When should I mow my plot?

[VTbowman]

I planted Hammes Farm Growers Blend on July 21st and its about 6 to 8 inches deep and pretty thick in most spots as of yesterday.

We have had decent rain on and off, and we did put fert down a few weeks ago. (Not sure what rating the fert was, my buddy bought it.)

Our bow season starts Oct 7th.

Also how low should I cut?

I was thinking of getting it mowed this weekend with my lawn tractor and just leaving my deck up. (4" to 5" high)

[dogdoc]

Re: When should I mow my plot?

i never mow the first year--unless you're getting a bunch of weeds I'd probably leave it alone. Your temps are going to start getting colder her very soon which will slow down growth. I want as much available forage as possible for the winter months.

todd

edit: I should correct myself. I never mow until the following spring after planting. I also only plant clover and other perennials in the fall. Usually about this time so they really don't need mowing until late the following spring. When you soil temps reach a certain degree the plants pretty much quit growing. So if you mow now I don't know how much regrowth you are going to get (where you are located). If you were in Oklahoma I'd say--sure mow--but not where you are located. Martin may be able to give you better advise here.

[VTbowman]

Re: When should I mow my plot?

I admit I am basing it off how my regualr lawn grows and i need to mow right up to and sometime beyond Oct 1st.

Although I refuse to keep mowing my lawn once hunting season starts. LOL

I think I still have a good 5 weeks of growing if I mowed asap.

I am a bit concerned about some weeds that have shown themselves, but over all the plot is pretty clean.

I also have to admit i spread that "Secret Spot" plot mix on 1/2 fo it a week after we fertilized it and now I dont know if I am getting weeds or plot plants. LOL

I dont know what everything is suppose to look like.

[Guest MKMGOBL]

Re: When should I mow my plot?

I would mow it in IL, but I'm not familiar with your area. If you have 5 weeks of growth left before a killing frost, I would go ahead and mow it.

[dogdoc]

Re: When should I mow my plot?

Shawn--your secret spot is an annual---most annuals don't respond well to mowing.

[wtnhunt]

Re: When should I mow my plot?

[ QUOTE ]

Shawn--your secret spot is an annual---most annuals don't respond well to mowing.

[/ QUOTE ]

Yep, gotta go with Todd on this.

[VTbowman]

Re: When should I mow my plot?

Martin PMed me and suggested I not mow this summer/fall.

Even with my mower deck up as far as it will go it would be cut to low and he said its not good nor would I benifit from mowing it now.

Saves me a trip down there and a few hours of my day off.

As for the Secret Spot plot seed. There is a bunch of stuff in it, some annuals and some perenial.

The clover in both will be there next spring I am sure which is all that matters to me. What ever else pops up out of the 2 brands of seed will be an extra. LOL

Thanks...

[Guest luckyman4]

Re: When should I mow my plot?

Not sure what's in your Grower's mix, but it was good advice not to mow it this fall. . . your main deer attractors in a summer seeding for the fall are the annuals, and mowing them can kill them.

If there are oats in the mix, they will die over winter, but this fall they will be your best friend. Winter Rye and Wheat will make it through the winter provided we get some snow cover and not a ton of ice. If you mow the plot next spring, it will help the clovers get sun and they will take off.

From now on when you fertilize, look for something with a low first number (i.e. 0-10-10) to promote clover growth. The first number is the Nitrogen amount, and clovers make the nitrogen they need from the air. Also, its always a good idea to have a pH test and nutrient analysis done on the soil. . . it can save you alot of frustration trying to figure out why plots aren't growing like you would want. I think UVM has local extension offices with personnel that can help.

BTW, I planted Secret Spot last year, and this year the clovers are doing pretty well.

[Guest anderson3]

Re: When should I mow my plot?

I would not mow this fall unless you have a particular weed problem. If you have some weed concerns, then it is a judgement call. 4" or 5" height is okay. Clovers and other perennial legumes grow very well in early fall.