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Old 09-04-2002 | 08:26 PM
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farm hunter
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From: cazenovia, NY USA
Default RE: Weeds coming up in clover

Some might say to spray it, but I would not. Contrary to what you
read so often, a few weeds, will not hurt one bit when it comes to deer forage. As a plot gets older, weeds become more of an issue, and eventually will overtake a plot. However, with a young plot, on soil prepared well, clover will dominate eventually.

You are correct, many of the weeds you have now will supply cover for the young clover. It is important to cut them before they go to seed, if you can though. Most are likely annual weeds that the clover will eventually crowd out. I'd let them go until late fall, or until seed heads develop, then mow the top 6" of the plot. You may have to do this again in the spring, after the first flush of growth, as many weeds will grow faster than the clover. Wild mustard is a good example in the spring. Do not wait until dry conditions to mow in the spring/summer, give the clover a chance to really come on in mid June, when moisture is still high.

Once the plot is well established, you might consider spraying the grasses that will begin to encroach. Broad leaf weed control is usually best handled by mowing.

Good luck with your plot.
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