Looking to plant a food plot this spring for deer. I plant an annual blend every late summer but decided to try a spring perennial instead. Basically got it narrowed down to a clover/chicory blend. Any suggestions on which brand of clover and chicory you guys are using? Going to be doing a soil test in the next week or so to determine how much fertilizer to add and what not. Any do's/don'ts on this type of plot would be greatly appreciated! I am in SW Minnesota.
Frigid forage pure trophy clover is my favorite perennial but there is no chicory I'm sure you could make your own blend I've just never tried it their wall hanger blend is a clover/chicory blend but it also contains alfalfa so i don't know if you would be interested in that but Evolved harvest also carries a clover/chicory blend and I have never heard any one complain about them.
I'm open to trial of any blend. I have always used Biologic in the past with my other plots and have been pretty pleased with it. I'm just looking for something that I can get a good start on the first year and maintain nutrients/weed control etc for a couple of years without having to worry about replanting the entire site.
I planted Frigid Forage Big and Beasty late last July. It is a clover blend with a brassica cover crop. There is no chickory in it. Due to the drought and too much shade, I'll be frost seeding it soon with Antler King Pure Trophy clover which has chickory in it. I'll also be doing some hinge cutting to help with sun light and cover. Before planting last year I got a soil test and added the recommended dosages of lime and fertilizer.
I have never personally used this, ( I put together my own mixes mostly) However I got the opportunity to speak with the lead agronomist and owner of whitetail select. I will tell you this I left impressed! Field trials by Michigan State University show his product out producing every other name brand out there. It looks like an impressive mix. It's called "Infinity". I can't vouch for it, but if i was going to put in a perennial mix and wasn't making my own, this would be it! Good luck with your plot! HERE IS A LINK:http://www.getoutdoorshunting.com/whitetailselect_infinity.shtml
Clover, chicory, oats is one mix that usually does good in my area. Buckwheat is another option to help build soils and feed deer. Try adding clover to your fall plantings. The following spring you should have a great spring food source from the clover.
