Going to be planting the dam and sides of a new lake I am building. Should be done byLabor Day Iwas going to plant, Feed Wheat, Ladino Clover and Lespedza around the lake for A) wildlife benefit and B) erosion control.

What do you think?

2nd Question, A few hundred yards away from the lake I have a 3/4 acre food plot surrounding a 25' x 25' sunflower plot. In this plot I was going to plant an Orchard Grass and Ladino Clover mixture.

What do you guys think?

Thanks for any help or advice, it is much appreciated.

Sounds good, except for the orchardgrass. With everything else you have planted it will go untouched. I would reconsider with maybe chickory instead of the orchard grass.

Chickory, will that come back each year, with about the same life as a clover only plot? I'll look into the chickory, thanks for the tip, I was wondering if the orchard grass would really be that beneficial.

Hello Portable Ladder -

Criggster is right on about Orchard Grass - its GREAT for cattle and horse hay - but not for deer. Its not bad for bedding - but you don't want it in your food plot - it will come to dominate in one year's time.

I don't think Chicory comes back every year - you may get some the second year - but not as strong.

For the erosion control - Lespedza can be a good choice - but it can be invasive - and deer do not prefer it ( though the'll eat its some) - same goes for Hairy Vetch or Crown Vetch. The "vetches" come in thick enough to discourage Tree seedling growth - you'll see alot of crown vetch on dams for resivoirs - and steep roadside banks. Not a great plot - but a Nitrogen producer - like clover.

FH

For erosion control go with the crown vetch....

Chicory is a perennial. I have decided to plant it with the ladino clover in my food plot.

For the Dam, I have decided on Feed Wheat, Ladino Clover and Lespedeza.

I'm going to have the local Co-op come lime and fertilize the soil just prior to planting. I'll try and posts some pics.

You guys think this will be OK?

Sounds like a good plan.