First food plot

[Navigator0321]

Going to plant my first food plot this year. Fall forage blend (wheat, oats, rye, peas) and sorghum blend. Just got done spraying weeds and saplings, next I’m going to scrape off all the brush and break the dirt up to get ready for any lime or fertilizer. After all that’s done I’ll be looking at mid August or to seed. I’ve been reading threads on the forum to learn as I go, any advice is greatly appreciated!

 

[4HAND]

Looks like a really good location for a plot.

 

[Navigator0321]

Looks like a really good location for a plot.

I think so too, it’s a power line easement between thick cover and open hardwood. There’s 2 or three trails that are beat to the ground going across.

 

[Canuck5]

I know, I have the itch to plant sooner rather than later, but if you could get your lime down first and worked into the soil, now, then focus on a late September or early October planting, you'll be much happier.

Heat, lack of rain (usually) and army worms are a couple reasons for me to hold off, till later.

I am assuming it runs NW to SE? About 50 feet wide? Lots of shade? The soil will be acidic and lime will take 6 months to make any noticeable change, so get it going now. Till it 4-6" into the top soil. Lime is the poor mans fertilizer, but will do the most good.



Oats will (may) tolerate a more acidic soil, but cereal rye will tolerate more shade. It's good to have a mix. Clovers will tolerate the most shade and I'd recommend crimson arrowleaf and a medium red clover to start with this year.

 

[Navigator0321]

I know, I have the itch to plant sooner rather than later, but if you could get your lime down first and worked into the soil, now, then focus on a late September or early October planting, you'll be much happier.

Heat, lack of rain (usually) and army worms are a couple reasons for me to hold off, till later.

I am assuming it runs NW to SE? About 50 feet wide? Lots of shade? The soil will be acidic and lime will take 6 months to make any noticeable change, so get it going now. Till it 4-6" into the top soil. Lime is the poor mans fertilizer, but will do the most good.

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Oats will (may) tolerate a more acidic soil, but cereal rye will tolerate more shade. It's good to have a mix. Clovers will tolerate the most shade and I'd recommend crimson arrowleaf and a medium red clover to start with this year.

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Thank you for the info! I forgot to to test soil ph yesterday but plan on going back today to do that. The clear cut does run that direction, it gets a fair amount of sun from 8:30 am to 6:30 pm. As far as lime, I was looking at getting a liquid calcium product called Plot Start from DeerGro. It’s supposed to cut the time need for lime to work 75 to 80%. I’ll definitely get those clover varieties you mentioned. Planting later sounds good as this will be mainly a firearms season plot.

 

[Canuck5]

I would also try to steer you in the direction of getting regular old pelletized lime. I don't think there is anything that is going to replace ground limestone, to neutralize your soil. Your soil recommendation may come back and say you need 3 tons to the acre of lime and you have approximately 1/3 acre. So, you may need 1 ton of lime or 50, 40 pound bags of pelletized lime.

50, 40 pound bags x $4/bag = $200 (+tax). That may last you 3 years or more.

 

[Canuck5]

A previous thread (one of many) on Fast Acting Lime

https://forum.gon.com/threads/fast-acting-lime.996745/

 

[GeorgeShu]

Do what Canuck says.

 

[Navigator0321]

I’ll definitely do that, the plot start is just a supplement to give the seedlings access to nutrients. I’m hoping not too much lime due to budget constraints.

 

[No peekin]

All good advice above, I used to plant around Labor Day, but now plant first of October due to info from this forum. The deer will prefer the younger, more tender growth, vs. more mature plants in the fall if you plant to early.

 

[GeorgeShu]

Get soil test, lime according to recommendations. If you are short on funds, buy and apply lime. Once it is active in the soil it will make existing nutrients more readily available saving fertilizer costs. Lime is cheaper than fertilizer. Lime is poor man’s fertilizer.
Don’t waste money on gimmicks, spend it wisely for long term benefits.

 

[Navigator0321]

Get soil test, lime according to recommendations. If you are short on funds, buy and apply lime. Once it is active in the soil it will make existing nutrients more readily available saving fertilizer costs. Lime is cheaper than fertilizer. Lime is poor man’s fertilizer.
Don’t waste money on gimmicks, spend it wisely for long term benefits.

10-4 on that, I look forward to applying these tips and knowledge.

 

[sportsman94]

Check your dates on the sorghum blend. You’ll want to make sure you plant it early enough for the sorghum to mature and head out unless you just want it for cover