The Pro-vide Clover & Chickory Made a Bold First Impression
For years, I’ve advised countless hunters and landowners on how to cultivate the perfect food plots. I’ve seen trends come and go, but the core principle remains: providing quality forage is the key to attracting and sustaining wildlife. The Pro-vide Clover & Chickory blend promises just that: a long-lasting, protein-rich buffet for deer and turkeys. Pro-vide, the manufacturer, aims to deliver exactly this to its users.
My own property has always been a work in progress, and I’m constantly seeking improvements to my food plot strategy. Tired of annual planting and fluctuating yields, I was drawn to Pro-vide Clover & Chickory‘s promise of a five-year perennial plot. This solution will hopefully save time and resources.
The 4lb bag felt substantial, suggesting a good seed density. Initial inspection revealed a mix of seed sizes and textures, consistent with a clover and chickory blend. Compared to a pure clover mix I used last year, the inclusion of the larger chickory seeds seemed promising for root depth and drought resistance.
My initial impression was one of cautious optimism. At $24.49, the Pro-vide Clover & Chickory sits at a competitive price point. Whether it delivers on its long-term promises remains to be seen, but I’m eager to give it a try.
Real-World Testing: Putting Pro-vide Clover & Chickory to the Test
First Use Experience
My primary testing ground was a half-acre plot on my property, previously used for soybeans. I prepped the soil according to Pro-vide‘s recommendations: disking, fertilizing, and cultipacking for a firm seedbed. I broadcast the Pro-vide Clover & Chickory seed blend in early spring, just before a predicted light rain.
Within a couple of weeks, I saw germination. The clover was first to emerge, showing its characteristic trifoliate leaves. Chickory followed shortly after, its broader leaves providing a visual contrast. Even in slightly waterlogged areas, the Pro-vide Clover & Chickory still sprouted.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months, the Pro-vide Clover & Chickory plot thrived. The clover provided a dense ground cover, while the chickory added height and structure. I observed deer consistently grazing in the plot, seemingly favoring the chickory in the hotter months. We had a hot, dry summer and the Pro-vide Clover & Chickory was one of the only food sources holding up.
The plot remained relatively weed-free, a testament to the blend’s vigorous growth. I mowed the plot once in mid-summer to encourage clover growth and prevent the chickory from becoming too stemmy. So far, with minimal maintenance, the Pro-vide Clover & Chickory has outperformed my expectations.
Breaking Down the Features of Pro-vide Clover & Chickory
Specifications
The Pro-vide Clover & Chickory blend contains both white forage clovers and forage chickory seeds. The product weight is 4 lbs and covers approximately 1/2 acre. This blend is designed for spring or fall planting, creating a perennial food plot. The expected lifespan of the plot with proper maintenance is at least 5 years.
The blend aims to provide forage in spring, summer, and fall. This maximizes the availability of protein and minerals for deer and turkeys. The combination of clover and chickory leverages the strengths of both plants.
Performance & Functionality
The Pro-vide Clover & Chickory excels in providing consistent forage throughout the growing season. Clover offers excellent protein content and nitrogen fixation, enriching the soil. Chickory is drought-tolerant and provides essential minerals, especially during the summer months. The blend is easy to establish and requires minimal maintenance beyond occasional mowing.
The primary weakness is potential weed competition in the first year. Careful soil preparation and possibly a pre-emergent herbicide application are recommended to mitigate this. Overall, the Pro-vide Clover & Chickory meets and, in some aspects, exceeds expectations for a perennial food plot.
Design & Ergonomics
The Pro-vide Clover & Chickory’s design is straightforward: a carefully balanced blend of two complementary forage plants. The seed size and coating (if any) are conducive to even distribution with a standard broadcast spreader. The bag is durable enough for transport and storage.
The ease of planting and establishment contributes to a user-friendly experience. The 4lb bag is easy to handle.
Durability & Maintenance
With proper maintenance, the Pro-vide Clover & Chickory plot is expected to last at least five years. Regular mowing, fertilization, and potentially weed control are required to maintain its vigor. Both clover and chickory are relatively hardy plants, capable of withstanding grazing pressure and moderate drought.
Spot spraying of herbicides may be necessary to control persistent weeds. Overall, the Pro-vide Clover & Chickory offers good durability and manageable maintenance requirements.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Pro-vide Clover & Chickory itself doesn’t have accessories in the traditional sense. However, its performance can be enhanced by using compatible soil amendments and herbicides. A balanced fertilizer blend, tailored to your soil test results, will maximize growth and nutrient content. Selective herbicides can be used to control broadleaf weeds or grasses without harming the clover and chickory.
Consider adding inoculant to the seed before planting. This will improve nitrogen fixation in the clover.
Pros and Cons of Pro-vide Clover & Chickory
Pros
- Provides year-round forage for deer and turkeys.
- Perennial blend lasts at least 5 years with proper maintenance.
- Relatively easy to establish and maintain.
- Drought-tolerant chickory adds mineral content and summer forage.
- Competitive price point compared to other perennial blends.
Cons
- Requires careful soil preparation and weed control, especially in the first year.
- Performance may vary depending on soil type and local climate.
Who Should Buy Pro-vide Clover & Chickory?
The Pro-vide Clover & Chickory is perfect for hunters and landowners seeking a long-term, low-maintenance food plot solution. It is ideal for those wanting to attract and sustain deer and turkey populations on their property.
Those who should skip this product are individuals unwilling to invest in proper soil preparation or ongoing maintenance. Also, individuals with heavily weed-infested properties may find it challenging to establish without significant herbicide applications.
Must-have accessories include a soil testing kit, a broadcast spreader, and a selective herbicide suitable for clover and chickory.
Conclusion on Pro-vide Clover & Chickory
The Pro-vide Clover & Chickory offers a compelling value proposition for anyone seeking a durable, effective food plot. While it requires some initial effort to establish, its long-term benefits and low maintenance make it a worthwhile investment. At $24.49, the price is justified by the potential for five years of consistent forage.
I would personally recommend the Pro-vide Clover & Chickory to hunters and landowners looking to improve their wildlife habitat. Take the first step towards a thriving food plot: invest in Pro-vide Clover & Chickory today!