Beemaster's International Beekeeping Forum

BEEKEEPING LEARNING CENTER => GENERAL BEEKEEPING - MAIN POSTING FORUM. => Topic started by: asprince on July 28, 2008, 08:16:50 PM

Title: Clover recommendation
Post by: asprince on July 28, 2008, 08:16:50 PM
The tree farm where I have some of my hives located is willing to plant clover as a ground cover between the rows of trees. He wants me to recommend a clover type that is best for my bees and honey production. What variety is best in the hot and often dry south? When does it bloom?

Thanks in advance, Steve
Title: Re: Clover recommendation
Post by: randydrivesabus on July 28, 2008, 08:32:52 PM
i assume that he wants to plant clover that stays low to the ground. dutch white does that and if you mow it it reblooms. otherwise sweet clover would be most enjoyed by your bees.
Title: Re: Clover recommendation
Post by: bmacior on July 28, 2008, 09:32:29 PM
Sweet clover is considered an invasive weed in some places, so check with your extension office before planting it.  It also grows quite tall which the farmer may not want to deal with.  I also recomend going with dutch clover.
Title: Re: Clover recommendation
Post by: Michael Bush on July 30, 2008, 08:11:45 PM
Walter T. Kelley sells a mixture of white and yellow sweet clover.  That's a good start.  Add some white dutch, some crimson, some birdsfoot trefoil, some alfalfa...