PLANTING FOOD PLOT

[Robinson446]

can anyone tell me how to plant food plots. im 15, got a decent spot to do it, just need to know some information on how to do it and get good results. thanks

[HUNT6246]

I'd suggest that you get your soil tested for PH before you spend money on seeds.  You may want to add lime or fertilize depending upon the outcome of the soil test.  I've planted Whitetail Institute's Secret Spot in my woods the last two seasons.  Results were mixed - poor germination the first year.  Much better germination the second year but once the deer had eaten all the clover, they had no interest in the grasses that remained.  With Secret Spot, I worked the soil up with a small disk, broadcast the seed and then disked again.  This year I'm going to see what I can find for seed at Agway or Tractor Supply first.  Hopefully it will be cheaper and work as well.  If not, I can once again plant Secret Spot in late July.  By the way - I used the lime powder and it formed 'rat holes' in my spreader and wouldn't feed at all well.  Next time I use lime, I'm going to try getting the pellets, even if they cost more.

[Geno C]

wrong section, go to the QDM area... there are some threads in there

[G-Man]

what are you looking to plant? clover,corn,soybean,oats?? everthing is a little different

[SplitG2]

Robinson, given the fact you are new to plotting I would plant an annual versus a perrenial.  Are you looking for a nutrional or harvest plot?  Any questions you have send me a pm.

[Fantail]

By decent spot, what do you mean - 1/2 acre or more?

Presuming you have access to impliments such as a spreader - tiller etc.

[Robinson446]

Split G2, i have alot of questions. I dont know what i want to do, plant clover, corn, im not sure. I dont know what would be the best. Im not looking to attract big bucks,(would be nice though) im just looking to attract the deer and fat'n them up. The spot i want to plant is a small spot of clear land, probably an acre in size, its by pine trees, and a cow pasture, a electric fence the farmer put up to keep his cows in the pasture will keep the cows out, the deer easily clear it and bed down next to the spot i want to plant the food source. Any info on where to start and what not would be GREAT. thanks everyone.

[SplitG2]

given the size of your plot i wouldnt plant corn or soybeans.  Clover would work but u need a soil sample first to see what the ph is and what your p n k lrvels are. white clover needs a ph over 6. 

[G-Man]

You say clear land mowed field or goldenrod?, if its really close to a bedding area they might be using it for cover as well(especially if its goldenrod). Check with your local feed mill/farm supply store mine does soil test for free on set days. you can always do your own as well kits are not expensive. I agree with split g2 clover would be good,after soil test just need to know if it will be dry or damp, and how much light it will recieve. you might want to mix in some alfalfa,or chickory depending on conditions as clover will shut down growing when hot and dry.