Planting and maintenance

Many people get overly concerned that the quality of their food plot does not match that of the local farmer.  As a starting point then lets consider the idea that in many areas a bumper crop isn't necessary to attract and hold deer or provide them with an additional food source.  In fact, a few weeds and overgrown areas in a plot can provide deer with additional cover or bedding, creating a more attractive area as compared to the well manicured fields on  the other side of the fence.

Once your site is selected and prepared, planting will be one of your final stages.  It is important to consider what type of  plots you would like to establish.  Certainly, at least a portion of your available planting area should be devoted to clover.  It provides a perennial source of high protein forage for your deer herd.  If properly maintained these plots should last 3-5 years.  Mowing this plot is important.  It should be mowed before the plants go to seed.  Often times, if you mow before an upcoming rain, you will also eliminate much of the weed competition and allow new clover growth to take over.  Several high quality clover seed manufacturers provide seed in 1/4 to 1 acre amounts.

 Seed distributors also provide many combinations of other food plot seeds that can all be effective.  Blends with corn, sorghum, beans, oat, turnips and many other deer food sources can be very effective.  It makes the most sense to experiment with these products to see what seems to attract deer most in your area as a variety of factors could determine what is most palatable. 

Providing deer with a variety seems most logical with the idea being to provide a "buffet" that provides a quality food source through the changing seasons.  Remember, it's great to have deer on your property during hunting season, and many crops will accomplish that, but you gain an extra advantage when you can hold deer on your land during the other seasons of the year creating a "resident" deer population that will provide you with more entertainment throughout the year and attract more bucks during the rut.

Once your site has been prepared a soil test should be done to determine if lime needs to be applied to the plot.  Soil testers are available that will allow you to test your plot on site.  Lime is available from most home and garden stores or you can use a calcium based product from Evolved Habitat called "PH Gain". This product is supposed to neutralize the soil faster.  The purpose of either of these applications is to neutralize overly acidic soil which creates better growing conditions for most food plots.  Many of the seed suppliers will indicate on the packaging of their product what the appropriate ph level is for optimal growth.

Fertilizer should also be applied to the site for optimal growth.  Liquid or pellet forms are acceptable, and again, most seed suppliers will indicate what fertilizer will work best for their product. 

Lime, calcium and fertilizer can be applied using a broadcast spreader or sprayer.  Another product that you may want to consider, given the fact that weed control can be a problem in food plots, is called Seed Coat by DeltAg. This product is a seed treatment so it does not have to be broadcast on the ground.  It is listed as a growth enhancer and as such it may provide your seed with that extra boost necessary to overcome the growth competition that will surely occur with the native weed population.  Please refer to the picture below for an example of Grow Coat results. 

Broadcasting your seed is one of the final steps to this process.  Some prefer to plant in standard farming styles and high end equipment is available for this purpose.

Others broadcast by hand, with hand held, mountable or pull behind spreaders.  If you are distributing lime and fertilizer in pellet form, the same spreader can be used for both applying those products and the seed.

After broadcasting your seed the plot must be covered.  Caution should be taken at this stage not to over do the process.  Many people bury their seed too deeply, and it becomes difficult for the germinating seedlings to break through to the surface.  Guidelines should be given on seed packaging as to planting depth.  Using a harrow drag or cultipacker provides a relatively consistent covering depth.