can a food plot be planted now... or too late?

[sadworld]

just got a great deal on a tiller and not much experience with plots but wondered if it's too late to plant? and what would you suggest planting? thanks. they got plenty of corn from the adjecent field.....my field is overgrown weeds and some clover... 4 acres. small plot within my 4acres is what i want to do...

[Luv2hunteup]

It's not too late to plant grains such as rye, oats or wheat; you still have until early September to plant but prep your soil soon.

Brassicas are another possibility. Last year I planted about August 1st and did not receive any rain until early September to start germination. I ended up with a good crop of turnips and rape. I'm above the 46th parallel so mid state shouldn't be a problem.

[cityslicker]

The Whitetail Institute recommends planting before September 1. But, You may be able to push it to the 15th. I will be planting Winter Wheat on Labor Day weekend.
If you hunt Muzzleloader or late archery, you may want to plant Turnips and/or brassica's as they will grow under the snow and deer hopefully do not eat them until after a couple of heavy frosts.

If you plant it - They will come.:coolgleam

[sadworld]

what about a mixture of rye and winter wheat? would they do well together? wouldn't mind doing a little snack mix to attract grouse as well.... this plot will be 40 or so yards off the woodline where grouse frequent....

[cpa49707]

what about clover? is it to late to plant clover this year?

[dbltree]

what about clover? is it to late to plant clover this year?

I plant clover every year along with my winter rye/oat/pea combination around Sept. 1st and have planted all the way to mid September in my area.

Your quite a bit north but you should still have time to establish clover this coming weekend.

I love this mix and plant it every fall without fail!

Winter rye 50-80#'s per acre (56#'s = a bushel)
Spring oats 80-120#'s per acre (32#'s = a bushel)
Austrian Winter Peas 20-40#'s per acre (4010 or 6040 field peas will work fine for 1/2 the price)
Red Clover 8-12#'s per acre


In my case the red clover is for a plow down source of nitrogen next summer but you can substitute that with any white clover.

You don't need the oats or the peas either, that's just my favorite mix that has proven to be irresistable over the years.

Winter rye is higher in protein then wheat and has many more attributes then wheat but either will work and right now is the perfect time!

I have almost everything you need to know about planting fall cereal grains such as winter rye and establishing clover at the same time in this thread:
All about planting fall grains (http://www.outreachoutdoors.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=13&t=505)