Another question about a food plot

I also like using seclusion cages. Just something to keep the deer out so you can monitor the growth of the plot. That way you get a idea on how the plants do with no pressure. Some might have think the plot could have failed, but really you did exactly what you set out to to, plant stuff and the deer ate it.
Here is a picture of cage I made in a small plot of beans:

 

The first year was a complete bust. I didn't get the weeds under control completely before I planted. The second year was ok but I planted soygram and beans and the soygram was so thick the beans couldn't mature and never produced. The odd thing is the deer didnt touch the soygram. Th other plot last year didnt grow well because I didn't lime and fert. I am hoping with a little line/fert as the test calls for, increase size in plots, and after learning a little about what the deer don't like this year will be a score!

 

For anyone that hasn't done plots. Just know before you start, they are a LOT of work. I have three 1/4 ac plots that I have put over 20 hours in and haven't even got seed down yet. It was the same way last year. You have to look at it as a hobby because I can tell you now you will be putting some hours in if you want a good looking plot. !

 

Yeah but given the right knowledge, reasearch, equipment, planning and a little bit of luck anyone and I mean anyone can food plot.

I have food plotted the last 2 years being my first 2 years and have had a great deal of success.

I've planted Evolved Harvest Shot Plot, RR Soy Beans, Cow Peas and Sweet Blue Lupine and have had solid growth with all.

Knowledge and research are important - I read forums online and eventually that lead me to the QDMQ Food Plot book which is an excellent choice for anyone thinking about trying food plotting.

Equipment is obviously important. I burrow all of my equipment from people - all you really need to get started is a good box tiller.

Planning is probably the most important factor in food plotting. Making sure you pick the right seed for your soil, making sure you pick the right seed blend, making sure you pick a seed for your climate - this list is long! If you want to have success food plotting watch the weather and make sure you've got rain in the forcast and get out and plant prior the rain!!

Those are some of my suggestions.

 

They do take work...but the thing I stress to guys if willing to work (at times HARD) they can be done with a yard rake and seed spreader and a sprayer. We sometimes add in the luxury garden tillers haha! We've done acre plus spots with this, so those of you reading this thinking you gotta have a four wheeler or big tractor and attachments - STOP! Yes, it is easier but not necessary to be successful!

 

My last question. If I am going with clover for spring and a good brassica mix for my fall planting. What brand do you guys like the most?

 

We got our brassica mix from fleet farm last year, dont know the brand but it was good stuff. Make sure there is a variety of types


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If you have a local coop or farm supply just get it from there. Keep in mind the deer don't care if you paid more to buy a seed with a big buck on the front of the bag.

 

Monsterraxx and Pastorandrew here are the only two sources I'd get seed from that I myself haven't mixed and bought honestly. I trust both in their selection of seed.

Also if you are going clover in spring and then brassicas in fall...this is two different spots correct? Clover takes a good year or two to fully begin to thicken and establish...hate to see ya plant it just to till it up.

 

Careful buying from feed stores, sometimes they only have one strain, in our case it was a dwarf strain... But if they have a variety go for it they need your money more than fleet farm does.

Also i have heard alot of great stuff about monster raxx, and one of the guys from that company is on here a lot


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Here is a post of mine that I did a plot with my lawn thatcher,hand seeder and sprayer. http://forums.bowhunting.com/food-plots-habitat-improvement/50155-my-plot-i-made-using-lawn-de-thatcher.html

tynimiller is right, you dont need alot of stuff as I shown in my link. Armed with a pump sprayer/round up and a hand seeder, a guy can get creative with the help of mother nature( timely rain).

I wouldnt plant clover in the spring personally. If you want to plant something in the spring, do buckwheat like said before.


Then there is the buck on bag arguement too. Plenty of good mixes out there. I got a MonterRaxx mix that I didnt get a chance to plant late last summer that I will try out this year. I tried some other buck on bag mixes too. Just got to experiment and see what you think does the best, weather it be a mix from a store or a co op. Plus watch for good sales if you shop big box stores. Walmart/Fleet Farm is a good for marking stuff down end of the season.