Today, we’re going to frost seed some of my clover patches. Frost seeding is a great way to ensure that you get a good stand of clover in an existing plot every year. I’ve learned the hard way over the years that there are no shortcuts to food plotting, and taking all the necessary steps to do it right is really important.
Kevin VanDam shares his process for frost seeding his clover food plots with @MossyOak BioLogic Non Typical Clover seed. Get your Food Plot Seeds here: https://www.plantbiologic.com
The Process and Benefits of Frost Seeding
Here in Michigan, it’s late February, and we get frost pretty much every night. The whole premise behind frost seeding is that when you put that fine clover seed down on an existing plot, the daily freezing and thawing of the ground helps the seed settle in.
Each time the ground freezes and thaws, it expands and contracts, effectively planting the seed. It’s the perfect way to get that seed into the ground. It’s simple, easy, you don’t have to till anything, and it works really well.
My Experience with Clover Food Plots
I’ve been food plotting for over 40 years, and I’ve learned a lot through trial and error. One thing I can tell you, especially here in Michigan, is that clover is the foundation of all my food plots. It provides a great stand, you can get a lot of tonnage out of a small area, and it can handle a lot of browse pressure.
This plot here is in its seventh season for one stand of clover, and by frost seeding it each year, I ensure it remains a great stand. The deer eat it down to the dirt, basically 365 days a year. During the growing season, it’s nice, tall, green, and lush. Even in dry periods, like last year’s drought, where crabgrass took over, the clover remains strong underneath and will pop back with frost seeding.
Choosing the Right Clover: Clover Food Plots
I’ve tried many different clovers over the years, and I found that Biologic’s non-typical clover not only grows well and is resilient under browse pressure, but the deer also love it. As long as your soil pH is correct—around the mid-seven range—it does really well.
I planted this stand seven years ago, and it has thrived because I followed the right steps initially. You need a good seedbed, broadcast the seed, and then cultipack it in. Ensure you have lime to get the pH right and use fertilizer. Once established, it will pay dividends year after year, and frost seeding ensures a good stand each season.
Planning and Seeding Your Plot
This plot is exactly one acre. One of the things I really like about the DeerCast app is its mapping feature, which helps plan out the plots. I can draw lines around my food plots and figure out exactly how much seed I need. For frost seeding, you only need about a fourth of the usual amount, so a small bag will do an acre.
I look for thinner areas from last fall or early spring and hit those areas a bit heavier, then lightly dust the rest. After a couple of frost cycles, the seed gets into the ground and comes in strong.
Tools for Frost Seeding
I have various broadcast seeders for food plots, but I prefer this small grass seeder for clover. It’s easy to use for small volumes of fine clover seed. I set it on the number one setting for a fine light coating over the whole plot. For thinner areas, I might go over it twice to ensure proper seed rate. Clover seed is expensive, so I want to make sure I’m using it efficiently.
Importance of Food Plots
We work hard on our farm to improve all the habitat, from timber to field edges, and food plots are a big part of that. In Michigan, you can’t bait or use feeders, so good food plots provide a necessary food source and draw deer in while offering nutrition throughout the year. Clover is high in protein and essential for bucks to grow big antlers and for does while they’re lactating.
Quick and Effective Seeding
Frost seeding only takes about 10 minutes per acre. We plan various types of Biologic in our food plots, and one blend that works well is Mossy Oak Biologic’s Last Bite. It includes cereal grains, non-typical clover, winter bulbs, and sugar beets. Though the annuals like cereal grains and brassicas won’t come back, the clover will. Frost seeding over it can establish a good stand of clover.
Seasonal Planting Strategy
I prefer planting clover in the fall to avoid spring weed competition. Spring plots are for cereal grains, corn, and soybeans, while fall plots are for brassicas, clover, and other blends. This strategy ensures great food plots come hunting season.
Enjoying the Outdoors and Finding Sheds
Being out in the woods this time of year is great. You can see the deer’s trails, scrapes, and even find sheds. Deer bed close to food plots and pound them all winter. By frost seeding with non-typical clover, these plots will be lush and green by turkey season.
Observing Wildlife Activity
Finding sheds is always exciting. This one-acre plot is great, with secure surroundings and heavy deer activity. Last year, a trail camera even captured a coyote taking down a doe here. Food plots attract all wildlife, making them a hub of activity.
Conclusion: Clover Food Plots by Frost Seeding
Quick and easy, frost seeding small spots like this makes a big difference. Even small trails or lanes through the woods can become great clover stands. It doesn’t take a large area to impact wildlife positively. Frost seeding is simple, effective, and ensures great stands of clover, loved by deer and turkeys alike.
