Food Plots Spring Food Plot Mixtures

[TNJones4530]

Looking to plant a food plot or two with a combined total of 1/2(.5) - 3/4(.75) acres..

This is a new property and toying around with what to plant.. Eager to plant this spring to have something for bow season and then plan to planting again in the late summer/early fall for addition forage during the later season etc.

Planning on doing a soil test, lime etc but looking for suggestions on spring mixtures.

Speaking in terms of PER ACRE, I am thinking about 2.5 lbs Durana Clover, 2.5 lbs Patriot Clover and 2 lbs Chicory and thought about throwing in 40 lbs of oats to suppress some of the weeds while the rest grows. I am aware the oats will die shortly after. Will watch the weather but planning on planting all mid March..

Thought about a cowpeas, lablab and sunflower summer blend but don't think I will have a large enough plot planted to handle a herd.

Any other thoughts for a perennial mixture that I can put in this spring, and or even a summer annual mixture for a small plot.

 

[wildlifefarmer]

It all depends on deer density in your area. It will be really tough to grow anything on that size plot that will last till fall unless you can protect it with some type of fencing(electric). Your mixture of clover sounds great. Use your work efforts into habit improvements during this spring/summer. Come late july start land prep to plant.

 

[DavidW]

I have better luck planning my clovers in the fall along with a mix of grains, then frost seeding clovers as needed. If you were looking to plant in the spring, I would do something that will help build the soil. I like to plant something for the birds late spring: sunflower, buckwheat, millet, sorghum mix and then burn down and plant in fall for deer. Deer will definitely be In the spring mix too.

 

[deerfever]

I will echo what DavidW said , I plant sunflowers, buckwheat and sorghum the first week of May. I will then come back , burn down and do sections of a clover and wheat mix. I do others in daikon radishes and plant some winter peas. I tried clover in the spring one year but it came up way better for me in the fall. The deer seem to really like the buckwheat and it's super easy. Good luck whatever you do!

 

[wildlifefarmer]

Buckwheat is a great plant for all critters. Quick maturity, good for building your soil, grand for bees and birds and deer will snack on it. If you plant it early enough, it will reseed itself. Come fall plant your fall mixture. You cannot go wrong with it.

 

[TNJones4530]

With the 1/4 - 1/2 acre I'd be working with would yall think it is still worth it to plant either buckwheat and or a mix of buckwheat, sunflower and sorghum?


Thanks.

 

[TNJones4530]

I will echo what DavidW said , I plant sunflowers, buckwheat and sorghum the first week of May. I will then come back , burn down and do sections of a clover and wheat mix. I do others in daikon radishes and plant some winter peas. I tried clover in the spring one year but it came up way better for me in the fall. The deer seem to really like the buckwheat and it's super easy. Good luck whatever you do!

At what rates are you planting this mix?

 

[deerfever]

I will be honest I just google the seed rates as I do my field in sections . For instance I plant half an acre in buckwheat, then an acre in sunflowers . Then I do the other half in sorghum. I didn't do any sorghum last year just sunflowers and buckwheat. I had left a section of ladino clover that looked really good. I know this in the fall I planted my radishes too thick! They did just fine however but for me it's a live and learn process but so far so good!

 

[TNJones4530]

I will be honest I just google the seed rates as I do my field in sections . For instance I plant half an acre in buckwheat, then an acre in sunflowers . Then I do the other half in sorghum. I didn't do any sorghum last year just sunflowers and buckwheat. I had left a section of ladino clover that looked really good. I know this in the fall I planted my radishes too thick! They did just fine however but for me it's a live and learn process but so far so good!

Ok thank you! Wasn't sure if you mixed them or planted individually.. Looking at doing a Buckwheat, Iron & clay cowpea, and sorghum mix on maybe half an acre and see how it does.. Not sure of the deer density in this area just yet.

 

[deerfever]

Here are some pictures

 

[deerfever]

Here is the buckwheat in late June, it's so easy and notice the deer standing in the background. Good stuff!

 

[TNJones4530]

Here is the buckwheat in late June, it's so easy and notice the deer standing in the background. Good stuff!

Looks really good!

 

[DoubleRidge]

Deerfever......those plots look really nice!!

 

[deerfever]

Thanks guys ! I am truly a novice , I did a soil test when I bought the property and needed some lime. I put it down and now I look forward to my spring and fall planting. I learn more each year . I really got to know the guys at my local WMA and I pick the guys that plant apart with questions and have planted some of what they suggested. I keep it simple I bush hog, I burn it down , till it , broadcast and drag it in. I really enjoy planting and watching it grow! Good luck with your plots!

 

[JCDEERMAN]

It does look good indeed. I've planted fall plots my whole life and have that down, but have really only planted spring/summer plots for the first time last year. I'm going to try buckwheat at the start of April (hope no late frosts) on our new plots being logged/dozed/made right now and then drilling in soybeans in to those buckwheat fields end of may (after 7-8 weeks). Obviously I'm being very optimistic :)