The Perfect Clover Patch

fjb1945 · January 06, 2011, 05:54:06 PM

I wish to plant a clover field for my bees in 2011 and was wondering what would be the perfect clover patch I could plant. I live in central Missouri and would be planting a five acre field. Tks in advance for your help.

AllenF · January 06, 2011, 06:38:11 PM

How many acres do you plan to plant and is the planting for one year or forever? They sell mixed yellow and white clover seed. http://www.bee-commerce.com/products/Clover-Seed.html I think a mixture is best but check with your local feed and seed and see what they can get for you (keep shipping down). But white and yellow mix I think would be best.

Keith13 · January 06, 2011, 08:30:05 PM

Also try dutch clover if you can keep the deer out of it the bees love it

Keith

AllenF · January 06, 2011, 08:34:11 PM

I have yet to see a clover that the deer won't eat.

Keith13 · January 06, 2011, 08:36:47 PM

Quote from: AllenF on January 06, 2011, 08:34:11 PM
I have yet to see a clover that the deer won't eat.

yeah the deer devour it you just have to plant enough that they can't eat it to the ground 5 acres he should be able to stay ahead of the deer

Keith

forester801 · January 06, 2011, 09:47:27 PM

I work with a state forest service and have put in a few clover plots for deer on my farm, (before I had bees), the biggest thing is to have your pH right in order to get a good clover stand here in NC. I had better luck planting my clover in the fall and overseeding it with rye. If you check with your state natural resource conservation service they can get you soil sample boxes and your state forest service may be able to recomend a good clover for your soil or a good mix of clovers. Good luck

hardwood · January 06, 2011, 09:52:15 PM

That's interesting forester...thanks for the tip!

Scott

AllenF · January 06, 2011, 10:31:15 PM

Here, the local county extension office will test your soil for you.