SHADE BLEND OF CLOVER SOWN IN APRIL BEGINS TO MATURE

I first mowed the six food plots in mid-April. I use a walk behind 8hp trimmer/mower with special cord that contains graphite to cut these plots that range in size from 1/3 acre to approximately 2000 sq. feet.

After cutting, a 6.5 gallon backpack sprayer is used to treat the areas to be first planted for weeds. A heavier concentration of Round-up or similar herbicide is used since the weather is still cool. Lighter concentrations work in hot weather.

By then end of April, I sow a shade blend of clovers that require about 4 hours per day of sunlight. After tilling the three plots chosen, a handheld seeder is used to cover the three smallest plots - each of which happens to be closest to the main channel of the Holston River. Then a human-powered drag is used to insure adequate seed contact with the soil.


As you can see from the photograph taken July 1, 2006, within sixty days a good stand of clover is providing the deer with nibblets for hot weather consumption. Yes, that is a ladder stand barely visible in the upper left portion of the photograph.