Planting Deer Food Plots in the South

Video Description

Products → https://www.howtowithdoc.com/deer-hunting/ Doc walks you through planting deer food plots in the south. Our timing varies greatly from the north and what we plant right now is a critical choice. Doc stresses the importance of using small seeds for deer food plots and make sure you wait for rain events just before seeding. Planting Timing Clover: Plant in spring (March–May) or early fall (August–September) in most regions. Fall planting allows clover to establish before winter, providing early spring forage. In warmer climates (e.g., USDA Zones 8–10), late fall planting works well. Turnips: Plant in late summer to early fall (July–September), 60–90 days before the first expected frost. This timing ensures turnip roots develop during cooler weather, which deer prefer for both tops and tubers. Chicory: Plant in spring or early fall, similar to clover. Chicory is drought-tolerant and establishes well in warm weather, but fall planting can enhance root development for perennial growth. Crop Characteristics and Deer Appeal Clover: A perennial legume, clover provides high-protein (20–30%) forage year-round, especially in spring and fall. It’s highly palatable and attracts deer during early hunting seasons. Varieties like white clover (e.g., Ladino) or red clover are excellent choices. Turnips: An annual brassica, turnips offer leafy tops (15–20% protein) in early fall and sugary roots in late fall/winter after a frost. Deer dig up the bulbs in winter, making turnips ideal for late-season plots. Varieties like Purple Top or Appin are popular. Chicory: A perennial with deep roots, chicory provides 10–15% protein and is drought-resistant, thriving in summer when other forages decline. Its bitter leaves become sweeter after frost, attracting deer in fall and early winter. Complementary Benefits: Clover and chicory persist for 2–5 years with proper management, providing long-term forage, while turnips offer quick, high-volume feed in the first year. The mix ensures year-round nutrition and keeps deer returning.