Simply by applying lime, fertilizer and nutrient-rich compost, Dr. Grant Woods was able to successfully grow quality forage such as corn, soybeans and clover on his rocky ground in Missouri’s Ozark Mountains. In an ideal world, you would have plenty of time to test your soil before planting, but this is rarely the case for most people, who often don’t have time to wait for the results. Barker and Karridale cultivars prefer more acidic soil. Often it is tied into the need to lime a food plot. Run over the food plot with a light cultipacker for good soil contact. Cowpeas prefer more acidic soil. Sandy Sure Shot seed was designed to grow in dryland and sandy soil conditions. 06-Jun-09. The problem with sandy soil is when it rains it doesn't hold the water. Another advantage to using ATV food plot equipment is that today biologists are encouraging landowners and hunting club members to plant the same food plot twice a year, once with a cool-season planting and then replanting that same food plot with a warm-season planting to help hold wildlife on that property all year long. I have a 3,300 acre hunt club our food plots are 50'x50' We all use a JD tiller set-up for most of the 29 members 40 in all but some don't hunt but help out with planting and loading pole corn feeders, we use Harvest Alfalfa seed as the deer come in and eat it grows back. How to Plant. Anyway here are some pictures of some of the crops from wildlife buffet in clay soil. When it comes to food plots, you will get the best possible results in the most cost-effective way if you stick to the basics - and go step-by-step. I highly recommend planting this warm-season annual. It begins feeding deer in summer and continues providing forage through late fall. The land is sandy and mostly covered by pines and oaks. David Beaulieu. At Ragan and Massey, we get a lot of questions about how to fertilize for food plots: how much, how often, when to start, what to use. Food Plots in Wet Soil Discussion in 'Whitetail Deer Habitat' started by Darron, Apr 13, 2008. Why is pH so important in your food plot? Sand-tolerant species are selected to attract both deer and birds for a great hunting experience. It is best to run 5 or 6 foot disk harrow across the plot but in many cases, a fall seed mix can be broadcast on this bare soil surface just prior to a soaking rain without plowing. David Beaulieu is a garden writer with nearly 20 years experience writing about landscaping and over 10 years experience working in nurseries. Simply plant any of these 43 acid loving plants. Good Luck! Plant and maintain your food plots we offer these simple steps here:* always lime and fertilize, because most woodland soils are low in phosphorus and tend to be acidic a soil. You can mix and match to reach the levels of nutrients recommended in your soil test. Updated 03/19/20. Poor man’s food plots are the perfect solution for these unreachable locations, creating a sort of whitetail “mirage.” Once you’ve decided on the right location for your poor man’s food plot, it’s time to put the work in. Soil which is below a 7pH, but ideally hanging out at around 5.5, could be great ground to grow an abundance of these delicious fruits, vegetables, flowers, and trees. TOP FORAGES TO PLANT IN DEER FOOD PLOTS Brassicas can draw in whitetails well into the late stages of the season when other food plot forages have become less attractive. Winter Rye. When establishing a new food plot, a “starter fertilizer” is recommended in your soil test. Successful Food Plots on Rocky Soil . The best way I know to present a clear and true assessment of the best deer food plot plants is to divide the country into North and South and present appropriate seed species (not mixes, you do that on your own by reading labels or discussions below in this article) suitable for either one or both (see Tables 1 and 2). The best equipment? Years of improving the food quality has also boosted the quality of deer in the area, with multiple 140-, 150- and 160-inch bucks being taken. Once established, this plant species provides an abundance of food for whitetails. Sandy Sure Shot Food Plot Mix will allow you to get more out of your sandy ground. The site stays plenty damp because it’s low lying, but it still drains well. If you’re dealing with less acreage, then it may be time to get creative with a dual perimeter electric food plot fence. The best soil? Raise it to 6.0-7.0. 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