Spring/Fall Plot Question

I never had plans of planting a spring plot. Just really was set on prepping it for the fall. I'm limited on space anyway so I don't have space for 2.

I would love to have a spring/summer plot to help antler growth. So my question is, if I plant an annual plot for spring/summer would I be able to re-till come August and replant a fall plot? What are my options here? I see the benefits of having a summer plot and if I'm doing this I want to make sure I'm doing it right ya know.

 

Where are you and how large of a plot?

 

You can definitely plow everything under in August if you like. Or you can broadcast oats and cereal rye over it all in September

 

@CoveyMaster southwestern pa , Indiana county

@copperhead that sounds like it would be a nice logical and easy process

 

Size of the plot you can do?

 

Roughly a little under quarter acre

 

Ahh, okay, kinda rules out a bean plot then. Deer would mow a bean plot off that size in nothing flat. Might get by with the small black seeded forage variety but it's be iffy.
Something like that, I was thinking you could do for a summer plot and then just go in and broadcast a fall forage into it in August.

You may be better off with a perennial plot like clover mix and just clip it to get some fresh growth for fall bow season. Unless you get a drought, clovers can generally handle the heavy browse pressure. You have time to do that yet, sow some spring barley or triticale in with the clovers.

 

Your thought process is spot on with a dynamite feeding program. Many of my plots (especially those requiring added organics) begin as a grain and/or perennial clover plot. This provides the forage throughout the summer and much needed protein for lactating does and young fawns. Once July/August comes around you then can start thinking of plowing/tilling under that "green manure". This will help spike nutrients levels in your soil, boost the organics, and create a better soil bed for the following year. Then once you begin selecting your fall blends I would recommend adding winter wheat/rye or a clover/chicory into the mix. This will allow for added food once the following spring arrives. I also love adding clover into my annual plots as it help fixate nitrogen and improve nutrients among your fall blend species. I hope this helps, and if you have more questions I would be more than happy to help!

 

Thank you! That pretty much answered my question as thoroughly as possible! I'm heading out tomorrow to lay down lime and till to get it ready.