The weeds always return. Mother Nature wants everything to return to the way she had it. I suggest spraying late summer then plant in the fall. When spring comes around then spray a product that is a selective herbicide that won't kill what you intended to be there.

To do this you have to select a planting that has the potential to withstand a herbicide treatment. I planted the Imperial Clover two years ago and had weed problems in early spring. I sprayed with Vantage herbicide and it killed all the grass in the field and left the clover alone. I spot sprayed one more time that summer and it did well. I had to respray the next spring and now the clover is dominant in the field. I still have weeds but mostly clover. I plan on checking it out for the next few months but there are only about 10% weeds in the field now and to me thats OK.

Before you select a clover make sure your ground can support it you may be better off with a plant that can tolerate lower pH and drier conditions. I suggest calling around and getting info on treating the crop with herbicide before you decide to plant. Some of the blends won't stand up to it.