QUESTION: Last year I planted a plot of Imperial Whitetail Clover. It came in really good, but someone told me I should mow it. I’m wondering when the best time to mow is? — K. Nelson, Brewton, Ala.
ANSWER: There are two principle reasons for mowing a clover plot. One is for weed control. The other is to promote growth.
If weeds are a problem, you might want to mow early — maybe right now in June. If not, the best time to mow is when you see clover plants begin to flower.
Mowing will stall the maturation process and promote growth of runners and “daughter” plants. Another general rule of thumb is to wait until plants are 8-12 inches tall, then mow them down to 4 or 5 inches.
There are also some times and reasons not to mow. If your plot is mixed with small grains (oats, wheat, or rye), wait until after the grains mature and go to seed. During periods of drought or low moisture or extreme heat, don’t mow at all. Otherwise you’ll stress and possibly kill the plants.
You might also choose not to mow even under optimal conditions. Although mowing does promote plant growth, some studies suggest that the net effect is a loss in plant biomass.
You’ve put all that effort, minerals and fertilizer into the soil to produce a crop of standing biomass for your deer. Why not leave it there for them?