Food Plots Plot in pines

[Hunt 365]

While my wheat/oats/rye/clover mix sprouted fine in a 1/4 acre clearing in a pine stand, she'd needles are beginning to cover what is growing. The area is small enough I don't mind trying, but do you think it's worth my time to blow off the needles with a backpack blower? Will it make an ultimate difference on ph levels?

 

[Hunter 257W]

The main issue you're gonna have with the needles is to cover up your plot and kill it. I've had that happen a few times with hardwood leaves when I tried plots in the woods. I'd get a plush, green plot started then leaves started falling and smothered it out. I didn't have a gas blower so couldn't do anything but lose my plot because the tender plants couldn't stand raking. I think if you blow the needles off a few times, you'll at least get a passable plot.

Regarding the Ph of the dirt, if it's never been limed, it is acidic. Not much you can do now though, I'd wait and lime heavily next time Spring.

 

[warpheagle]

I've got 2 plots that are about 1/3 acre each. I have used my gas powered blower each of the last 2 falls to blow them off, but they are mostly oak and hickory leaves not pine needles. It's a little work but seems to help them to keep growing better.

 

[Hunt 365]

Thanks guys. I did use pelletized lime on it 6 m ag but don't want to negate my work. Backpack blower it shall be