Plantings for weed control/suppression

[Egon]

White or yellow clover may work for you. It can grow thick enough so it is hard to walk in. Add some alfalfa too.

Many different types of clover and will probably have local nomenclature so research if you try it.

 

[jjp8182]

Just me, but I'd second the clover and mix in something else like orchard grass and a wildflower mix (for example: the shade mix from Wildflower Seeds | Easy Mixes | Johnny's Selected Seeds )

...also unless you're much farther north that your location indicates it's pretty good odds you're still in the fall planting window ...and a fall planting (where practical) can give the seeds an extra advantage to the head start as there usually aren't many weeds that start germinating in the fall, but clovers and grasses will -- but identifying the germination soil temp range for what you're planting can be helpful (for example the chart of cover crops here: Cover Crops | Dynamic Comparison Chart | Johnny's Selected Seeds )

 

[KennyG]

Do a little research on clover ground cover. There are some low growing varieties (less than 6 inches) that may work well for your situation.

 

[HawkinsHollow]

Just me, but I'd second the clover and mix in something else like orchard grass and a wildflower mix (for example: the shade mix from Wildflower Seeds | Easy Mixes | Johnny's Selected Seeds )

...also unless you're much farther north that your location indicates it's pretty good odds you're still in the fall planting window ...and a fall planting (where practical) can give the seeds an extra advantage to the head start as there usually aren't many weeds that start germinating in the fall, but clovers and grasses will -- but identifying the germination soil temp range for what you're planting can be helpful (for example the chart of cover crops here: Cover Crops | Dynamic Comparison Chart | Johnny's Selected Seeds )

Thanks for all of the replies. I think I could plant them now but unfortunately I am not ready to plant. Still need to do some land prep before I get to that step. But honestly a fall planting might be the best option as it is usually pretty wet down there in the spring. I love the idea for a clover, grass, wildflower mix.

 

[jeff9366]

Get a soil test.

No one can give you a good recommendation on a PERENNIAL cover crop without knowing the pH of your soil.

Seed germination will be poor if seed is planted outside of pH levels seeds prefer. Perennials die out planted outside of pH levels they prefer. Fertilizler will be inefficiently used by plants planted outside of pH levels they prefer.

Red clover is good for high pH soils. White clover is good for middle pH soils. You need a low or zero nitrogen fertilizer and innoculent for both color legumes.

COVER CROPS: https://hancockseed.com/search?type=product&q=Cover+Crop

 

[HawkinsHollow]

Get a soil test.

No one can give you a good recommendation on a PERENNIAL cover crop without knowing the pH of your soil.

Seed germination will be poor if seed is planted outside of pH levels seeds prefer. Perennials die out planted outside of pH levels they prefer. Fertilizler will be inefficiently used by plants planted outside of pH levels they prefer.

Red clover is good for high pH soils. White clover is good for middle pH soils. You need a low or zero nitrogen fertilizer and innoculent for both color legumes.

COVER CROPS: https://hancockseed.com/search?type=product&q=Cover+Crop

Excellent advice! I have a soil survey from about 400' to the east of there. But before I pull the trigger I will get another for that section.

 

[shooterdon]

I planted some White Dutch Clover a few week ago and I am further north than you. It has been slow to grow.

I chose clover that would not grow too high (6-8") and could choke out other grasses/weeds. Also it will attract deer. Clover seemed the easiest solution when I did my limited research and I will see how it goes. I will likely seed it again in the spring. Seed is about $30/acre so not expensive, but it is tiny and I spread it using a hand spreader as I only had about an 1 1/2 acres to do.

Like you, I want very low maintenance. About half the area will not be mowed or bush hogged.

 

[HawkinsHollow]

I planted some White Dutch Clover a few week ago and I am further north than you. It has been slow to grow.

I chose clover that would not grow too high (6-8") and could choke out other grasses/weeds. Also it will attract deer. Clover seemed the easiest solution when I did my limited research and I will see how it goes. I will likely seed it again in the spring. Seed is about $30/acre so not expensive, but it is tiny and I spread it using a hand spreader as I only had about an 1 1/2 acres to do.

Like you, I want very low maintenance. About half the area will not be mowed or bush hogged.

Yeah, it has been a pretty cool September. That will slow it down a little. I planted 1/2 an acre of clover last fall and it started out slow but was beautiful by spring. I am definitely leaning towards a clover, grass, wildflower mix. Good luck with your clover, the deer love it!