Planting corn for a wildlife food plot merges standard agricultural practices with strategic deer management. Corn provides a high-energy carbohydrate source, which is particularly attractive to deer in the late season when natural forage quality declines and cold weather requires additional calories. Successfully growing corn requires careful planning, starting with site selection and soil preparation, and continuing through the growing season with specific planting and maintenance techniques. The goal is to produce a mature, standing crop that serves as a reliable late-season food source.
Selecting the Location and Preparing the Soil
The location of the food plot determines its success. A plot size of at least three-quarters of an acre is recommended to help the corn withstand heavy browsing pressure from deer. The plot should be situated near thick cover or bedding areas, making it convenient and safe for deer to access the food source, especially during daylight hours. Corn thrives in well-drained, loamy soil and should not be planted in areas prone to flooding.
Soil chemistry is a foundational requirement, as corn is a high-demand crop requiring significant nutrients. A professional soil test is necessary to determine the current pH level and the concentrations of macro-nutrients like Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P), and Potassium (K). Corn grows best in a soil pH range near neutral, ideally between 6.0 and 7.0, because this maximizes nutrient availability. If the soil test shows acidity below 6.0, agricultural lime must be applied to raise the pH, sometimes requiring one to two tons per acre to achieve the target range.
Corn is particularly nitrogen-hungry. A soil test provides precise recommendations for the necessary N-P-K fertilizer application. Amending the soil based on these recommendations, often requiring 140 to 200 pounds of actual Nitrogen per acre, is essential for promoting vigorous growth and high yield. Preparing a clean, well-broken seedbed through tilling or disking is the final step before planting, ensuring the soil supports quick germination.
Choosing the Right Variety and Planting Schedule
Selecting the appropriate corn variety is defined by the number of Days to Maturity (DTM), which must align with the region’s frost-free growing season. Conventional field corn is preferred over sweet corn, as field corn provides a higher yield of hard grain that persists longer into the winter. The DTM, which can range from 80 to 120 days, must be short enough to allow the corn to reach physiological maturity and harden off before the first expected hard frost.
The planting window for corn is typically in the late spring or early summer, but the true signal for planting is soil temperature. Corn should be planted only when the soil temperature consistently reaches 55 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit, after the last threat of a heavy frost has passed. Planting in soil that is too cool can lead to poor germination and weak seedling establishment. For many regions, this window falls between late April and late May.
Execution: Depth, Spacing, and Weed Management
Proper planting execution involves ensuring the seed is placed at the correct depth and density to maximize yield. Corn seed should be planted at a depth of 1.5 to 2 inches, which provides sufficient moisture for germination while allowing the seedling to emerge. Planting with a row planter or no-till drill is preferred for optimal placement, using row spacing of 30 to 36 inches.
This conventional row planting method allows for easier weed control and maximizes the density to an ideal rate of 25,000 to 35,000 seeds per acre, which is significantly higher than broadcasting methods. Weed control is the most important maintenance activity for a successful corn food plot, as weeds compete aggressively for light, water, and nutrients. Competition during the first three to five weeks after emergence can severely reduce the final yield.
A combination of pre-emergent and post-emergent herbicides is often the most effective strategy for managing weeds. Pre-emergent herbicides are applied before the corn emerges to control weeds during the vulnerable seedling stage. For fields planted with herbicide-tolerant varieties, a post-emergent application of glyphosate can control weeds that germinate later. In smaller plots, mechanical cultivation or rotary hoeing can be used as an alternative to chemicals, ideally when the weeds are small.
Protecting the Crop and Maximizing Deer Utilization
The challenge with growing corn is protecting the young crop from the very animals it is intended to feed. Deer will browse tender young corn shoots, and pests like raccoons and crows will consume the seeds and young plants, potentially destroying a small plot. Temporary protection, such as a single strand of electric fence around the perimeter, can deter deer from establishing a feeding pattern on the young seedlings. This “hot zone” fence teaches deer to avoid the area until the corn is mature and the fence can be removed.
Deer repellents, including chemical deterrents or granular products, can be applied to the young plants as a temporary measure to discourage early browsing. Corn is a late-season food source, providing a high concentration of carbohydrates and fat that deer need for energy during the cold fall and winter. By leaving the mature corn standing through the late season, deer can utilize the hardened grain when other natural food sources have been depleted.