Checked my small 1/3 acre brassica plot this afternoon on my way in to hunt. I planted a mix containing 2 types of turnips, 2 types of rape, and radishes. I have decent bulb growth on the turnips and radishes, but not great. While looking at grazing pressure, I noticed nearly all the leaves on the radish plants have been nipped off, while the turnips and rape remain nearly untouched. Is this normal?
I see the same thing at my place. My deer prefer radishes too. They will freeze out tho leaving the turnips.
I've heard of folks having similar experiences. Deer won't touch turnips, but will tear up radishes. I've also read that it can take deer a couple of seasons to figure out turnips.
It might be a bit early yet? Maybe the greens are still more desirable. Or maybe the deer have not figured out they need to dig up the bulbs if it is your first year.
Mine hit my kale (obviously) and radish tops more this season. However, they're hitting the winter rye/clover MORE. I watched on several occasions this season where a deer would come into the plot. Nibble some of the brassicas, then move over to the rye/clover and just bury their nose in that forever.
Next year I will be in my winter rye rotation for the first time and eliminating the clover mostly. I'll plant brassicas where the clover is now to take advantage of the N credits from the clover. Can't wait to see what winter rye will do on my small plot. AFAIK, none of my other neighbors are planting winter rye at all.
It's been a few years since I planted it, but it's doing just what it did before...drawing deer. They can't get enough. I had 25+ acres of standing corn on the property up until a few days ago, and they were still hitting it hard. Can't wait until we get later in the winter and they're pawing in that stuff.
I see that a lot. Deer hit radish top first, then with the colder weather. they hit the turnips hard. Here in upper Michigan, they hit the radishes in late September, and by Mid Oct, they were eating everything.
I put it in as a cover with clover. It greens up quickly, and stays green for a very long time. Once mid winter hits, they're digging at it since it's still a lush green chute. It will come back in the spring, seed out, and then I mow it. You may get some volunteer growth that summer/fall.
The rotation is just a break off the brassicas. Next year I'll plant rye, oats, and red clover in this same plot. The following year, back to brassicas. There are plenty of others who know more about this than me though.
