It’s that time of year again when avid hunters begin thinking about planting food plots. A food plot is a section of land that is planted with food bearing plants to attract and hold wildlife, usually deer, on one’s property. Food plots are usually planted in the springtime so that the plants have time to mature and produce food before the hunting season begins. This guide will provide you with information on how to choose and plant a food plot that will be successful in attracting and holding deer on your property.
1. Decide what you want to grow
When it comes to food plots, you have a lot of options. Some people choose to plant corn, while others prefer to mix things up with sunflowers, soybeans, and turnips. There is no wrong answer, but you should take the time to consider what you want to grow before moving forward.
2. Determine the size of your plot
Once you know what you want to grow, you need to figure out how large your plot should be. This will depend on a variety of factors, including the amount of space you have to work with and the number of deer you hope to attract. A good rule of thumb is to start with a plot that is at least 1/2 an acre in size.
3. Choose the right location
The next step is to choose the perfect location for your plot. This is important because the wrong location can mean the difference between a successful plot and one that fails to produce. When selecting a location, look for an area that is well-drained and receives plenty of sunlight.
4. Prepare the soil
Once you have selected a location, it’s time to start preparing the soil. This process will vary depending on the type of soil you’re working with, but it generally involves tilling, adding organic matter, and liming. These steps will help ensure that your plants have the nutrients they need to thrive.
5. Plant your seeds
After the soil is prepared, you’re finally ready to plant your seeds. This is an exciting time, but it’s important to remember that not all seeds should be planted at the same depth. Be sure to read the seed packet carefully so that you plant your seeds at the correct depth.
6. Monitor your plot
Once your seeds are in the ground, it’s important to monitor your plot. This means checking the soil moisture levels and looking for signs of pests or disease. Depending on the type of plants you’re growing, you may need to water or fertilize your plot on a regular basis.
7. Harvest your crop
After months of care and attention, your food plot is finally ready to harvest. This is an exciting time, but it’s important to remember that not all plants are ready to be harvested at the same time. Be sure to consult a planting guide so that you know when to harvest your crops.
How do you plant a food plot step by step?
1. Find a spot for your food plot where wildlife is active. This will ensure that your plot gets used and provides you with the benefits you desire.
2. Test the soil in the chosen location to find out its PH. This will help you choose the right plants and ensure that they have the best chance of thrivin
3. Clearing and preparing the soil is important for successful planting. This will give your plants a good foundation and help them to grow strong and healthy.
4. Planting and fertilizing according to your soil test results will give your plants the best chance at success.
5. Maintaining your food plot is important to keep it looking good and functioning properly. This includes regular mowing, weed control, and fertilization.
If you are an average food plotter who produces an average level of forages per acre, you will be able to feed about 9 deer per acre. In areas with larger body weight deer, you would feed less than that 9. In areas of the south with much smaller body weights, you would be able to feed 11-12 deer per acre.
How many deer will a 5 acre food plot support
These are just general guidelines and will vary depending on the specific location and habitat.
I would recommend planting clover and a fall blend that consists of winter wheat, radishes, and brassicas. These are the two food plot varieties that I think would work well in most areas of the country. If the area has more shade, then I would recommend planting the clover.
What should I plant for a 1/2 acre food plot?
Clover and chicory are great for feeding plots because they provide food for a long period of time. However, soybeans would be hard to grow in small acreages because of browse pressure.
One of the first steps to planting a food plot is to fertilize and lime your plot. After your soil test comes back, you should know exactly what you need to apply to your food plot to get the best result. Fertilizing and liming your food plot will help ensure that your plants get the nutrients they need to grow strong and healthy.
What is the fastest growing food plot for deer?
This particular seed blend is designed to be planted in the late summer or early fall, and is built to grow quickly so that the resulting food plot will be ready for deer to use come wintertime. This makes it an excellent choice for those looking to create a deer-friendly environment on their property.
Clover is an excellent food plot species for a variety of reasons. First, it is very easy to establish and maintain. Second, it is very versatile – it can be used in mixes, standalone plots, or as part of a larger food plot. Third, it is very hearty and can tolerate a wide range of conditions. Lastly, it is very attractive to a variety of wildlife.
What is the best time to plant a deer food plot
The end of July and early August are great times of the year to plant a food plot. Weeds will be dying, moisture will be on the increase, and food plotting practitioners will have plenty of months to prepare their next great food plot planting.
A food plot is a great way to attract wildlife, especially whitetails. By planting a variety of plants, you can provide a buffet for the deer that will keep them coming back for more. Just be sure to keep the plot free of any poisonous plants or invasive species.
How big should a deer sanctuary be?
A true deer sanctuary requires that deer be kept unaware of your hunting site, scent and sound. For parcels of 40-60 acres or less, this requires at least 50% of your acreage to be free of these stimuli. For parcels of 160 acres or larger, up to 80% may be required.
If you want to hunt the rut on a food plot, the best time to do it is in the afternoon. The bucks will already be there, and you won’t just be chasing them off.
Can you put too much seed on a food plot
One common mistake in planting food plots is using too much seed. This can create overcrowded conditions where the crop is starved for nutrients, water or sunlight.
There are a lot of variables that determine the optimal deer density for a property, but 20-30 acres per deer is a relatively safe goal to start out with. Different factors such as the quality of the habitat, the amount of available food, and the predators in the area will all affect the ideal deer density. Ultimately, it’s up to the landowner to decide what density is best for their property.
Do you have to fertilize food plots every year?
A food plot is only as good as the fertilizer you put into it. Fertilizer is essential for growing healthy and nutritious food for your deer herd. Without it, food plots will not produce food or protein at their full potential.
If you’re looking for a great seed mixture for a deer food plot, Clover King is the way to go! With 90% clover and 10% alfalfa, it’s sure to be a hit with the deer. Plus, the added alfalfa will provide extra flavor and palatability. This mixture will provide approximately 30% protein for the majority of the year, which is ideal for promoting antler growth.
What is a good food plot mix
The key to a successful winter food plot is to choose a seed blend that will do well in the colder weather and provide nourishment for deer and other wildlife. Clovers mixed with cereal grains and brassicas are a great option for a winter food plot. The clovers will provide good forage into the spring, and the cereal grains and brassicas will provide a nutritious food source for the deer and other wildlife.
This is our recommended seeding rate for this area.
Last Thoughts
Additional tips for planting food plots:
-Choose a location that gets plenty of sunlight and has well-drained soil.
-Prepare the soil by tilling it and removing any rocks or debris.
-Sow the seeds at the recommended depth and spacing.
-Water the plot regularly, especially during dry periods.
-Weed the plot regularly to prevent competition for the plants.
-Fertilize the plot as needed to help the plants grow.
-Harvest the crops when they are ripe and enjoy the fruits (or vegetables) of your labor!
So, there you have it! A guide to planting food plots. By following the above tips, you should be well on your way to growing a bountiful and healthy crop to feed your family or wildlife. With a little bit of planning and care, you can create a food plot that will provide nourishment and enjoyment for years to come.