Spring Food Plot Strategy – Common Mistakes

A solid food plot can bring deer by your hunting blind all hunting season long. But a few common mistakes could keep your plot from reaching its full potential — or even producing at all. Avoid these food plot pitfalls as you plant:

Using Too Much Seed

More isn’t always better when it comes to food plot seed. If you use too much seed, plants will fight with each other for limited valuable nutrients. They’ll ultimately starve, fall over, and die. When planting, stick to the recommended rate from the manufacturer to ensure healthy growth and unwasted seed.

Not Testing pH

Conducting a simple test can tell you the current pH of your soil as well as the nutrient levels so you can apply lime and/or fertilizer to get those numbers to optimal levels. Soil pH ranges from 0-14, with 6-7 being the sweet spot for food plots. Below that, soil may be too acidic for plants to get the necessary nutrients. Above that, it may be too alkaline for food plots to thrive. Lab results for this affordable testing can help you save time and money by addressing any soil issues before planting plots. Keep in mind that soil pH can take 3-6 months to correct, so test as early as possible.

Overworking the Soil

Overdoing it with tilling can kill your food plots too. Soil that is overworked into fine powder is not ideal for these plants — one heavy rain can send seed too deep into the ground. Instead, soil should be packed so you’re seeding over a firm seedbed. Cultipack the soil, seed, then cultipack again for the best results.