Hey guys, I wanted to get your opinion on something. My main treestand is on the edge of a tree line, right where the edge of corn and soy beans meet. I have never planted a food plot but always have wanted to. So I have a few questions. Kansas is really wet right now, been getting a ton of rain. Ton! Anyhow, I want to plant a 20x20 yard or so food plot on the edge of the timber. Like I said, my stand is right on the edge, and my best shot is in the woods. Last year I was able to drag the tall grass out with my feet down to dirt to make a patch for my feeder. Anyhow, what would be something good to plant this time of year that the deer will like other than the beans and corn? I'll most likely have a corn feeder near by as well? I need something that grows quick and something that needs little to moderate sun. It gets a decent amount since it is on the edge but I figured the friendlier the better. My plan was to weed wack the plot area, rake the grass out to get as much soil as possible, spray round up grass and weed killer, then throw the seed down and rake it again. I'm hoping it rains right after the weekend. Will this work? I plan on also weed eating some more distinct trails to the plot through the woods. Also, what's the best way to keep the deer off of it for a few weeks while it grows? I'm hoping putting my feeder off to the side keeps them from destroying the plot. Thanks for your help!
After looking on cabelas I think I may do some Tecomate Ultra Forage (legumes, chicory, brassicas) and some Tecomate Monster Mix (white and red clovers and chicory). Has anyone had luck with these? I'm thinking I can take out most all of the grass in the area down to dirt. Do I need to spray round up? If so what kind. I plan on tilling spraying and planting all at once. Do I need to fertilize (I'd like to). What kind of fertilizer? Do I pack the ground after planting? And what is the best way to keep the deer and turkey off of it? We have a bunch of rain coming.
You already have a huge food plot!!! Just find out where they come out at and set up there. I dont know what seed would be best but you'll probably need something that can grow without that much sunlight. Spray roundup, wait a week, fertilize, till it up or rake to work the fertilizer in, wait until youre about to get some rain, plant, cover up the seed to the correct depth. You could put fertilizer in when you seed it. Im sure someone else has more advice.
This will be the only weekend I can get out there for a few weeks. I may just end up winging it and tilling it up with a hoe and rake and putting seed and fertilizer down. Last year my corn from my feeder started growing in the woods so I'm sure I can get something to sprout
What would be something easy to grow that deer will like to eat before the rut? Once the really cold weather comes I usually get in the duck blind.
I've used several of the mixes over the years, they are convenient for small plots like this one. They have no-till plot mixes for fall plots and they are fairly shade tolerant. "Imperial no-plow" is one of my favorites and highly recommend it for your needs. You don't even have to rake the grass off, spray it with roundup and spread the seed. Would probably get by fine without fertilizer, if it's near crop fields I would expect fertility isn't an issue at this point but 30#'s or so of 13-13-13 (readily available at most TSC or similar) sure won't hurt anything.
Around here in IL if we want to plant a plot deer zone in on for early season we'll plant oats around Labor Day and by October 1 if there is a big buck around and the plot is in a spot that doesn't get pressure from drive by's they'll usually be hitting the oats the first 2 weeks of October. Plant them heavy...
clover and turnips would be the best way to go this time of year. Early in the season, before corn harvest, deer will be all over that corn field. They love the standing corn. the clover/ turnips should be nice once the field is harvested. use grass and weed killer round up and give it a couple days for the grass and weeds to absorb the round up. Id give it a full week since it has to be absorbed through the plant down to the roots than back up through the plant. once all is dead, till the plot and seed. the clover and turnips are very low maintenance and should do well with all the rain your getting. because the deer are gonna be enjoying the corn field, i dont think youll have to worry about them hitting your plot too early. I dont have any experience with oats as far as how quickly they will be able to come in but the sooner you can get that plot green, the better. And IMO, the feeder might be a little much. Let the field and your efforts on the plot do the work. Good Luck
