Cutting Clover Question
#1
Thread Starter
Join Date: Dec 2004
Posts: 21
Cutting Clover Question
My clover plot is doing very good. I planted last August, and frost seededlast March. I have brushhogged the plot three times this summer, and I intend to cut it at least one more time. One positive thing about cutting the clover is every time I cut, I have less weeds and grasses in the clover plot. I have been cutting the clover at about 10 inches. My question is since I have both red and white clover and they call for different cutting heights, at what height should I cut the clover and when should I make the last cut?
#2
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Roanoke, VA
Posts: 730
RE: Cutting Clover Question
Mowman, if you post your location we can better assist you. Otherwise, we're only guessing. If I were you I would not cut my plot any later than three weeks before the historic first frost. That way it can recover from the cutting with new growth before a frost stops it's growth. If the mowing height your using works go for it.
#3
RE: Cutting Clover Question
Criggster is right it would be helpful if we knew your locale.
Also - Red clover is usually a two year crop at best. Lots of farmers use it as an annual. When I've mixed in red clovers with whites in the past - I did like you - and I managed the first year for the red clover - and cut high. (1 ft approx). The next years after - I managed it as if it were a white clover plot and mowed to 6" (sometimes lower).
Most often now - I don't mix whites and red clover. Last year I did a spring planting of white clover - and mixed in Crimson Clover - I liked that - the Crimson grew faster than the slow growing White clover - and not much taller. We even had some still mixed in early this summer before it faded away.
FH
Also - Red clover is usually a two year crop at best. Lots of farmers use it as an annual. When I've mixed in red clovers with whites in the past - I did like you - and I managed the first year for the red clover - and cut high. (1 ft approx). The next years after - I managed it as if it were a white clover plot and mowed to 6" (sometimes lower).
Most often now - I don't mix whites and red clover. Last year I did a spring planting of white clover - and mixed in Crimson Clover - I liked that - the Crimson grew faster than the slow growing White clover - and not much taller. We even had some still mixed in early this summer before it faded away.
FH