Best Clover for Whitetail Deer: Top Varieties to Attract Deer

Clover is a favorite food for whitetail deer. It is nutritious and easy to grow.

If you want to attract more deer to your property, planting clover is a great idea. Clover provides essential nutrients, making it a top choice for deer plots. It grows in various soil types and climates, ensuring year-round food for deer.

In this blog post, we will explore the best clover varieties for whitetail deer. We’ll discuss which types grow best in different conditions and how they benefit deer. Whether you are a seasoned hunter or a wildlife enthusiast, understanding the best clover can help you create a thriving deer habitat. Let’s dive into the world of clover and discover the top choices for your deer plot.

Credit: whitetailinstitute.com

Introduction To Clover For Whitetail Deer

Clover provides a nutritious food source for whitetail deer, helping them grow strong and healthy. The best clover varieties for deer include ladino, white, and red clover. These types offer high protein and are easy to plant.

Importance Of Clover

Clover is a favorite food for whitetail deer. It is rich in protein and easy to find. Deer love its taste and nutrition. Clover grows in many places. It survives in different weather.

Benefits For Deer

Clover helps deer stay strong. It provides energy and helps them grow. Deer with good food live longer. Clover also keeps them healthy. It is easy to digest and full of vitamins.

Credit: whitetailinstitute.com

Red Clover

Red clover is a favorite for whitetail deer. It is rich in nutrients and grows well in many places. Deer love the tender leaves. This clover can grow up to 36 inches tall. It has pink flowers that bloom in spring and summer. The leaves are green with white marks. It is a perennial plant. This means it can live for more than two years.

Red clover needs full sun to grow best. It likes well-drained soil. It can grow in sandy or clay soils. The soil should be slightly acidic. Planting in early spring or late summer works well. It needs regular watering. This helps the roots grow deep. Fertilize the soil to boost growth. Weed control is also important. Weeds can compete with clover for nutrients.

White Clover

White clover is a favorite for whitetail deer. It is easy to grow and attracts deer well. Farmers like it because it needs low maintenance. It also grows back each year.

But, white clover can be invasive. It may take over other plants. Some people do not like its aggressive nature. It also needs water to thrive. In dry areas, it may not grow well.

White clover prefers well-drained soil. It does best in soil with a pH of 6 to 7. Sandy or clay soil is not ideal. Fertilizing the soil helps it grow better. Adding lime can improve soil quality for white clover.

Ladino Clover

Ladino Clover is very healthy for whitetail deer. It has high protein content. This helps deer grow strong and healthy. It also has many vitamins and minerals. These nutrients keep deer active and alert. Deer love to eat this clover. They find it tasty and satisfying. This makes Ladino Clover a great choice for feeding deer.

Planting Ladino Clover is simple. First, choose a spot with good sunlight. The soil should be moist but not too wet. Clear the area of weeds and rocks. Spread the seeds evenly over the soil. Cover the seeds lightly with dirt. Water the area well after planting. Regular watering helps the seeds grow. Watch as your clover grows lush and green.

Crimson Clover

Crimson clover is ideal for food plots. It attracts whitetail deer effectively. Deer love its nutrient-rich leaves. This clover also improves soil health. Farmers use it for cover crops. It helps to prevent erosion. Gardeners also find it useful. It adds beauty to landscapes.

Crimson clover grows well in spring and fall. It needs cool temperatures to thrive. Plant it in early spring for best results. It blooms in late spring with bright red flowers. In fall, plant it in late summer. It grows quickly in cool weather. This clover can tolerate light frosts. It provides good forage for deer year-round.

Credit: deerassociation.com

Alsike Clover

Alsike clover grows well in wet areas. It can survive in poor soil. This clover does well in both sun and shade. It adapts to different climates. Alsike clover can handle some flooding. Deer like to eat this clover.

Regular mowing helps alsike clover grow better. It needs water but not too much. Fertilizer helps it stay healthy. Remove weeds to give it space. Check for pests often. Keep the soil pH balanced. This clover needs little care to thrive.

Planting And Maintenance Tips

Good soil is key for growing clover. Test the soil first. It needs the right pH level. Aim for a pH of 6.0 to 7.0. Add lime if the soil is too acidic. Use fertilizer to enrich the soil. Choose a fertilizer with phosphorus and potassium. Avoid high nitrogen. Too much nitrogen promotes weeds.

Choose the right time to seed. Early spring or late summer is best. Clear the ground of weeds. Use a rake to loosen the soil. Spread the seeds evenly. Lightly rake again to cover seeds. Water the area gently. Keep the soil moist until seeds sprout. Do not overwater. Clover does not need much water. Avoid heavy foot traffic on new growth.

Maximizing Clover Plots

Rotating crops can be good for clover plots. It helps the soil stay healthy. Plant other crops like soybeans or corn. This gives the soil a break. After one or two years, plant clover again. This method keeps the soil rich.

Clover is a favorite food for whitetail deer. Growing clover can attract more deer. Make sure to plant enough for all the deer. Check the plots often. Remove any weeds. Healthy clover will keep deer coming back.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is The Best Clover For Whitetail Deer?

The best clover for whitetail deer is often considered to be red clover. It’s nutritious and attracts deer effectively.

When Should I Plant Clover For Deer?

Plant clover in early spring or late summer. This ensures optimal growth and availability for deer.

How Long Does Clover Take To Grow?

Clover typically takes 7-15 days to germinate. Full establishment can take several months.

Is Clover Good For Deer Year-round?

Yes, clover provides year-round nutrition for deer. It stays green and palatable even in colder months.

Conclusion

Selecting the right clover for whitetail deer can boost your hunting success. Clover offers essential nutrients that attract and sustain deer. Choose a variety that suits your region and soil. Regularly maintain your plot to ensure healthy growth. Happy hunting and may your fields be full of thriving deer!