The Provide Clover Made a Bold First Impression
The Provide Clover is presented as a large leaf perennial clover blend intended for spring, summer, or fall planting, and further enhanced with chickory. Provide Clover, from an unspecified manufacturer, aims to be a perennial food plot solution. I was intrigued by its promise of long-term growth and the inclusion of chickory, as I’m always searching for resilient and appealing forage for wildlife on my property.
My land, a mix of hardwoods and open fields in central Pennsylvania, is home to deer, turkey, and various small game. Maintaining effective food plots can be a constant challenge, battling invasive weeds and inconsistent rainfall. I was hoping Provide Clover could offer a more sustainable and less labor-intensive solution compared to annual planting.
The package itself was fairly unremarkable, a standard seed bag with basic information. It lacked the glossy, marketing-heavy presentation of some competitors, which initially made me a bit apprehensive. The weight felt right for the price point, however, giving me hope that it wasn’t overly diluted with filler.
I had been considering a few other options, namely Whitetail Institute’s Imperial Clover and Pennington’s MasterPro Clover Mix. I chose Provide Clover primarily due to its stated inclusion of chickory and its more budget-friendly price point. The other blends are known for their quality, but I wanted to see if a less expensive option could still deliver acceptable results.
My first impression was cautiously optimistic. The plain packaging didn’t scream premium, but the actual seeds looked healthy. The inclusion of chickory was visually noticeable amongst the clover seed. I was eager to see how it would perform in a real-world application.
Real-World Testing: Putting Provide Clover to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Provide Clover in early spring, preparing a section of my field that had previously been used as a soybean plot. The soil was tilled, amended with lime and fertilizer according to soil test recommendations, and then the Provide Clover seed was broadcast. I followed this with light raking and cultipacking to ensure good seed-to-soil contact.
The weather during the initial germination period was favorable – a mix of sunshine and moderate rainfall. Germination was noticeable within a week, and within two weeks, the area was showing good clover growth. The chickory was slower to emerge, but its presence became apparent about three weeks after planting.
The clover thrived even with a short period of unusually dry weather. The large leaves lived up to the “large leaf perennial clover” description. I did not need to irrigate beyond what nature provided.
There were no major issues initially. I observed some weed competition, but the clover seemed vigorous enough to outcompete most of them. This suggests the Provide Clover has inherent resilience.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of use, the Provide Clover plot continues to perform well. The clover has spread and thickened, creating a dense mat of forage. The chickory, while not as dominant as the clover, is still present and provides additional variety.
The plot has proven to be durable, withstanding grazing pressure from deer and turkey without significant damage. There are minimal signs of wear and tear, indicating the clover’s ability to regenerate after grazing. This is crucial for a long-term food plot solution.
Maintenance has been relatively simple. I’ve performed one mowing to control weed growth and promote clover branching. Overall, the Provide Clover requires less intensive management compared to annual food plot crops.
Compared to my previous experiences with annual brassica plots, the Provide Clover offers a significant advantage in terms of long-term sustainability and reduced maintenance. It may not provide the same immediate attraction as a freshly planted brassica plot, but its consistent availability and perennial nature make it a valuable addition to my wildlife management strategy. The plot’s longevity is its strength.
Breaking Down the Features of Provide Clover
Specifications
- The Provide Clover is a large leaf perennial clover blend. This suggests a focus on palatability and forage production, as large leaves typically offer a greater surface area for photosynthesis.
- The blend includes chickory. Chickory is known for its drought tolerance and mineral content, making it a valuable addition to a perennial food plot.
- It’s designed for spring, summer, or fall planting. This provides flexibility in terms of planting time, allowing users to adapt to local weather conditions and personal schedules.
- The product is described as a perennial food plot. Perennial plants are designed to live more than two years meaning less replanting.
- The product is identified as “70202 PROVIDE CLOVER“. This is likely a SKU for inventory purposes.
These specifications suggest a product designed for long-term forage production, drought tolerance, and ease of establishment. The inclusion of chickory is a noteworthy feature that sets it apart from some other clover blends.
Performance & Functionality
The Provide Clover performs its intended job of providing a perennial food source for wildlife effectively. Deer and turkey readily graze on the clover and chickory, and the plot has remained productive throughout the growing season. Its reliable performance makes it a worthwhile investment.
The blend’s strengths lie in its perennial nature, drought tolerance, and ease of maintenance. One potential weakness is that it may not provide the same immediate attraction as some other food plot crops, such as brassicas or corn.
Overall, the Provide Clover meets expectations for a perennial clover blend. It provides a consistent and reliable food source with minimal maintenance.
Design & Ergonomics
The Provide Clover‘s design is inherently simple – it’s a blend of seeds intended for broadcasting. The blend contains clover and chickory seed. The packaging is functional but lacks any specific ergonomic features.
There is no real learning curve associated with using the Provide Clover. Basic knowledge of soil preparation and planting techniques is sufficient.
Durability & Maintenance
As a perennial blend, the Provide Clover is designed to last for multiple years with proper management. With proper care the food plot should last for several years. Durability and continued growth is the key to its value.
Maintenance primarily involves mowing to control weeds and promote clover branching. Fertilization may also be required periodically, depending on soil test results.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Provide Clover itself does not come with any specific accessories. Customization options are limited to adjusting the seeding rate and fertilization practices based on local conditions and wildlife needs.
The Provide Clover is compatible with a range of soil amendments, fertilizers, and weed control products. Users can also consider adding other compatible forage species to the blend to further enhance its attractiveness and nutritional value.
Pros and Cons of Provide Clover
Pros
- Perennial nature: Provides a long-term food source without the need for annual replanting.
- Drought tolerance: Chickory inclusion enhances the blend’s ability to withstand dry conditions.
- Ease of maintenance: Requires minimal maintenance compared to annual food plot crops.
- Attractiveness to wildlife: Readily grazed by deer, turkey, and other wildlife.
- Budget-friendly: Offers a cost-effective alternative to more expensive perennial clover blends.
Cons
- Lack of immediate attraction: May not provide the same rapid attraction as some annual food plot crops.
- Basic Packaging: Packaging provides little detail on the product.
Who Should Buy Provide Clover?
Provide Clover is perfect for:
- Hunters seeking a low-maintenance, long-term food source for deer and turkey.
- Land managers looking for a cost-effective way to improve wildlife habitat.
- Individuals with limited time or resources for intensive food plot management.
Who should skip this product?
- Those seeking an immediate, high-impact food plot for attracting wildlife in a short timeframe.
- Individuals with extremely poor soil conditions that are not conducive to clover growth, even with amendments.
Must-have accessories or modifications?
- Soil testing kit to determine appropriate lime and fertilizer applications.
- Cultipacker to ensure good seed-to-soil contact.
Conclusion on Provide Clover
The Provide Clover offers a practical and budget-friendly solution for establishing a perennial food plot. Its perennial nature, drought tolerance, and ease of maintenance make it an attractive option for hunters and land managers seeking a long-term, low-maintenance food source for wildlife.
The $14.99 price is justified by the product’s long-term value and reduced labor requirements compared to annual food plot crops. While it may not provide the same immediate attraction as some other options, its consistent performance and resilience make it a worthwhile investment.
I would personally recommend the Provide Clover to anyone seeking a reliable and cost-effective perennial food plot solution. It’s a practical choice for enhancing wildlife habitat and providing a sustainable food source for years to come. Consider Provide Clover for your next planting!