I planted a 4 acre NWTF clover plot the first week in August. To my delight the field is about 6-10 inches with tall grass growing throughout. When should I cut it? The temp's here in N. Indiana have dropped to 25-55. If I cut will it grow some more this year? Your expert advise is appreciated.

Edited by - barile on 10/16/2002 10:19:22

I'm no expert but I wouldn't cut it.I planted two fields in alfalfa and clover ,march and april.After the clover got up good I mowed it every 30 days,mowed it the last time august 12th.Now the deer are keeping it down.I believe as soon as the deer find your clover they will keep it mowed.

Good for you!!! - do not cut it.

You will be surprised, maybe even worried, how much the deer will take it down once it goes dormant, which should be about any day now.

In the spring, make sure you mow after the influx of weeds come to a head, (Late may) - but before they seed out - this will leave your clover in GREAT shape for the summer. Depending on how much moisture you get, you may have to mow 2 or 3 times next year.

I like to NEVER cut it after Labor day - if you can leave 6-8" for the winter - thats what you want - to supply over 1000 lb/acre of forage in the fall and winter - if the snows not too deep.

Sounds like you did great.

Thanks for the help. I just want to keep the grass in check. The deer are really starting to hit the clover now.

If that grass is still green and hasen't browned out, I would spray the grasses. You should do some fertilizing and limeing also if you haven't. Taste the clover and if it is bitter you might want to hit it with some lime. Or, do a soil sample...

Romans 10:9 Psalms 42

I always heard to never mow clover. Otherwise how could they be "rolling in clover"?

Lunchbucket
If the clover taste's bitter to me does that mean the deer won't like it?

Would the clover grow that tall if the ph was low?