Food plot

[Flt Rck Shtr]

Just moved to a new place and my property is pretty much clear. I have an acre pond with a few trees around it over looking about a 10 acre pasture that was just cut in hay. Wanting to put a few food plots in the area. nothing big, 1/4 acre apiece maybe. any suggestions of what to plant and when ? Season starts in October here. Any help greatly appreciated. Thanks,
                    James

[hnt2mch]

depends on your budget we use a base crop of mixed wheat and oats and add some clover and some  brassica mix i get from a seed and feed place here.i also have had great luck adding in diakon radish they eat em up so fast here i have yet to see the radish.you'll have to do some experimenting to see what works best for you.what works for us here may not do well for you there.anyways it's fun to see.may want to include some exclosures to for checking.good luck to you with it

[NY Yankee]

Everything eats corn.

[typical2]

Originally posted by hnt2mch:
base crop of mixed wheat and oats and add some clover and some  brassica mix  

That is what I would do.  Think about placing it where you can use the pond to funnel deer next to your killing stand.

[Pat B]

Now is a good time to plant for fall and winter. You probably need to do a soil test and begin your lime/fertilizer program and a herbicide program to eliminate weeds and grasses.

[Pat B]

Now is a good time to plant for fall and winter. You probably need to do a soil test and begin your lime/fertilizer program and a herbicide program to eliminate weeds and grasses.

[LoneWolf73]

Iron clay peas.  Plots in the corners if you have them.

[Jack Hoyt 75]

Originally posted by Pat B:
Now is a good time to plant for fall and winter. You probably need to do a soil test and begin your lime/fertilizer program and a herbicide program to eliminate weeds and grasses.

Good advise.  Make at least 2 plots.  1 annual and 1 perennial.  Annual can be mix of clovers and chicory and other perennial seed mix.  Annual could be Buck Forage Oats or a brassica for late season.  Also a killer annual plot is Buck forage Oats planted now 2 to 3 inches deep and over seed a little with red clover or something.  Then cultipack the soil.  Then in spring disk and put in cow peas or more Oats.

Proper planting depth, soil prep, fertilizer and lightly compacting soil after for good soil contact is the KEY!!!

For best results get a soil test asap and/or spread some lime and fertilize with 13-13-13.

Late August to mid Sept. is good time to plant.
Kill off weed now!

Buck Forage and Evolved sell good seeds but $$$.  I just started buying from a bid seed co-op in Indy that imports seed and cheaper. (some seed name brands buy from them)

Buck Forage Oats is killer in spring or fall
Red clover, white clover, rye and chicory also
Brassicas (Turnips) for late winter food

If you are going to live there a long time consider planting Dunsten Chestnuts, saw tooth oaks and persimmon trees!  Trust me you will be happy in 5-15 years and your kids will love you.    

Just some thought, lots of info online to research.  Hope that helps but I am no farmer.
   

[JAG]

Check with a local farm store in your area, they will have a variety of things to plant.  Also the County Extension Service will be a big help.  They have brochures on all types of wildlife plantings.

[Flt Rck Shtr]

Thanks for all the info and imput guys, greatly appreciated.