Food Plot Debate Help me solve.

I have an awesome fall plot prepped but need to solve a debate I've been having...

My mix will include the following:
Winter Rye, Oats, Wheat (mixed) disc'ed into soil.
Heartland Brassicas raked in after

I'm planting in Southeast MN with two south facing plots -- prepped to black dirt.

When should I plant -- i can only be site the following dates.

August 4-7
August 25-27

Thanks for the input.
Neal

 

Being that you are facing south and down south. I would got with the later date in August.

 

Early August is probably better for your location.

Also… Consider planting the brassicas in a separate strip versus over seeding. The two have very different fertilizer requirements and if you fertilize them correctly in separate places… You will likely have much better results. Plus if you flip the strips each year moving forward… You'll likely be able to avoid fungus and blight issues and will spend less money on fertilizer.

 

I planted a mix just like that last during the first week of August last year in SW MN. I plan to do pretty much the same this year again as far as mix and timing. SE MN seems to catch a lot of the rains that come through the state so I don't know that a south facing plot will be much of an issue but you never know in August.

Other option if it's more than one plot or a large enough plot, do two timings.

 

It is easier (fertilizer wise) & safer (fungus development) to do as you outlined. However, keeping say brassicas mixed in at a 5% rate or so of the total one won't have to worry about that so much if they also want some brassicas in both areas. Rotation is a crucial part of soil building and the health of the soil, and often is over looked by far too many.

 

I would plant August 4-7, and I like the idea of splitting the two plots up. Can always return August 25-27 and top dress with fertilizer and if the brassicas are getting hammered over seed winter rye into them for the spring?

 

I would say check the weather. As you get closer to Aug 4th if it looks like rain is in the forecast go for it else plan for the second date.

 

Hey Neal, If you need some help planting let me know!

 

Way out of my planting zone but my guess would be go for the earlier date being that far north.

 

I would definitely plant the earlier date. I'm much further south than you and always get my Brassica mix in no later than the last week of July.

Your cereal grain mix would be better suited to the later date assuming you're doing two separate plantings.

Sent from my Turbo 2.

 

Not sure about the weather factor that far north. I'd plant the later date here so I'm going to say plant the earlier one up there.

 

Thanks man! Definitely appreciate the offer; i'll let you know.

 

Two separate plantings may be the way to go. I may go for that if we get the right weather.

From what i've gathered the cereal grains could get hit 10 days after planting... Mine as well get closer to opening day on those.

 

With your specific situation I would plant the brassicas on the earlier dates. I would then come in on the later date and simply broadcast the cereal grains into the already existing brassicas. The brassicas will help conserve moisture and help dprotect the fresh cereal grain while it is coming up.
Doing it this way will ensure your brassicas have had plenty of time to mature by the time the deer hit them and also help the cereal grain get established. Good luck!