Winter peas are a cool-season annual legume that provides forage for deer, making them a popular choice for fall and winter food plots. The foliage and stems of Austrian winter peas can contain crude protein levels exceeding 25%, offering substantial nutrition when other food sources become scarce in the late season. This forage helps sustain deer through the colder months and can significantly boost the overall health of the herd. To successfully utilize this plant, the timing of planting must be precise, allowing the pea vines to establish themselves before the onset of severe winter weather.
Determining the Ideal Planting Window
Planting at the appropriate time is crucial to ensure the plants have enough growth before the first hard freeze. Winter peas are a cool-season crop, but they require a period of establishment to develop a robust root system before winter dormancy. Generally, this means planting the peas approximately six to eight weeks ahead of the date of the first expected killing frost.
Geographical location dictates the calendar date, as planting times shift considerably from north to south. In northern states, planting should ideally occur in late August or early September to allow for sufficient pre-winter growth. Conversely, southern states typically have a later window, allowing planting to be scheduled throughout September and even into October.
Soil temperature is often a more reliable indicator than calendar dates alone. While winter peas can germinate in soil temperatures as low as 41°F, they will sprout fastest when the soil is between 65°F and 70°F. Planting when the soil is still too warm in the late summer can lead to poor establishment and increased vulnerability to disease and insect pressure. Planting too late, however, will result in plants that are too small and weak to survive the winter.
Preparing the Food Plot Soil
A soil test should be conducted to determine the existing pH and nutrient profile. Winter peas thrive in a soil pH range of 6.0 to 7.0, and lime should be applied as recommended by the soil test results to correct any excess acidity. Proper soil pH optimizes the plant’s ability to take up nutrients.
The legume nature of winter peas means they have the ability to fix atmospheric nitrogen within their root nodules. They still require adequate levels of Phosphorus (P) and Potassium (K) to support vigorous growth and establishment. Any deficiencies in these two macronutrients should be corrected by applying fertilizer according to the soil test recommendations.
A crucial step in soil preparation is the inoculation of the seeds with the correct strain of Rhizobium bacteria. This enables the peas to convert atmospheric nitrogen into a usable form. After nutrient application and weed control, the seedbed must be prepared by disking or tilling to create a firm, level surface free of large clods.
Execution: Seeding Rate and Planting Depth
The precise application of the seed ensures strong germination and a dense stand of forage. The recommended seeding rate for winter peas varies depending on the planting method. When broadcasting the seed onto a prepared seedbed, a rate of 50 to 60 pounds per acre is generally suggested to achieve a thick stand.
If utilizing a grain drill or no-till drill, the seeding rate can be reduced to approximately 30 to 40 pounds per acre. This is because the drill provides better seed-to-soil contact and more uniform distribution. When planting winter peas as part of a mix with cereal grains like wheat or oats, the individual rate of the peas should be lowered to prevent overcrowding and allow all species to establish.
Planting depth is a precise detail that should not be overlooked. The seed should be placed at a depth of one-half to one inch for optimal germination and emergence. After broadcasting the seed, it must be lightly covered by dragging or lightly disking the area, followed by cultipacking or rolling the soil. This final step presses the seed firmly into the soil, ensuring the necessary seed-to-soil contact for moisture absorption.