annual Mix] – Throw and Grow Food Mix – Deer Seed Blend with Clover, Rye, Turnip, Brassica, Oats – No Plow Planting – 5 lbs](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51OcXsjtV7L._SL500_.jpg)
Rating: 9.2/10
The Hit List Seed No Till Food Plot Seeds for Deer [Annual Mix] is a fantastic way to create a deer magnet in your hunting area. This blend is designed for easy planting, even if you’re new to food plots. It contains a mix of delicious ingredients like clover, rye, turnips, brassica, and oats that deer absolutely love. The best part? You don’t need to plow or till your soil, making it super simple to set up.
What We Like:
- This blend is perfect for no-till planting, saving you time and effort.
- It germinates and grows quickly, giving you fast results.
- The mix of seeds provides attractive nutrition that keeps deer coming back all season long.
- It’s great for beginners and experienced hunters alike because it’s so easy to plant.
- The leafy forage is attractive to deer from early fall through late hunting season.
- Available in different sizes to fit your plot, from 1/4 acre to 1 acre.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 5 lb bag covers up to a 1/2 acre, so for larger plots, you’ll need more seed.
- While it’s great for deer, the specific timing of peak attractiveness for each plant might vary slightly by region.
This Hit List Seed blend makes creating a successful food plot easy and effective. You’ll likely see more deer activity in your hunting spots.
5. Big Tine Food Plot Mix
Rating: 9.1/10
The Big Tine Food Plot Mix is a premium clover blend designed to attract deer and turkeys. This 4 lb bag contains a perennial mix that lasts up to five years. It’s great for food plots and can handle dry weather. You can plant it in spring or fall.
What We Like:
- Attracts both deer and turkeys.
- Grows fast with strong runners.
- Lasts a long time, up to five years.
- Tolerates drought very well.
- Provides high protein to help deer grow bigger antlers and fawns grow healthier.
- Works well when planted in spring or fall.
- Contains a good mix of clovers: two ladino clovers, medium red clover, arrow leaf clover, and white flowering crimson clover.
What Could Be Improved:
- The product is a 4 lb bag, which might not be enough for very large food plots.
- While drought tolerant, extreme drought conditions might still affect growth.
This Big Tine Food Plot Mix is an excellent choice for hunters and wildlife enthusiasts. It helps create a healthy and attractive habitat for your game.
Choosing the Best Clover for Your Deer Herd
Why Plant Clover for Deer?
Planting clover is a fantastic way to attract and support your local deer population. Deer love clover because it’s nutritious and tasty. It provides essential protein and minerals that help them grow strong antlers and healthy fawns. Planting clover can make your property a favorite spot for deer, offering them a reliable food source. This guide will help you pick the right clover for your needs.
Key Features to Look For
1. Variety of Clover
Different types of clover offer unique benefits. Here are a few popular choices:
- White Clover: This is a very common and hardy option. It spreads well and deer really enjoy its sweet taste and soft leaves. It’s good for areas with regular rainfall.
- Red Clover: Red clover grows taller than white clover. It has larger leaves and produces beautiful pink flowers. Deer like it, and it can handle drier conditions better than some other clovers.
- Mammoth Red Clover: This is a giant version of red clover. It grows very tall and provides a lot of forage. It’s a good choice if you want a lot of food for the deer.
- Alsike Clover: Alsike clover does well in wet or poorly drained soil. It’s a good option if your planting area tends to be boggy.
2. Seed Quality
Good quality seeds are crucial for success. Look for seeds that are:
- Fresh: Older seeds might not sprout as well. Check for a recent harvest date if possible.
- Clean: The seeds should be free from weeds and other unwanted plant matter.
- Treated (Optional): Some seeds are coated with a protective layer that helps them germinate and protects them from pests. This can be helpful but isn’t always necessary.
Important Materials
When you buy clover for deer, you’re primarily looking at the seeds. The seeds are the “material” that grows into the food source. You might also consider a seed inoculant. This is a special powder that helps the clover seeds grow better by providing helpful bacteria to the soil.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Factors That Improve Quality:
- Soil Preparation: Loosening the soil before planting helps seeds get good contact and sprout easily.
- Proper Planting Depth: Planting seeds too deep or too shallow can prevent them from growing. Follow the instructions on the seed bag.
- Adequate Sunlight: Clover needs sunlight to grow strong. Choose a spot that gets at least 6 hours of sunshine each day.
- Moisture: Regular watering, especially when the seeds are young, is important.
- pH Level: Clover prefers slightly acidic to neutral soil. Testing your soil can help you know if you need to adjust it.
Factors That Reduce Quality:
- Poor Soil: Hard, compacted soil makes it difficult for seeds to sprout.
- Too Much Shade: If your planting area is too shady, the clover will grow thin and weak.
- Drought: A lack of water will prevent the clover from growing well, or even kill it.
- Overgrazing Too Early: If deer eat the young clover plants down too much before they are established, they might not recover.
- Weeds: Weeds compete with clover for sunlight, water, and nutrients, which can choke out your clover plants.
User Experience and Use Cases
User Experience:
Most people who plant clover for deer have a very positive experience. They enjoy watching deer visit their property more often. It’s rewarding to provide a healthy food source for wildlife. Some users find planting clover to be a simple and effective way to improve their land for hunting or wildlife observation.
Use Cases:
- Hunting Properties: Hunters plant clover to draw deer to specific areas, making it easier to find and observe them.
- Wildlife Observation: If you love watching deer, clover can create a natural feeding station in your backyard or on your land.
- Habitat Improvement: Planting clover helps create better habitat for deer and other wildlife by providing a consistent food source.
- Restoring Overgrazed Areas: Clover can help bring life back to areas where deer or other animals have eaten all the vegetation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the best type of clover for deer?
A: White clover is a very popular and effective choice because deer love its taste and it spreads well. Red clover is also a good option, especially in drier areas.
Q: When is the best time to plant clover for deer?
A: The best time to plant is usually in the early spring or late summer/early fall. This gives the seeds a chance to establish before extreme weather hits.
Q: How much clover seed do I need?
A: The amount needed depends on the size of the area you want to plant. Always check the recommended seeding rate on the seed bag.
Q: Do I need to prepare the soil before planting?
A: Yes, it’s highly recommended. Loosening the soil helps the seeds make good contact and sprout better.
Q: Will deer eat clover right away?
A: Deer will likely start to notice and nibble on the clover as soon as it starts growing. They will eat it more as the plants get bigger and more established.
Q: How long does it take for clover to grow?
A: You should see germination within 7-14 days, and the clover will be noticeable within a few weeks. It will become a good food source within a couple of months.
Q: Can I plant clover in shady areas?
A: Clover prefers full sun, but some varieties like white clover can tolerate partial shade. However, growth will be less vigorous in shadier spots.
Q: Do I need to reseed every year?
A: Perennial clovers, like white clover, can last for several years. You may need to reseed or overseed occasionally to keep the patch healthy and productive.
Q: What should I do if weeds start growing with my clover?
A: For young clover, it’s best to pull weeds by hand. Once the clover is established, you might be able to use specific herbicides, but be very careful not to harm the clover.
Q: Can I mix clover with other seeds?
A: Yes, clover is often mixed with other forage plants like chicory or alfalfa to create a more diverse and nutritious food plot for deer.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.