bscofield

I'm in some pretty thick stuff where I'm hunting. I'm going to plant some clover that I hope to be a food resource when they pull up a soy bean field next door to me. So I have a few questions. With clover (white and some other kind, purchased at walmart) is it OK to plant it in a pretty moist area that doesn't get LOADS of sun light but gets some? Also, what's the clover's life cycle like? I expect they'll pull the soy next door in mid-September. When would be a good time to plant the clover for it to replace the soy at a decent time?

Deerslayer_37

We just planted a mixed blend of mostly clovers but with some chicory, rape,and snow peas. You will need probably 50% sunlight. The moisture is good, but at least 50% sunlight. mid september might be a bit late, seeing that you're in illinnois. for hunting over in the fall, you probably want to plant in early to mid august, late august maybe the first week of september at the very latest. just scatter the seed with a hand seeder and then drive over it with a drag pulled behind a four wheeler. sorry, not sure on the life cycle.

slayer

slobbyrobby33

My rule of thumb has always been to have all seeds germinated and sprouted with good growth started before the average first freeze of the year.

Hoofers

The less light the slower it grows, if at all. Good soil is #1 then comes sunshine. I always thought that a plant that reaches 90% maturity before first hard freeze will allow for more food. Make sure you use an innoculant with the clover. I'd say its a bit late now but if you can get good growth then why not. Talk to your local extension agent or farmers and see what they say. Good seed stock is important as well. Some crops can't take wet feet. It does'nt allow enough oxygen to reach the root zone. Do your research first, plant last. It will say you money.

daystalker

this is ILLINOIS your talking about! its some of teh most fertile soil in the country! i woudl plant a little earlier whitetail institute claims that august first is teh best time to plant, in our zone now depending on how far south you are i think you are pretty close to my zone we are in huntley and we planted a week ago or so. it has been dry but cool so yoru probabaly wanting to plant NOW. good luck let me know how it goes and woudlnt mind meeting up with you sometime before teh season starts to shoot the breeze! talk deer!

bigbutteredbuck12

i say start planting the clover and see how it comes out..ur never gonna know unless you try.

adams

I planted some Imperial clover this spring and can testify it is slow growing until it gets established. If it says to plant in August I'd plant early August.