A “Throw and Grow” food plot is a low-effort approach to supplemental wildlife feeding that requires minimal or no mechanical tillage for establishment. This method is popular among property owners and hunters who have limited access to heavy agricultural equipment or whose plot locations are difficult to reach. It involves broadcasting seeds directly onto prepared ground, unlike the traditional process of plowing, disking, and drilling. The technique uses specific seed varieties that do not require deep soil coverage to germinate, creating an attractive food source with less labor.
Minimal Site Preparation Requirements
Even though the “Throw and Grow” technique avoids deep tilling, some site preparation is necessary to ensure successful seed germination. The primary goal is to eliminate competing vegetation and achieve optimal seed-to-soil contact. Existing weeds and grasses must be controlled, typically by applying a broad-spectrum herbicide, like glyphosate, well in advance of planting. This allows the vegetation to fully die off and fall over.
After the existing material has died, the remaining thatch must be reduced or removed. Heavy mowing, raking, or dragging a harrow across the area helps expose the bare soil beneath, which is necessary for the seed to take root. If the thatch remains too thick, it acts as a barrier, preventing small seeds from reaching the mineral soil where they can absorb water and nutrients. Breaking the soil surface lightly with a rake helps create tiny crevices where the seed can settle.
Determining Optimal Planting Windows
The timing of planting is the most important factor determining the success of a “Throw and Grow” plot, as it must align with moisture availability and temperature requirements. Fall plots are the most reliable option for this minimal tillage method in most regions. Planting should occur approximately 6 to 8 weeks before the first expected hard frost, typically late July through September. This timing allows cool-season crops to establish a robust root system before freezing temperatures arrive. Planting should ideally precede a soaking rain event, as rain is the primary mechanism for moving broadcast seed into the soil and initiating germination without mechanical coverage.
Spring and summer plots present a higher risk due to increased competition from summer weeds and the likelihood of drought conditions. Spring planting should occur after the final frost when soil temperatures are consistently above 50 to 55°F, typically from March to May. This timing favors perennial forages like clover and chicory, which are high in protein and support early-season antler growth. However, newly established spring plots are vulnerable to the intense heat and dry spells of mid-summer, which can quickly kill young seedlings that have not yet developed deep root systems.
Selecting Seeds for Minimal Tillage
The success of the “Throw and Grow” method hinges on selecting small, hardy seeds that have minimal depth requirements for germination. Seeds that naturally germinate on or very near the soil surface are the only practical choices when avoiding deep mechanical seedbed preparation. Conversely, larger seeds like corn, soybeans, and peas are generally unsuitable for this technique because they require a planting depth of at least a half-inch to one inch, which cannot be reliably achieved without a disk or drill.
Suitable options include:
- Brassicas, such as radishes and turnips, which thrive in cooler weather and produce high-energy forage attractive after a frost.
- Cereal grains, like winter rye and oats, which germinate quickly and act as a protective “nurse crop” for slower-growing perennials.
- Perennial and annual clovers, whose small size ensures excellent seed-to-soil contact and provides a high-protein food source.
- Chicory, often mixed with clover, which is favorable due to its tiny seed and deep taproot, offering some drought resistance.
Execution: The Throw and Grow Process
Once the planting window and seed type are determined, the physical execution begins by calculating the correct seed density according to the manufacturer’s recommendations for no-till applications. The seed is then broadcast, either by hand or with a handheld or ATV-mounted spreader, ensuring an even distribution across the entire plot area. Spreading the seed in two perpendicular passes often helps to prevent skips and achieve a uniform stand.
Achieving firm seed-to-soil contact is the final mechanical step and is accomplished without turning the soil over. This is done by using a cultipacker, a roller, or simply by driving over the area with an ATV or tractor tires to press the small seeds into the exposed soil. This light pressure secures the seed, preventing it from being washed away and ensuring it is in contact with the moisture in the soil. Broadcasting a starter fertilizer, such as a balanced blend like 10-10-10, immediately after seeding is recommended to provide the young seedlings with readily available nutrients.