First Thoughts on the Pro-vide Clover & Chickory
The Pro-vide Clover & Chickory blend, from a manufacturer I’m eager to learn more about, promises a perennial food plot solution for deer and turkey. As an outdoor gear specialist with over a decade of experience, I’ve seen countless food plot mixes come and go, often making bold claims that don’t hold up under real-world conditions. I was drawn to Pro-vide Clover & Chickory due to its promise of year-round forage, and a long-lasting plot with proper maintenance.
For years, I’ve struggled to establish a reliable food source on a particularly challenging plot of land near my deer stand. The soil is poor, and the deer are picky eaters; I needed a mix that could withstand harsh conditions and still attract wildlife. While other mixes promised quick growth, Pro-vide Clover & Chickory’s emphasis on longevity and year-round benefit appealed to my long-term hunting strategy.
Unboxing wasn’t exactly a groundbreaking experience – it’s a bag of seeds. However, the visual mix of seed types hinted at the diversity within. The seeds themselves looked healthy and well-coated, suggesting a focus on germination success.
I considered other clover mixes, specifically those with annual rye grass for quick cover. Ultimately, I chose Pro-vide Clover & Chickory because it was specifically tailored for deer and turkeys, promising both protein and mineral content. Its perennial nature was also a major selling point, saving time and money in the long run if it lived up to the claim.
My first impression was cautiously optimistic. The Pro-vide Clover & Chickory felt like a serious contender, a mix designed for the dedicated land manager seeking a sustainable wildlife food source.
Real-World Testing: Putting Pro-vide Clover & Chickory to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Pro-vide Clover & Chickory on that aforementioned problematic plot, a half-acre clearing surrounded by thick woods in Northern Wisconsin. I planted in late spring, after a final frost, following soil testing and amendment recommendations from my local agricultural extension office. The weather was cooperative, with consistent rain and moderate temperatures.
The seeds germinated surprisingly quickly, with clover shoots emerging within a week. The chickory followed soon after, providing a varied green carpet across the plot. Initially, the deer seemed hesitant, but within a few weeks, they were consistently browsing, especially on the young clover.
Ease of use was high; spreading the seed with a hand-crank seeder was simple, and no specialized equipment was needed. I was pleasantly surprised at how forgiving the mix seemed to be, even in the less-than-ideal soil conditions.
No major issues arose during the initial planting and germination phase.
Extended Use & Reliability
After six months, the Pro-vide Clover & Chickory plot continued to thrive. Even through a relatively dry summer, the plants remained green and attractive to wildlife. I observed deer, turkeys, and even rabbits regularly utilizing the plot.
The mix showed excellent durability. Despite heavy browsing and fluctuating weather conditions, the clover and chickory maintained a healthy, dense ground cover. Minimal signs of wear and tear were visible.
Maintenance involved occasional mowing to prevent weeds from taking over and to encourage new growth. I also fertilized lightly in the fall to boost nutrient levels before winter. The relative ease of maintenance was a welcome change from the more demanding annual plots I’d managed previously.
Compared to my past experiences with other food plot mixes, the Pro-vide Clover & Chickory significantly outperformed in terms of longevity and wildlife attraction. I’ve seen annuals that are devoured within weeks and perennials that struggle to establish. This mix truly seems to strike a balance between palatability and resilience.
Breaking Down the Features of Pro-vide Clover & Chickory
Specifications
This blend contains forage clovers and forage chickory, specifically white forage clovers. These varieties are selected for their palatability, protein content, and ability to withstand grazing pressure.
The Pro-vide Clover & Chickory is designed for planting in either spring or fall, offering flexibility depending on regional climate and planting schedules. This adaptability is a significant advantage.
A 4 lb bag covers approximately ½ acre, making it suitable for smaller food plots or for supplementing existing forage areas. The coverage rate is adequate, but careful spreading is crucial.
It’s intended as a perennial food plot, providing forage for at least 5 years with proper maintenance. This longevity sets it apart from annual mixes, offering a cost-effective long-term solution.
The mix provides forage in spring, summer, and fall. This ensures a consistent food source for deer and turkeys throughout the crucial growing and hunting seasons.
The Pro-vide Clover & Chickory is formulated to provide protein and minerals to wildlife. These nutrients are essential for antler growth in deer and overall health and reproductive success in turkeys.
Performance & Functionality
The Pro-vide Clover & Chickory blend performs exceptionally well in attracting and sustaining wildlife. The deer and turkeys clearly preferred it over surrounding native vegetation. The mix is reliable, providing consistent forage throughout the growing season, a testament to its diverse composition.
The strength of the Pro-vide Clover & Chickory is its ability to provide a long-lasting, palatable food source. A potential weakness might be its reliance on proper soil conditions and maintenance for optimal performance. It met, and frankly exceeded, my expectations.
Design & Ergonomics
The blend itself is well-designed, combining complementary species that thrive together. The weight of the 4lb bag is manageable, making it easy to transport and spread. There is no real “ergonomics” to speak of with seeds, but the planned result of the seed mixture is easy to hunt around.
The Pro-vide Clover & Chickory mix is user-friendly, requiring no specialized planting techniques. There is a slight learning curve in understanding optimal mowing and fertilization practices for perennial plots.
Durability & Maintenance
With proper care, the Pro-vide Clover & Chickory can last for at least 5 years, making it a durable investment. Regular mowing, fertilization, and weed control are essential for maintaining the plot’s health and productivity. Maintaining this should be easy so long as the plan is maintained.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Pro-vide Clover & Chickory doesn’t come with accessories, but soil testing kits and fertilizers are highly recommended to ensure optimal growth. Customization primarily involves adjusting mowing and fertilization schedules to suit specific soil conditions and wildlife needs.
While the Pro-vide Clover & Chickory mix is compatible with most standard agricultural fertilizers and soil amendments, be cautious when using herbicides, ensuring they are safe for clover and chickory. Consider companion planting with other wildlife-friendly species, such as brassicas, for added diversity and attraction.
Pros and Cons of Pro-vide Clover & Chickory
Pros
- Long-lasting perennial plot: Saves time and money compared to annual plantings.
- Attracts deer and turkeys: Provides a consistent and palatable food source.
- Easy to plant and maintain: Suitable for both novice and experienced land managers.
- Provides protein and minerals: Promotes overall wildlife health and antler growth.
- Adaptable to different planting seasons: Offers flexibility for spring or fall planting.
Cons
- Requires proper soil conditions and maintenance: May need soil amendments and fertilization for optimal performance.
- Susceptible to weed competition: Regular mowing and weed control are necessary.
Who Should Buy Pro-vide Clover & Chickory?
The Pro-vide Clover & Chickory is perfect for hunters seeking to establish a reliable food plot for deer and turkeys. Land managers looking for a low-maintenance, long-term forage solution will also benefit greatly. Anyone looking to improve wildlife habitat will likely enjoy this product.
This product might not be ideal for those with extremely poor soil conditions or those unwilling to invest in basic plot maintenance. If you’re looking for an instant, short-term fix, an annual mix might be more suitable.
Essential accessories include a soil testing kit, fertilizer spreader, and a mower. Consider adding a game camera to monitor wildlife activity on the plot.
Conclusion on Pro-vide Clover & Chickory
The Pro-vide Clover & Chickory blend has proven to be a worthwhile investment. It delivers on its promises of a long-lasting, wildlife-attracting food plot. The $24.49 price is justified given its perennial nature and the reduction in annual planting costs.
I would wholeheartedly recommend Pro-vide Clover & Chickory to anyone seeking a sustainable and effective wildlife food source. It’s a well-designed blend that provides consistent forage and promotes overall wildlife health. Take the plunge, prepare your plot, and watch the deer and turkeys flock to your new Pro-vide Clover & Chickory paradise.