A spring food plot is a managed planting of forage designed to attract, sustain, and provide high-quality nutrition for wildlife, primarily deer, during the spring and summer. These plots supplement natural vegetation and support the herd’s rapid growth phase, including antler development in bucks and lactation in does. Establishing a successful plot requires focusing on precise environmental conditions rather than simple calendar dates. The goal is to maximize the growth window, ensuring the forage is available and palatable when natural food sources are less nutritious.
Understanding Timing Factors: Temperature and Frost
Planting success depends on soil conditions, not a specific calendar date, as the onset of spring varies significantly across regions and years. The two most important environmental cues for planting are the local average last frost date and the consistent soil temperature.
The average last frost date determines the safe planting window, especially for warm-season species sensitive to freezing. Cold-sensitive crops should only be planted after the risk of hard frost has passed. Conversely, cool-season crops should be planted well before the last frost to establish strong root systems before summer heat arrives.
Soil temperature is the most reliable metric, dictating when seeds germinate effectively. Many spring food plot seeds, such as clover, require the soil temperature to be consistently above 40°F to 50°F to sprout reliably. Warm-season crops like soybeans or cowpeas require higher temperatures, often needing the soil to be at least 60°F at a two-inch depth. Planting into soil that is too cold results in poor germination and leaves seeds vulnerable to disease.
The planting window is defined by geography; Southern regions plant early to establish roots before extreme summer heat, while Northern regions must wait for the ground to thaw. For cool-season plantings, aim for 30 to 40 days before the average last frost date. This timing allows plants to benefit from spring moisture and cooler temperatures.
Preparing the Soil for Spring Seeds
A thorough analysis of the soil’s chemistry must occur well before the planting date. Soil testing provides data on the current pH level and the concentrations of macro- and micronutrients, guiding necessary amendments. Without this information, fertilizer and lime applications are guesswork, resulting in wasted material and a less productive plot.
If the soil test reveals a highly acidic environment (low pH), agricultural lime must be applied to raise the pH, allowing plants to absorb nutrients effectively. For most legumes, such as clover, the optimal pH range is between 6.0 and 7.0.
Standard agricultural lime works slowly, often taking six months or more to significantly change the soil pH. Because of this slow reaction time, lime should ideally be applied and worked into the soil in the fall or very early spring after the ground thaws. If a quick adjustment is necessary, pelletized lime or calcium hydroxides can neutralize acidity in a matter of weeks. Clearing the plot of existing vegetation, typically through tilling or herbicides, is also necessary to eliminate competition for new seedlings.
Selecting Common Spring Food Plot Crops
Spring food plot crops are generally divided into perennial and annual options, each serving a different function in the management plan.
Perennial Crops
Perennial crops, such as white clover, red clover, and chicory, are intended to last for multiple growing seasons. Spring is an ideal time for establishing these cool-season legumes, as mild temperatures and reliable moisture encourage strong root development before summer stress. These legumes provide a sustained, protein-rich food source throughout the spring and summer, crucial for herd health during the growth season. They are often planted early, once the ground is workable, alongside a temporary companion crop like oats. The companion crop suppresses weeds and provides initial forage while the perennial establishes itself.
Annual Crops
Annual spring plantings are split into cool-season grains and warm-season legumes. Cool-season annuals like spring oats are planted earliest to provide forage until summer heat causes them to mature and die. Warm-season annuals, including soybeans, cowpeas, and grain sorghum, must be planted later, waiting for the soil temperature to reach 60°F or higher. These warm-season legumes offer the highest protein content, making them attractive during peak summer months. However, due to high palatability, small plots of warm-season annuals risk being browsed to death before establishment. A balanced strategy involves planting a mix of species to ensure a consistent food supply.
Initial Care and Monitoring After Planting
Once seeds are sown, careful attention to the seedbed ensures successful germination. For small seeds like clover, the proper depth is critical, typically less than a quarter-inch deep. The soil must be firmed over the seeds using cultipacking, which ensures good seed-to-soil contact necessary for water absorption and sprouting.
Applying a starter fertilizer immediately after planting provides young seedlings with readily available nutrients for rapid growth. Starter fertilizers are generally high in phosphorus, which is necessary for strong root development. Since phosphorus is not mobile in the soil, placing it near the seed helps the developing root system access it quickly.
Monitoring for early weed competition is necessary in the weeks following germination, as weeds quickly outcompete young forage plants for sunlight and moisture. Weed control may involve spot-spraying with selective herbicides or mowing, depending on the crop. Plots should also be monitored for intense browsing pressure from deer, which can destroy the plot if not managed. Exclusion cages can gauge browsing levels, indicating if the plot needs protection or if the planting size should be adjusted.