Question about what to grow?

Discussion in 'Food Plots & Habitat Improvement' started by justinwmoe88, Mar 23, 2019.

  1. justinwmoe88

    justinwmoe88 Weekend Warrior

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    I have two small 1/4 acre plots, each next to a bedding location. They are both on the top side of a river bottom and the soil is quite sandy. Any suggestions? I live in the red river valley where we can pretty much grow what we want... about the best topsoil you can find, well draining black dirt. Major ag all around me including soy beans alfalfa corn wheat hemp and sugar beets. Was thinking of clover in the spring then I'm not sure about fall
     
    justinwmoe88, Mar 23, 2019
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  3. Sota

    Sota Legendary Woodsman

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    Clover is a great deer feed.
     
    Sota, Mar 23, 2019
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  4. John T.

    John T. Die Hard Bowhunter

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    Clover. Or ask the wildlife staff what they recommend. Does the state plant food plots? What do they use?
     
    John T., Mar 23, 2019
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  5. oldnotdead

    oldnotdead Legendary Woodsman

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    Guys are right, clover is great and it looks like you have a lot of variety competition around you. This could be a good/bad thing depending on harvest times and herd dynamics concerning your land use.
    If you need to keep a small clover plot "fresh" in the fall do a mix and add small burnett. This deer love and it stays green all winter. Limits your chemical weed deterrent though. Here I have found doing a light over seed of turnips and or rape on my clover works well as a "candy" attraction. Usually in August just before a rain then roll or drive over plot. Add more 0-20-20 at the same time.
     
    oldnotdead, Mar 23, 2019
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  6. oldnotdead

    oldnotdead Legendary Woodsman

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    One other plant to consider in a clover mix is sainfoin. A legume that deer love , is non bloating but also acts as a nature dewormer. So healthier herd with better nutrient uptake. Good protein levels as well.
     
    Last edited: Mar 23, 2019
    oldnotdead, Mar 23, 2019
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  7. justinwmoe88

    justinwmoe88 Weekend Warrior

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    Thank you guys for the help. I think I'm going to try the imperial whitetail clover and imperial whitetail edge
     
    justinwmoe88, Mar 24, 2019
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  8. Fix

    Fix Grizzled Veteran

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    Fix, Mar 24, 2019
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  9. Fix

    Fix Grizzled Veteran

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    I love alfa rack and properly maintained it is good first year then great for 3 then peters out and needs a reseed
     
    Fix, Mar 24, 2019
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  10. Sota

    Sota Legendary Woodsman

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    Not to pee on anybodies boots but if there is a buck on the seed package you are overpaying for a clover seed that may not be suited for you climate. I go to my local feed mill and buy a mix of different clovers that are proven to grow in your area. But do a soil test.
     
    Sota, Mar 24, 2019
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  11. Sota

    Sota Legendary Woodsman

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    And the reseed is a pain you have to till and rotate.
     
    Sota, Mar 24, 2019
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  12. justinwmoe88

    justinwmoe88 Weekend Warrior

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    Your most likely right and my father owns a greenhouse/garden center and landscaping business so i think I'll just have him order me what I need in bulk...
     
    justinwmoe88, Mar 25, 2019
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  13. HuntDeHunters

    HuntDeHunters Newb

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    Of course, everybody is going to suggest Clover. I mean what else? It is, in fact, the best for deers.
     
    HuntDeHunters, Apr 17, 2019
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