Clover broadcasting question ?
04-25-2021, 06:18 PM
#1
Fork Horn
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: Minnesota
Posts: 203
Clover broadcasting question ?
Hello, this question probably has been asked a million times. I have three acres of clover and chicory I’m going to plant this spring, I purchased a tow behind broadcaster for my atv, I am aware that the clover seed is very small, what can I dilute it with to make it go further ? I understand some folks use a fertilizer/clover mix, I have also heard a sand mix. What other stuff are people using?...... my problem is when i seed I put it on way to heavy, and then run out of seed. From what I understand clover should be put on at 8lbs to the acre. So if any one could help me on the size mix and what I should use, please help.
04-26-2021, 05:22 AM
#2
Nontypical Buck
Join Date: Nov 2014
Posts: 2,743
my suggestion is, take your time and just walk it, using a hand crank bag spreader
its what I do, been planting food plots for 30+ yrs, and used to average 16 acres every yr of them !@
yes iot sucks to walk, but its NOT that bad and gets you the better results, , unless you have a very good seeder, this will be your best option!
as the problem when you use a tow behind spreader with fine seeds is , like you said they come out too fast and you will ruin short, adding a FILLER to things won't help you, as if the filler is heavier it will fall to the bottom of hopper with all the bouncing of things as you tow it around!
and you will be seeding at mixed uneven rates
if filler is larger, then it will either clog up at opening and or need to be larger, which again isn't helping you get a good even coating!
Clover seeds are small and rather costly, si, again, if you want the best results, walk it with a hand crank bag spreader set at recommended setting for it or slightly SMALLER and then you should NOT run out
any lighter spots after a few days /things growing
you will see any missed spots or poor takes, and can go back and hit again with any remaining seeds!
another option for you MAYBE< is if your in a high farm area, try asking some local farmers if they have a proper seeder and are willing to seed for you, most farmers if they have the time will do the work for a few bucks and get you the best results, which could be worth the costs, 3 acres isn;t much time for them to do and shouldn;t cost much!
so food for thought for you maybe!
its what I do, been planting food plots for 30+ yrs, and used to average 16 acres every yr of them !@
yes iot sucks to walk, but its NOT that bad and gets you the better results, , unless you have a very good seeder, this will be your best option!
as the problem when you use a tow behind spreader with fine seeds is , like you said they come out too fast and you will ruin short, adding a FILLER to things won't help you, as if the filler is heavier it will fall to the bottom of hopper with all the bouncing of things as you tow it around!
and you will be seeding at mixed uneven rates
if filler is larger, then it will either clog up at opening and or need to be larger, which again isn't helping you get a good even coating!
Clover seeds are small and rather costly, si, again, if you want the best results, walk it with a hand crank bag spreader set at recommended setting for it or slightly SMALLER and then you should NOT run out
any lighter spots after a few days /things growing
you will see any missed spots or poor takes, and can go back and hit again with any remaining seeds!
another option for you MAYBE< is if your in a high farm area, try asking some local farmers if they have a proper seeder and are willing to seed for you, most farmers if they have the time will do the work for a few bucks and get you the best results, which could be worth the costs, 3 acres isn;t much time for them to do and shouldn;t cost much!
so food for thought for you maybe!
05-03-2021, 03:26 AM
#4
Spike
Join Date: Mar 2021
Location: Mahia hawkes bay Wairoa district NZ
Posts: 97
Atv towable spreaders
Hello, this question probably has been asked a million times. I have three acres of clover and chicory I’m going to plant this spring, I purchased a tow behind broadcaster for my atv, I am aware that the clover seed is very small, what can I dilute it with to make it go further ? I understand some folks use a fertilizer/clover mix, I have also heard a sand mix. What other stuff are people using?...... my problem is when i seed I put it on way to heavy, and then run out of seed. From what I understand clover should be put on at 8lbs to the acre. So if any one could help me on the size mix and what I should use, please help.
Last edited by Manu; 05-03-2021 at 11:01 AM.
05-06-2021, 12:01 AM
#6
Spike
Join Date: Mar 2021
Location: Mahia hawkes bay Wairoa district NZ
Posts: 97
Ask Boss
It would make sense to purchase a atv towable spreader, with Electric remote controlled adjusted seed/Fertilizer speed and distribution features. Capacity, and overall structure strength. A chirory/clover seed mix could help you solve your coverage problem than fertilizer next.
05-06-2021, 05:09 AM
#7
Nontypical Buck
Join Date: Nov 2014
Posts: 2,743
I asked my Boss about this problem he said you are using the wrong atv spreader for seeding a towable spreader bounces your clover seed around. He suggested the atv mounted model spreader it is designed for seed size electric remote controlled adjusted seed coverage, he also said try dry sand you would have to work out a formula for the seed/sand percentage to the acre. Last thing don't mix your clover with fertilizer the clover seed roots when they germinate would burn from fertilizer. I hope that helps "Fimco atv mounted model spreader surprise surprise is USA MADE😊 good luck 👍
as again, the seeds are too small and the whole ATV bounces like a tow able unit one do!
the only advantage of a front rack mounted one is MAYBE that you can watch and see how fasts things are going
adding sand again, doesn't work out as well either due to it tends to be heavier than the clover seeds and as again the bouncing from being driven, the sand will migrate to the bottom of the feeder faster and the mix will not work as one hops it will
if you don't have an actual seeder designed for clover seeds, your best bet is again using a bag seeder and walking and hand spreading
or hiring a local farmer that has a correct planter for it!
05-06-2021, 06:38 PM
#8
Spike
Join Date: Mar 2021
Location: Mahia hawkes bay Wairoa district NZ
Posts: 97
Direct drill
I have owned and tried several brands of electric spreaders and they too SUCK for spreading clover seeds,
as again, the seeds are too small and the whole ATV bounces like a tow able unit one do!
the only advantage of a front rack mounted one is MAYBE that you can watch and see how fasts things are going
adding sand again, doesn't work out as well either due to it tends to be heavier than the clover seeds and as again the bouncing from being driven, the sand will migrate to the bottom of the feeder faster and the mix will not work as one hops it will
if you don't have an actual seeder designed for clover seeds, your best bet is again using a bag seeder and walking and hand spreading
or hiring a local farmer that has a correct planter for it!
as again, the seeds are too small and the whole ATV bounces like a tow able unit one do!
the only advantage of a front rack mounted one is MAYBE that you can watch and see how fasts things are going
adding sand again, doesn't work out as well either due to it tends to be heavier than the clover seeds and as again the bouncing from being driven, the sand will migrate to the bottom of the feeder faster and the mix will not work as one hops it will
if you don't have an actual seeder designed for clover seeds, your best bet is again using a bag seeder and walking and hand spreading
or hiring a local farmer that has a correct planter for it!
