What to Plant?

[Death_From_Above]

Welll this is going to be my first attempt at a food plot on the property I hunt. This past weekend I tilled up a 1acre plot using my rototiller. Set the tines as deep as they would go and tore up the ground real good. I tilled it twice, once in each direction.

I then went through with a sprayer and spayed it with 24D to kill what wild grass was left. There was a lot of grass and ferns in this area.

My plan is to go back in two weeks, till it again. Then Fertilize the ground with 17-17-17 I think is what my buddy said to use. And then plant something in it. Then drag it a little to smooth it out and cover the seed.

We also send the soil out to be analyzed. I guess that will tell us what the soil is lacking.

The ground I am planting I would say is pretty moist soil. 100% Sunny at all times of the day. The soil looks pretty dark so it should be good soil.

My question is what should I plant that will be effective come Oct/Nov? We were thinking Rye/Rape. But wondering what you guys thought would be most beneficial to a 1st year plot.

Thanks for your input.

[kotz21]

I think a brassica blend would be a great choice.(rape, turnips, and canola) All these should take the deer well into the winter months, especially after the first frost...

[dooltert]

Just a quick note. 2-4 D will not kill your grasses. Better get some Round-up for the grasses. Brassica blend would be great. We use Winter Wheat instead of rye and it does well.

[gunfun13]

Brassica and grain combination will suite you well all season long, provide winter carry over, and will be the first green available in the spring. Like Kotz said, a brassica blend would be better over just rape or just add in a some turnip seed. Although your soil seems good, get it tested. It will tell you exactly what you need in fertilizer, there is no sense in over fertilizing with the way prices have escalated this year. If your ph comes out good, use wheat over rye, it is more nutritious and more prefered. If it is under 6 stick with the rye and start adding lime.