{"product_id":"dynamite-red-clover-50lbs-20lbsacre","title":"Dynamite Red Clover 50lbs 20lbs\/Acre","description":"\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eFor the best results with a dynamite red clover food plot in Central Alabama, plant in the fall between September and November, after first conducting a soil test and preparing a firm, clean seedbed. This timing ensures the clover can establish itself in cooler, wetter conditions and avoid heavy weed competition. \u003co:p\u003e\u003c\/o:p\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eStep 1: Conduct a soil test\u003co:p\u003e\u003c\/o:p\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eA soil test is the most important step for success and is available for free from any Alabama Extension office. \u003co:p\u003e\u003c\/o:p\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eIdeal pH: Red clover thrives in soils with a pH of 6.0 to 6.5.\u003co:p\u003e\u003c\/o:p\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eNutrients: The test will determine the specific amounts of lime, phosphorus, and potassium needed for optimal growth. Add lime as necessary to adjust the pH. \u003co:p\u003e\u003c\/o:p\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eStep 2: Prepare the seedbed\u003co:p\u003e\u003c\/o:p\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eA clean, firm seedbed is essential for good seed-to-soil contact.\u003co:p\u003e\u003c\/o:p\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eKill weeds: Use an herbicide like glyphosate to kill all existing vegetation two to six weeks before planting.\u003co:p\u003e\u003c\/o:p\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eTill the soil (optional): If you are not no-till planting, disk or till the plot to break up clods and create a smooth surface.\u003co:p\u003e\u003c\/o:p\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eFirm the seedbed: Before planting, run a cultipacker over the plot. This compacts the soil, creating a firm, uniform surface that prevents seeds from being covered too deeply. \u003co:p\u003e\u003c\/o:p\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eStep 3: Inoculate and sow the seeds\u003co:p\u003e\u003c\/o:p\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eInoculate: Red clover is a legume, so you must inoculate the seeds with the correct Rhizobium bacteria before planting. This allows the clover to \"fix\" its own nitrogen from the air.\u003co:p\u003e\u003c\/o:p\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eSow rate: A typical broadcast rate for red clover is 15 pounds per acre, but follow the specific instructions on your seed bag.\u003co:p\u003e\u003c\/o:p\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eSow method: Use a hand-operated, ATV-mounted, or tractor-pulled broadcast spreader to distribute the tiny seeds evenly. To ensure even coverage, some hunters mix the seed with lime or fertilizer. \u003co:p\u003e\u003c\/o:p\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eStep 4: Ensure seed-to-soil contact\u003co:p\u003e\u003c\/o:p\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eShallow depth: Red clover seeds should not be covered more than ¼ inch deep. Deeper planting can prevent germination.\u003co:p\u003e\u003c\/o:p\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eCultipack again: After broadcasting the seed, run the cultipacker over the plot a second time. This presses the small seeds into the soil surface, ensuring excellent seed-to-soil contact, which is critical for germination.\u003co:p\u003e\u003c\/o:p\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eLet rain help: If rain is in the forecast, you can let it wash the seeds into the surface of the soil. However, a final cultipacking is the safest option to ensure a successful plot.\u003co:p\u003e\u003c\/o:p\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":null,"offers":[{"title":"50lb","offer_id":67576856641696,"sku":"12010","price":139.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"url":"https:\/\/prattvillefarmcenter.com\/products\/dynamite-red-clover-50lbs-20lbsacre","provider":"My Store","version":"1.0","type":"link"}