A productive clover food plot doesn't happen by accident. While planting is important, what you do during the summer months often determines whether your plot thrives or slowly declines. One of the most overlooked management practices is timely mowing, and when done correctly, it can dramatically improve the quality and longevity of your clover stand.
At NORTHWOODS WHITETAILS, we typically recommend mowing clover when approximately 65 to 75 percent of the stand has reached the flowering stage. This timing allows the plant to maximize growth while preventing it from putting excessive energy into seed production. By mowing at this stage, the clover is encouraged to produce fresh, tender regrowth that deer readily consume throughout the remainder of the growing season.
One of the biggest mistakes food plotters make is mowing during drought conditions. When moisture is limited, clover is already under stress and trying to conserve energy. Mowing during a drought can place additional strain on the plants and slow recovery. Before mowing, always evaluate soil moisture and upcoming weather patterns. If conditions are dry and rain is not in the forecast, it is often better to wait until adequate moisture returns before cutting the plot. When properly timed, mowing can increase the protein content of the forage available to deer.
Fresh regrowth is highly palatable and typically contains higher nutritional value than mature stems and flowers. By stimulating new growth, you are essentially resetting the plot and providing deer with a fresh source of high-quality forage during the critical summer months when antler growth and fawn development are at their peak.
Fertility also plays a major role in maintaining a healthy clover stand. Rather than relying solely on traditional granular fertilizers, we prefer a liquid fertility program. Our approach includes applications of Liquid AP, Liquid Calcium, and Liquid Starter to provide nutrients in a form that is readily available to the plant. This method promotes vigorous growth while supporting overall soil health and helping the clover recover quickly after mowing. Healthy plants respond better to stress, produce more forage, and remain productive longer.
Another key component of a successful perennial food plot is chicory. We are strong believers in maintaining a blend that contains between 25 and 60 percent chicory. Chicory brings exceptional drought tolerance, deep rooting characteristics, and valuable mineral content to the plot. During hot summer conditions when other forages may struggle, chicory often continues producing quality forage. The combination of clover and chicory creates a food source that remains attractive and nutritious throughout much of the year.
Successful clover management is about understanding what the plants need and responding at the right time. Timely mowing, avoiding stress during drought, utilizing a quality liquid fertility program, and maintaining a healthy percentage of chicory can turn an average food plot into a destination feeding area for deer. With proper management, a perennial clover and chicory plot can provide years of outstanding forage production and help support a healthier deer herd season after season.