Research shows that good food plots are a valuable aid in improving and maintaining deer populations. Following a few guidelines will help you develop a quality and cost-effective program for your area. Here are my suggestions.

Avoid planting too early. September can be extremely hot and dry, and army worms are problematic at that time. My test plots in Natchez, MS are planted in late September through early October. Buck Busters Fall Seed Mix germinates and provides forage for grazing 12-14 days after planting. Forage will be up in time for that early bow season.

One important variable you should consider is the quality of your soil. Fertilize and pH can be determined by your county agent by sending him soil samples from each plot. You will receive an analysis and recommendations on lime and fertilizer. You can check soil acidity yourself with a pH meter purchased from most co-ops or garden centers at a low cost. Proper growing conditions require a pH of 6.0-7.0. Values below 6.0 indicate acidity and require lime. One ton of lime per acre will raise pH one point. Values above 7.0 indicate your soil is alkaline, and requires elemental sulfur. Check with your county agent for rates.

I suggest that you add 100-200 lbs. per acre of 13-13-13 or 10-10-10 fertilize when you plant. After 30-60 days add 100-200 lbs. per acre ammonia nitrate. THE AMMONIA NITRATE IS CRITICAL. It increases the protein in the plants as well as making them more palatable. Do not mix seeds and fertilizer in the hopper at the same time. This may damage the seeds.

After preparing a good seed bed, you are ready to broadcast your seeds. DO NOT DISC TO COVER! This will result in small seeds being planted too deep. Instead, lightly drag the seed bed. I have successfully used two tractor tires chained together. Old chain link fence gates work well also.

Which seed mix should you plant? Your goal should be not only to attract deer, but also to provide good nutrition for your herd. A high nutrition plot such as Buck Busters will attract more deer than a lower quality mix. You get what you pay for. As a wildlife biologist I recommend that you choose a mix with good variety (hopefully Buck Busters). A good mix should contain cereal grains, brassicas and legumes such as winter peas and clover.

Deer need variety for good nutrition, and will instinctively feed on a mixture of forage. I do not recommend rye grass. Avoid seed mixes containing rye grass. It is very aggressive and incompatible with other forage plants, and is the least desirable forage for deer. Do not confuse rye grass with Elbon rye. Elbon rye is a cereal grain similar to oats and wheat and is a fine addition to a wildlife mix.

When working on your food plots remember that you will get out of them what you put in to them. You are better off by planting ten acres right than planting twenty acres poorly. Visit us at our website at www.bustersbustersseedcompany.com for more tips. Good luck and good hunting.