Food Plots Woodland food plot

[Scioto]

Not sure if this is possible or worth the effort. Have about 1/4 acre of a clearing on top of a ridge surrounded by mostly mature hardwoods. What if I can't get a tractor or atv with a disk up there, is there anything I could do to get it worked up? Lots of sweat using a rake? Spray with round up and then rake it up? The location should get at least 4 hours if sun. This is leased and I can't cut any trees.

Is it worth it? If you think so, what would the experienced food plotters plant? I'm interested in summer and winter perennials. Thanks.

 

[Hunter 257W]

My biggest problem with plots in the woods are leaves in the Fall covering it up. I've had great plots coming along several times then once the leaves start to drop, they smother it out. The plants in the plot usually can't take using a rake to remove the leaves either. I suppose if you had a gas leaf blower you could blow them off with that but not sure that would be a good idea in an area you wanted to deer hunt in. :(

You say this is a ridge top so maybe there will be enough wind to keep the leaves blown off the middle of the area? If you can get past this hurdle, there are several seed mixes offered by most of the plot seed sources that will grow with limited light such as you will have. I've had good luck with WI NoPlow but not so good with Secret Spot.

 

[Doskil]

You could try winter rye grain

It grows very easily without much fuss.

 

[southernhunter]

I have successfully planted wheat,rye and throwing grow in woodland plots, works great up till the leaves start falling but like mentioned the leaves will cover and smoother it out

 

[redblood]

wheat with some turnip mixed in.

 

[Scioto]

Thanks for the recommendations.

I'm thinking about planting buckwheat for a late Spring/Summer crop and then following with a winter rye and turnip mix for the Fall. Maybe one of the low light mixes. I don't have the atv and my tools are limited - chain saw, rake, hand seeder. Would rent a gas powered blower to blow off leaves for the Spring planting. Initially, this would be a no-till food plot experiment. What about lime and fertilizer? I enjoy gardening and realize this will be as much about trial and error as anything.