Red clover
- Thread starter Yarg
- Start date
S.T.Fanatic
5 year old buck +
I just planted Freedom MR. Finer stems and less pubescence (hairs) on the stems as well as improved winter survival is what did it for me. I can not say as to weather or not the deer eat it as it's only about an 1/8" tall. lol I'm sure they will.
wiscwhip
5 year old buck +
Depends on if you want it in long term clover or if you want to plant something else like soybeans or brassicas in that area. No point in using a perennial clover like Alice if you are going to put something else there. That said, any of the improved varieties of medium red should last at least a couple seasons for you. Maybe try to find some Marathon or Arlington. If you have dry soils or have acidic soils, mammoth red clover, might be a better choice, but it is not nearly as long lived as the medium reds listed above. The Freedom MR mentioned above is a newer variety that is very good as well.
Maddog3355
5 year old buck +
I’ve always planted to medium red variety. Plot usually only lasts 2 years but the deer hammer it.
Native Hunter
5 year old buck +
Two more good improved varieties are Burduro and Kenland. I would also check with the local soil conservation service in your particular area and ask if there is a particular improved cultivar of MRC that farmers use in your location. They might put you on to one that does really well there.
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bueller
Moderator
I use plain ole medium red from the local coop with great results. Lasts two full years. Planted with and overseeded with rye with each fall. Just replanted one last week. Going to overseed with rye next year and then with rye and clover again Sept of 2020 in hopes of keeping it in clover for many years with no maintenance other than overseeding.
wiscwhip
5 year old buck +
I've never heard of the variety "Plain Ole", is that an improved variety from Sweden?
Most likely just VNS red clover, which means it could be just about any variety, improved or not, it is just not from a certified seed source.
wiscwhip
5 year old buck +
That would be fine, either will work and the red/white combo could help during times of stress for the clover, as each has their own tolerances for drought, cold, etc.
Tree Spud
5 year old buck +
I have used Alta-swede for several years now. It is only $3.25/lbs. I usually overseed in July/Aug in my beans, then overseed in early Sept with WR. Following spring I have a great early green up. Can terminate early for beans planting or in July for brassica plantings. Deer love both and good nitrogen scavenging/OM production.
j-bird
Moderator
if you find Burdaro - It's great! I can't seem to find it anywhere but in a mix from Evolved harvest however.......
wiscwhip
5 year old buck +
Just for the record, it is Barduro, not Burdaro. The spelling might have something to do with it being hard to find? Barenbrug Seeds carries it...apparently...
https://www.barusa.com/professional-forage/products/barduro.htm
https://www.barusa.com/professional-forage/products/barduro.htm
S.T.Fanatic
5 year old buck +
I'd like to try it but doubt it would survive a Minnesota winter.
wiscwhip
5 year old buck +
I might be a bit leery about it in the far north, as I believe it was adapted for the mid-South. I know the University of Auburn has done extensive trials with it and it has performed well. That said, even in MN I think it would grow and survive just fine for a year or 2, but the longevity might be lacking. North of IL, I would look at a more tried and true northern variety like Marathon or Arlington, which were developed in WI.
j-bird
Moderator
I can't seem to get ANY response form them.....I have tried several times. And you may be right on the spelling - I just copied how Native spelled it..... All I know is that it grew great for me and the critters loved it.
scott44
5 year old buck +
I would like to try Barduro also, this is the only place I found that is selling it other than a mix.
https://www.geneticseed.com/comm_viewproduct.aspx?ID=3723
https://www.geneticseed.com/comm_viewproduct.aspx?ID=3723
j-bird
Moderator
Thanks for the link.....when I get some extra coin I'll check into buying some. IF I do I will make a post to sell some so others can try as not everyone needs $130 of red clover seed!
Tree Spud
5 year old buck +
For you guys advocating unique clovers ... what evidence do you have that deer prefer their browse over typical feedmill varieties?
Based on your evaluation of his soil type, soil tests, and location what is recommended?
I mean the local coop has a pretty good handle on varieties suited locally right?
Based on your evaluation of his soil type, soil tests, and location what is recommended?
I mean the local coop has a pretty good handle on varieties suited locally right?
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