What is a good food plot for deer in the summer?

What is a good food plot for deer in the summer?

The major choices to consider include lablab, forage soybeans, alfalfa, and chicory. By planting several of these you’ll have forages available to deer even during the driest July and August conditions.

What can I plant in spring summer and deer?

Choose Your Plants Cool-season legume perennials (plants that live over two years) like clover, alfalfa and chicory are good springtime options. Usually, clover will produce around two to four tons per acre. It’s easily digestible for deer and provides them with plenty of protein.

What should I plant for a summer food plot?

What to Plant on Your Summer Food Plot

  • #1 Soybeans. A classic amongst food plots and one that does especially well during the summer months.
  • #2 Grain Sorghum. Grain Sorghum is a great addition to any food plot.
  • #3 Cowpeas. Another pretty popular crop to plant in warm weather is cowpeas.
  • #4 Lablab.
  • #5 Sunflowers.

Will deer eat clover in the summer?

Other choices include: Alyce clover — This is a warm-season annual legume that provides forage in summer and early fall, filling the void in the aforementioned 10-month food plot. Especially important to deer, this plant holds up well to heavy grazing.

Is clover a good summer food plot?

Species Options Don’t forget that food plotters in the northern United States can grow some “cool-season” crops in summer with a spring planting. They include clover, chicory, oats and alfalfa. These species won’t survive hot summers of the Deep South when established in spring but will do just fine in the North.

Are spring food plots worth it?

Spring food plots are a great addition to any property and can help lead you to success this fall. While there is certainly a time and financial commitment involved, these additions to your property will allow you to hold and grow more wildlife year in and year out!

When should I plant my spring deer food plot?

August Food Plot Planting Window -Early August to Early September may just be the best time to plant a food plot. While corn and beans need to be planted during the Spring, many do not have the resources and even then, there are a strong portion of parcels where they would not be appropriate.

When should you start a spring food plot?

You can frost seed or plant in the spring when daytime high temps start to reach 63-65 degrees. Fall plantings should be planted prior to the onset of autumn rains. A good rule of thumb is to make sure your food plots are panted at least 30-45 days prior to the first frost.

Should I mow my food plot?

“It’s a myth that you have to mow in order to have a nutritious clover plot,” said Craig. “That’s just wrong. If the clover is doing well in May and June and deer are eating it, let them eat it. Don’t mow it!

What is a good spring deer food plot?

Common perennial food plot species include clover, alfalfa, or chicory. Annual food plot species only grow for that growing season and are highly attractive. Common annuals include corn, soybeans, turnips, radishes, cereal grains, or peas.

Should you mow clover food plots?

What month do you plant clover?

The best time to plant clover is in Spring or late Summer/early Fall. It is also a great choice for frost seeding.

Should you fertilize clover in the spring?

Fertilize Your Clover It’s best to fertilize with what your soil test results recommend. Most often the best fertilizer for clover will recommend around 300 lbs of 0-20-20 per acre annually. Many choose to fertilize at planting time and then during the spring annually thereafter.

How many times a year should you fertilize clover?

Have the lab test your soil for “maintenance” of a “giant white clover” planting. Fertilize at least once a year according to the recommendations in your soil-test report. If no soil test is performed, then fertilize the stand each year with a total of 400 pounds of 0-20-20 or equivalent fertilizer per acre.

What can you plant with clover in spring?

The general consensus is that a cover crop should be planted in spring/summer (buckwheat if a new plot with crappy soil) then plant clover in the fall with a nurse crop like rye, oats, and/or wheat.

  • August 29, 2022