The swail

[First-light]

Folks,

I have this area that is called the swail. It is bordered by woods on all sides. One side is a very thick bedding area the rest hardwood and a small stream. In the picture (where the deer stand) there is a small clover plot that the deer love. I don't have the time to turn the whole swail into a clover plot but was thinking I just keep it mowed to attract deer. Is there anything else in your mind you think you would do to help this area? Looking to attract deer to the field and keep them comfortable in a secluded area.  

[growalot]

I take it that when you say clover plot your talking a natural occurring one...what I would say...and it's because I recommended this to a neighbor...and it worked too well...

 

Don't bother trying to plant anything...go in and remove some of that brush..not the(wht?)pine. and mow...mow it short for 2 seasons and drive some lime over it after mowing...and see how well the natural clover fills in...I told a neighbor to trim around all wild apple seedlings found and just mow wide winding trails in a regrowth pasture field......the trails are now loaded with wild wht clover...the seedlings are producing apples every year and the deer are hanging in the slashings and the golden rod on their place....but they are letting a bit too much revert back now and have too many mature poplar ....

[First-light]

Grow,

I planted the plot after the picture was taken. I was thinking about removing brush like you said. I will lime it and see what happens. Stupid question but could I just spread some clover seed around and see what happens or would that be a waste of money?

Better picture later in season with growth all around and clover mowed.

[growalot]

IF the vegetation hasn't got too thick a mat of dead material and the existing weeds are not a Matting type...you could find a mix of red and wht. clover that are good pasture regenerators.......one's that are good frost seeders .....then with a bag or two of lime..... spread it over the late winter early spring ground when frost heaving is still occurring....check out Welters seed and Honey...whether you buy from them or not...they give great product description s...them and Seedland....one's it starts growing...mow the weeds back

[First-light]

Sounds good, probably do all that starting this spring. 

[growalot]

 That is once not one's(kindle)...some links...read and pick and choose a combination of what you think will work best in your project...Go have some fun

 

http://www.uwex.edu/ces/crops/frostsd.htm

 

http://www.outreachoutdoors.com/foodplots/clover/frost-seeding-clover/

 

http://www.ehow.com/how_8325786_frost-seed-clovers.html

 

http://www.extension.iastate.edu/Publications/PM856.pdf

 

http://www.msue.msu.edu/objects/content_revision/download.cfm/revision_id.283375/workspace_id.108285/Frost%20Seeding%20Guidelines.pdf/

[First-light]

 That is once not one's(kindle)...some links...read and pick and choose a combination of what you think will work best in your project...Go have some fun

 

http://www.uwex.edu/ces/crops/frostsd.htm

 

http://www.outreachoutdoors.com/foodplots/clover/frost-seeding-clover/

 

http://www.ehow.com/how_8325786_frost-seed-clovers.html

 

http://www.extension.iastate.edu/Publications/PM856.pdf

 

http://www.msue.msu.edu/objects/content_revision/download.cfm/revision_id.283375/workspace_id.108285/Frost%20Seeding%20Guidelines.pdf/

 

Great reads, I skimmed each article and will read throughout later on. Looks like I will mow, mow and mow. Soil test and treat with lime. 

Frost seed March 2015.

Thanks

[growalot]

I like to run lime over a light snow cover...as long as land is fairly flat..early spring....and if you decide to fertilize stay away from the nitrogen...10 at most...go with a good PK for it is the nitrogen the weeds thrive on....You may find after a few mowings the wild clover will take hold...at least until you have the growth of fall weeds ...which will need more mowing...I never worry about going in to mow...the deer respond like it's a dinner bell...lol...if you have a harrow drag or can rent one...even a log weighted chain link section will De-thatch the area and loosen the soil enough for clover seeds to take hold when seeded before a good rain ...I drag one section of our harrow drag when mowing a regeneration area...it also loosens some rocks up to remove....you know the ones that eventually your tire will catch just right...to pop it up for the mower blades to hit...Ohh that noise is always fun to hear...lol

[First-light]

Yes I have a harrow drag and was thinking of dragging that along. Oh yea those rocks, been a while since I heard that noise. lol