Economical food plot

[jays375]

It is time to expand and re-make my food plot.This was the first time I ever planted one and learned alot.Question I have is what kind of seed can be purchased that is economical.Last time Imperial Whitetail Clover was used and they loved it.Want to stay with a clover again,just easier to prep for.Since the plot itself will be close to 2 1/2 acres this time would like to save a little cash.The extra money could go for fertilizer.Also in the next few years hope to double the size again.Since it is in the middle of a wooded area with no real farm areas nearby they really eat.

[dukkillr]

If you're going to be planted every year don't use clover.

[jays375]

The old plot was three years old,weeds were taking it over.Plus it had just been overgrazed.That is why it needs to be enlarged also.

[dukkillr]

We use foodplot bags that have rye, wheat, red and white clover, peas, etc... and then we add turnips to the mix.  The turnip tops are their favorite in the early season (October) and the turnips themselves later in the season (December-February).  The clover is a waste since it never takes over until the next spring and we replant in the late summer.  It's also a significant expense.  This year we've bought 30 acres or so of seed mix but 20 of those acres will be without clover.

Over the years we've occasoinally abandoned a food plot or left one for a season with the clover.  They seem to like it, just not like they do the turnips.

[hillbill]

yu might try your local feed/farm store and see what red and white clover seed are bringing per lb.im guessing yu should of planted clover in the fall.i just worked up a couple of mine and planted turnips as a cover crop and also as food for my domestic rabbits.in the fall ill spray/kill them and disc them up and plant turnips and a brassica mix.the deer really seem to hit the plots in the fall but hardly touch them in the spring.wheat planted in the fall also is a good source of food all winter.

[jays375]

Thing I noticed with clover is they are in it at all times of the day.If you plant in the spring it will ready by fall.I know it is better late summer to plant it,weeds won't be as bad.The deer will use it all winter long.Once the frost hits they go nuts on turnips.Since the plot is small they would be eaten up quick.Nice thing were it is located there is alot of oak trees.In a few years we will be really expanding hopefully once things are cleared.It is a overgrown pasture right now.The plan is 15 acres of corn.

[charles p]

Oats, turnips, cow peas.

[Empty Quiver]

Be wary of false economy on seed purchase. Weight as well as % germination (current, not last years numbers) of the bag you purchase. On top of that, doing a good job seeding your plot and getting the crop up ( Brillion seeder over a grain drill for example). Don't forget to have proper pH levels as well for Clovers, they are more tolerant than Alfalfa, but nowhere as tolerant as grasses. Some varieties resist frost heave better than others as well. Things to think through.

 You and the deer may well like a certain crop but it may not be as suitable to your plot as another. I spent many years in a farm supply store and came to the realization that sometimes it is easier to bring the mountain to Mohhamad, so to speak. It may be easier to plant what works best with your system rather than changing an entire system to suit a plant. Maybe you could divide the plot with a solar electric fence charger. Not really sure how deer would react to a hot wire, but rotateing "pasture" might give your plot a chance to establish better.

I mean no slight to your thoughts or abilities.

[zeke08]

Check with your Wildlife Resource Officers here in TN they have a program where they will give you food plot mix in the spring then again in the fall now they wont give 30 acres worth but I got 8 bags last year. Also we have a local seed store not a Co-op purely seed store and they mix their own brand of food plot mix for a 50 lb. bag that supposed to cover 1/2 acre was $17.00 and it does well! Best of luck

[hillbill]

they are planting so much corn around here now that im wondering if a food plot will even bring them in.it will be harvested a little before gun season.i do think the turnips after a few frosts will be what they want.very nice for muzzy season im thinking.

[hunt-m-up]

Like others said check out the seed at your local feed and seed or farm supply place. They'll be able to provide custom seed blends, etc without paying for the expensive packaging and hype.

[Land_Owner]

An interesting way to develop a larger plot is with rows of corn surrounding the field perimeter and subdividing rows of corn within the plot.  The remainder of the ground is planted in various crops so you may observe which are preferred by the deer.  The relative thickness of the perimeter and subdividing corn provides them with a measure of security as they forage.  Of course, this begs that you are tree stand hunting.

[flintlock]

I use white ladino clover from Southern States, deer eat it as well as the Imperial Clover...On the initial planting, I'll lime, fettilize and diac the land, then broadcast winter wheat and lightly disc again...I'll wait a few days and then plant clover at about 6 pounds/acre...I mix the clover with playground sand and use a 4-wheeler spreader...

To control weeds, spray in the spring with Post or Arrest...I also lime and fertilize with 4-20-24 each spring...