Mastering Clover Food Plots: A Guide to When and How to Mow

As a seasoned outdoor enthusiast and wildlife habitat manager, I’ve spent years observing and experimenting with mowing clover food plots. It’s a question I get asked constantly: when is the right time to mow? The answer, as with most things in nature, isn’t simple. Successfully mowing clover food plots isn’t just about timing; it’s about understanding the lifecycle of clover, the needs of the wildlife you’re trying to attract, and the overall health of your plot. This guide will break down everything you need to know, from the benefits of mowing to the specific times to grab the tractor and get to work. We’ll cover when to mow clover for optimal growth and attraction, and address the question: should you mow clover food plots at all?

Why Mow Clover Food Plots? The Benefits Explained

Before diving into the “when,” let’s discuss the “why.” Mowing clover food plots offers a multitude of benefits, impacting both the clover itself and the wildlife it supports. Here’s a breakdown:

• Improved Clover Health: Regular mowing encourages tillering – the production of new shoots from the base of the plant. This results in a denser, more robust stand of clover, increasing its overall productivity.
• Enhanced Forage Quality: Mowing stimulates new growth, which is more palatable and digestible for deer and other herbivores. Younger clover leaves are higher in protein and lower in fiber.
• Weed Control: Mowing helps suppress the growth of unwanted weeds, preventing them from competing with the clover for resources.
• Increased Attractiveness: Freshly mowed clover is incredibly attractive to deer. The scent of the cut clover draws them in, and the tender new growth is a highly desirable food source.
• Extended Grazing Season: By strategically timing your mowing, you can extend the period during which your clover plot provides high-quality forage.

When to Mow Clover: Key Timing Windows

Determining when to mow clover is crucial. There are three primary windows for mowing, each serving a different purpose. The best approach often involves a combination of these techniques.

First Mow: Spring Stimulation (Early Spring)

The first mow of the season, typically in early spring (late March to mid-April, depending on your location), is all about stimulating growth. After the initial flush of spring growth, but before the clover begins to flower heavily, a light mowing – around 4-6 inches – encourages tillering and sets the stage for a productive summer. Don’t wait too long, as allowing the clover to go to full flower diverts energy from leaf production. The National Park Service offers excellent resources on plant lifecycle management, which can inform your timing.

Second Mow: Summer Maintenance (Mid-Summer)

This is arguably the most important mow of the year. Around mid-summer (July-August), after the first flush of growth has matured and the clover has begun to flower again, mow the plot to around 6-8 inches. This second mowing serves several purposes: it removes seed heads (preventing the clover from putting energy into seed production), encourages new growth, and keeps weeds in check. This is also a great time to assess the health of your plot and identify any areas that need attention. Consider a rotational mowing schedule if you have multiple plots.

Third Mow: Fall Attraction (Late Fall)

A late fall mowing (November-December) can be a powerful tool for attracting deer during the hunting season. Mowing the plot down to around 4-6 inches just before or during the rut creates a fresh, highly visible food source that deer will readily gravitate towards. This is particularly effective if you’ve been practicing food plot management throughout the year. However, be mindful of snow cover – you want the clover to be accessible to deer. Leave No Trace principles remind us to consider the impact of our actions on wildlife, so avoid excessive disturbance.

Mowing Height: Finding the Sweet Spot

The height at which you mow your clover plot is just as important as the timing. As mentioned above, a general guideline is to mow to a height of 4-8 inches, depending on the time of year and your specific goals.

• Spring Mow: 4-6 inches
• Summer Mow: 6-8 inches
• Fall Mow: 4-6 inches

Avoid mowing too low, as this can stress the clover and make it more susceptible to weeds. Also, consider the type of clover you’re growing. White clover generally tolerates lower mowing heights than red clover.

Should You Mow Clover Food Plots? Considerations for Different Situations

While should you mow clover food plots is generally a “yes,” there are situations where it might not be necessary or even beneficial.

• Small Plots: If you have a very small clover plot (less than an acre), the benefits of mowing may be less pronounced.
• Poor Soil Fertility: If your soil is lacking in essential nutrients, mowing may further stress the clover. Focus on soil improvement before mowing.
• Established Seed Bank: If you have a well-established seed bank of desirable clover varieties, allowing some plants to go to seed can help replenish the plot naturally.
• No Deer Pressure: If you aren’t experiencing significant deer pressure, the added attraction of mowing may not be necessary.

However, even in these situations, a light spring mowing to encourage tillering can still be beneficial. Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to mow depends on your specific circumstances and goals.

Equipment and Techniques for Mowing Clover

You have several options for mowing your clover plot, ranging from simple hand tools to tractor-mounted mowers.

• Brush Hog/Rotary Cutter: This is the most common method for mowing larger plots. Ensure the blades are sharp to avoid tearing the clover.
• Sickle Bar Mower: Sickle bar mowers provide a cleaner cut than rotary cutters, but they are generally slower and require more maintenance.
• Flail Mower: Flail mowers are effective for cutting through dense vegetation, but they can also damage clover if not used carefully.
• String Trimmer/Weed Eater: For small plots or areas that are difficult to access with larger equipment, a string trimmer can be a useful tool.

Regardless of the equipment you use, always wear appropriate safety gear, including eye protection, hearing protection, and sturdy footwear. The USDA Forest Service provides safety guidelines for operating farm equipment.

Beyond Mowing: Comprehensive Clover Food Plot Management

Mowing clover food plots is just one piece of the puzzle. To truly maximize the benefits of your clover plot, you need to adopt a comprehensive management approach. This includes:

• Soil Testing: Regularly test your soil to determine its pH and nutrient levels.
• Fertilization: Apply fertilizer based on the results of your soil test.
• Weed Control: Implement a weed control strategy to prevent unwanted plants from competing with the clover.
• Seed Selection: Choose clover varieties that are well-suited to your climate and soil conditions.
• Rotational Grazing: If possible, rotate deer access to different sections of the plot to prevent overgrazing.

For more in-depth information on food plot management, check out REI Expert Advice on creating and maintaining successful food plots.

Final Thoughts on When to Mow Clover Food Plots

Successfully mowing clover food plots requires a thoughtful approach. By understanding the benefits of mowing, the optimal timing windows, and the importance of proper technique, you can create a highly attractive and productive food source for deer and other wildlife. Remember to adapt your mowing schedule to your specific location, soil conditions, and the needs of the animals you’re trying to attract. Don’t be afraid to experiment and observe the results – that’s the best way to learn what works best for your situation. And always prioritize responsible land management practices to ensure the long-term health of your food plot and the surrounding ecosystem.

Looking for more information on deer habitat management? Check out our article on Creating a Year-Round Deer Habitat. Want to learn about different clover varieties? Read our guide to Choosing the Right Clover for Your Food Plot.