Cheap Clover Seed

[phade]

Pretty much that says it all. I need some cheap clover seed to frost seed.

 

Planning on getting a couple areas of a field into plots, but really want to frost seed clover into a couple sections and then spreay with cleth as spring comes into play. No broadleaf issues in this field at all, just grasses. Some of these areas will be worked up later in spring or July for annuals, but at this point we don't know specifically what we'll be able to get done and what plot areas will be what. This is more of an insurance policy/minimzie soil work/fix N, etc.

 

I've done this pretty successfully in the past on smaller areas (1/4 or less), but we're probably looking at 1-2 acres I'd like to at least do this to, and quite frankly, I don't want to spend alot on clover with the possibility some/most of it might be worked later on this year.

 

Anything...med red, cheap white, anything...?

 

Hemlock is a bit far from me drive time wise, and we don't have the world's greatest co-ops near me. I figure I need to get my hands on about 8-10lbs.

[NYBowhunter]

The only suggestion i can provide is that i typically go to my local agway for most my seeds and their prices are very fair to a point it doesn't make sense to buy mail order from a bulk seed company. If you don't have a local agway, may want to try mail order through Welter Seed and Honey Co.

[phade]

The only suggestion i can provide is that i typically go to my local agway for most my seeds and their prices are very fair to a point it doesn't make sense to buy mail order from a bulk seed company. If you don't have a local agway, may want to try mail order through Welter Seed and Honey Co.

 

Trying to do local...bought from Welter before, but not really interested in the shipping costs.

[Pav2704]

_{I have found that the weekend food plotter is better off spending a little more money on the seed especially since we cant plant at the ideal times (right before rain).  I have used cheaper seed in the past and have gone back up a week or two later and been totally disappointed.  However, I have never had a food plot not grow when I've used Whitetail Institute.  I planted their clover, brassica, turnips, oats, and power plant all with great results in less than perfect soil conditions.  Just my opinion.}

[SplitG2]

the cheapest red clover you can get based on you possibly doing a plow down later.  just get 1 1/2 times the amount for normal planting.

[phade]

_{I have found that the weekend food plotter is better off spending a little more money on the seed especially since we cant plant at the ideal times (right before rain).  I have used cheaper seed in the past and have gone back up a week or two later and been totally disappointed.  However, I have never had a food plot not grow when I've used Whitetail Institute.  I planted their clover, brassica, turnips, oats, and power plant all with great results in less than perfect soil conditions.  Just my opinion.}

 

This doesn't match my goals.

 

I almost always plant before a rain when seeding clover if not being frost seeded.

 

Cheap clover seed has been used for generations for food plots, small farms, horse fields, etc.

[growalot]

Check and see if any local farmers have left over seed or a small amount they'd be willing to part with...they buy bulk so they get cheaper pricing and just may pass the savings on to you...just make sure it never got wet or smelss "off "

[mt624]

Phade, you said you may work this plot later in the season but don't know what you plan to plant there, if at all right?  I sort of agree with Pav2704.  Why not put in a good seed and if you get a good stand, run with it for a season or two, even if only in strips or portions of what you frost seed?  I get saving a few dollars but to me the effort vs seed cost makes the higher seed well worth it.  And I've done test plots side by side Whitetail Institute compared to other clovers and literally had 9 out of 10 deer in the WI clover and usually the 10th was grazing through the other to get to the Whitetail clover.  If you're not totally turning the soil over and will be planting an annual that needs N, the WI clover is really hardy and there's a good chance you could spray to kill the grasses, do a light discing and plant an annual with the clover and have both.  Or does your attachment drill the annual? Even better if it's a no till.  The Whitetail clover may surprise you if you haven't tried it and it is hardy.  Not trying to twist your arm, just want to see you get the most out of your efforts and I was shocked by how much better luck I've had with the Whitetail Institute products.  I have about 15 acres in their clover now and deer are still hitting it hard.  Some sections are going strong after 7 years with only mowing for maintenance.  Either way good luck!

[phade]

Phade, you said you may work this plot later in the season but don't know what you plan to plant there, if at all right?  I sort of agree with Pav2704.  Why not put in a good seed and if you get a good stand, run with it for a season or two, even if only in strips or portions of what you frost seed?  I get saving a few dollars but to me the effort vs seed cost makes the higher seed well worth it.  And I've done test plots side by side Whitetail Institute compared to other clovers and literally had 9 out of 10 deer in the WI clover and usually the 10th was grazing through the other to get to the Whitetail clover.  If you're not totally turning the soil over and will be planting an annual that needs N, the WI clover is really hardy and there's a good chance you could spray to kill the grasses, do a light discing and plant an annual with the clover and have both.  Or does your attachment drill the annual? Even better if it's a no till.  The Whitetail clover may surprise you if you haven't tried it and it is hardy.  Not trying to twist your arm, just want to see you get the most out of your efforts and I was shocked by how much better luck I've had with the Whitetail Institute products.  I have about 15 acres in their clover now and deer are still hitting it hard.  Some sections are going strong after 7 years with only mowing for maintenance.  Either way good luck!

 

 

I appreciate the input, but I'm not getting into a buck on the bag vs. co-op seed discussion. A medium red clover or a cheap red clover will do just fine in this scenario and that's what I am looking to find cheaply. Not interested in spending $30-35 for a 1/4 acre of clover seed. Plus, if I were wanting a solid dedicated clover stand, something like an Alice and Ladino mix would be cheaper and just as effective as anything WI puts out. 

 

Worthy of note, too, if you are planting side by side and doing a comparison, I find that it doesn't really matter because if you plant a whole plot in say Alice, they'll be there eating it. If you planted that whole plot in WI, they'll be there eating it. Preference over one or the other isn't a factor when the other isn't there.

[SplitG2]

WI clover has berseem clover and that can't be frost seeded.  You will waste your money.  Stick with the cheap red!

[gjs4]

Welter mixes- look at plow downs even... That being said the more white clover the higher the draw on our place

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[landtracdeerhunter]

Red clover is what I always plant. Haven't bought any this year, but last year price was $2.80 a pound.  Picking up 60# locally for frost seeding, hopefully next month.

[mt624]

 

 

Worthy of note, too, if you are planting side by side and doing a comparison, I find that it doesn't really matter because if you plant a whole plot in say Alice, they'll be there eating it. If you planted that whole plot in WI, they'll be there eating it. Preference over one or the other isn't a factor when the other isn't there.

 

Except the deer don't stay on my property exclusively to eat, and I don't tell the neighbors what to plant in their plots... Again, just hoping to maximize my time/effort/money but tons of variables. If you're the only plotter on the block, then agreed it's a non issue.

[G-Man]

Red clover plow down mix, cheapest you can get for adding nitrogen.