Food Plot Basics

This site may earn a commission from merchant affiliate links, including eBay, Amazon, and others.

Okie4570

Sharpshooter
Staff Member
Special Hen Moderator Moderator
Joined
Nov 28, 2010
Messages
22,922
Reaction score
24,758
Location
NWOK
Turned it under this afternoon.

20210430_163004.jpg
 

OKRuss

Sharpshooter
Special Hen
Joined
Jan 12, 2017
Messages
1,921
Reaction score
4,055
Location
Tuttle, OK
Thought I'd share a pic of my 4x4 mix from last fall. Hit it with some fertilizer a month ago and it's going crazy. Pic taken this weekend. Hairy vetch is insane(never planted before so didn't know what to expect). Used a small, ATV mounted seed/fertilizer spreader on this plot last fall. Tried using the same setup for pelletized lime but the hairy vetch was too high and thick that it would wind around the spinner plate and stop the motor! Didn't have my 3 pt spreader as I thought it would work like last year. WRONG.

Likely will just overseed this fall with the annuals that are in the 4x4 mix as it seems to have done extremely well overall.

Going to plant 2 other smaller plots in the Sweet 16 Summer mix in 2 weeks. Hope the results are similar! Thanks George!
Plot 1 May 1.jpg
 

dennishoddy

Sharpshooter
Supporting Member
Special Hen Supporter
Joined
Dec 9, 2008
Messages
84,556
Reaction score
61,838
Location
Ponca City Ok
Thought I'd share a pic of my 4x4 mix from last fall. Hit it with some fertilizer a month ago and it's going crazy. Pic taken this weekend. Hairy vetch is insane(never planted before so didn't know what to expect). Used a small, ATV mounted seed/fertilizer spreader on this plot last fall. Tried using the same setup for pelletized lime but the hairy vetch was too high and thick that it would wind around the spinner plate and stop the motor! Didn't have my 3 pt spreader as I thought it would work like last year. WRONG.

Likely will just overseed this fall with the annuals that are in the 4x4 mix as it seems to have done extremely well overall.

Going to plant 2 other smaller plots in the Sweet 16 Summer mix in 2 weeks. Hope the results are similar! Thanks George!View attachment 204060

You have to keep that hairy vetch mowed to prevent it getting woody and not palatable for deer. It will take over the plot if not controlled by mowing.
 

OKRuss

Sharpshooter
Special Hen
Joined
Jan 12, 2017
Messages
1,921
Reaction score
4,055
Location
Tuttle, OK
Dennis, do you suggest mowing it after the vetch goes to seed and dormant for the summer? I'll be putting up some trail cameras in 2 weeks to see how much it's being utilized. If the vetch just gets out of control, I may not include with next fall but it sure suppresses the weeds. Going to depend on the palatability for the deer use.

George, I got your email about the fertilizer needs for the other 2 small plots and will reply later today.
 

undeg01

Sharpshooter
Supporting Member
Special Hen Supporter
Joined
Dec 19, 2012
Messages
2,617
Reaction score
8,063
Location
Piedmont
Following @dennishoddy suggestion, I planted a lot of ladino clover on this field last fall along with my winter wheat mix. I got a great stand of clover and it is really taking off this spring. The deer are on it daily and as you can see, between the protein feeder and the clover, it’s easier to just bed in the field rather than leave. It wouldn’t surprise me if these fat nanny’s drop their fawns there in the field.

80663DBD-1D7B-47BD-82A9-2B95906774E8.jpeg
C66B27CE-1A26-42A7-9AAA-D68303ADF0D1.jpeg
EF2C9071-9AE5-41B6-AB5D-677517E6A440.jpeg
9E54F883-CB15-4C13-85CE-63F4C4C75A46.jpeg
 

dennishoddy

Sharpshooter
Supporting Member
Special Hen Supporter
Joined
Dec 9, 2008
Messages
84,556
Reaction score
61,838
Location
Ponca City Ok
Dennis, do you suggest mowing it after the vetch goes to seed and dormant for the summer? I'll be putting up some trail cameras in 2 weeks to see how much it's being utilized. If the vetch just gets out of control, I may not include with next fall but it sure suppresses the weeds. Going to depend on the palatability for the deer use.

George, I got your email about the fertilizer needs for the other 2 small plots and will reply later today.
Yes, let it go to seed, and then mow.
 

dennishoddy

Sharpshooter
Supporting Member
Special Hen Supporter
Joined
Dec 9, 2008
Messages
84,556
Reaction score
61,838
Location
Ponca City Ok
I’ve got to get out and get a dove plot ready.
My place on the Salt Fork has never been a producer for dove so thought I’d plant some sunflower and milo to see what might show up.
The deer love it but I’d like to get more dove in there.
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom