[swpahoytguy]

I have approx. 3 acres I would like plowed. I am new to food plots and I don't have the equipment for turning the soil properly. I do have a disc for the quad, but that doesn't do much of anything on unbroken ground. I would like to plant clover so the ground would need turned within a month. If anyone is interested please let me know. I am located near Perryopolis.

 

[Rober]

Instead of plowing have it sprayed and then drilled with clover. By plowing you dig up all the unwanted seeds in the ground, they will germinate and you will have alot of weeds.

 

[rrroae]

With clover, you don't need to even drill.


Spray once the weeds/grass gets 6" this spring and spray again 1 month later. Broadcast seed before a good rain and your set.

You can get a backpack sprayer fr about $60 and 2.5 gallons of Pronto at Tractor Supply will run you around $40.

 

[Featherduster]

And if you do want to drill get ahold of your Co NRCS office. THye can often hook you up with a Truax No-till to rent for cheap---Just DON'T turn with it down it will break. You could also contact Pheasants on here. He is from your area and could probably spray and drill for you.

I would avoid plowing.

 

[swpahoytguy]

Thanks for the info guys. I should explain why I want plowed. Its a three part plan. I want to plant crimson clover as a precursor to brassica for the fall. Then next spring, going with beans and so on. I have a disc for the ATV, which works great on previously broken ground. So I'm hoping once the field is worked, I'll be able to do it on my own, at least for a couple years.

 

[JB#24]

My thought would be not to waste the time planting clover if you are just going to plant brassicas in the fall. Clover takes a little time to establish. I myself would at green up round up everything, disk up a little with what you have then let go another week or two and gly again. Then plant some buckweat that will grow almost on rock and is very good for your soil.

Then in the fall round up again if necessary and spread purple top turnips, ground hog raddishes etc.. The turnips will break up the soil for you and make your soil easier to disk the following spring. Just an option if you are wanting a brassica plot next fall. You can even skip the spring stuff and just plant the brassicas in the fall.

Brassicas are a very small seed and do will grow with minimal soil preperation, but they do like nitrogen. There have been some good discussions on here about food plots. Just FYI it is addicting!!

 

[swpahoytguy]

Brassicas are a very small seed and do will grow with minimal soil preperation, but they do like nitrogen.

And that's the reason why I want to start with the crimson clover. Crimson has a huge N return, which will save on fertilizer in the fall

 

[JB#24]

Yep red clover is a very good at fixing nitrogen. Was just giving you another way if you can not get your plots plowed this spring, to loosen up compacted soil.

 

[Fleroo]

And that's the reason why I want to start with the crimson clover. Crimson has a huge N return, which will save on fertilizer in the fall

Yeah, clover "fixes" it's own N. But like he said, Clover is tough to get started. Those lush Whitetail Institute plots that lure a fella into buying their product, are hard to realize if you don't spend your life establishing/working that product.

The prior poster is correct. Mow, spray (twice a few wks apart), then plant Bucwheat. In the fall, plant a Winter Wheat (that's an annual grain). NEXT spring, think about Clover if you like. Trust me, it's tough to jump in and achieve non-disappointing results year 1 planting a legume like Clover. Take it slow and you'll be happier in a couple years.

Also, let me mention. LIME, LIME, LIME. If you think you have enough, add more.