The Best Spring Food Plot Seeds
The top spring planting options for deer are:
Alfalfa
Alfalfa is an excellent choice for spring food plots. It produces highly nutritious green foliage rich in proteins that deer crave. The deep taproot system can handle frequent grazing pressure. Alfalfa also fixes nitrogen in the soil, so fertilizer needs are reduced. It remains productive through the summer months for reliable season-long nutrition.
Soybeans
Soybeans are a prime food source every whitetail herd loves. The protein-packed pods help bucks maximize antler growth when they need it most. Soybeans prefer loose fertile soil and ample moisture when situated along field edges or next to woods. Soybeans can be planted later in spring since deer eat the pods, which are not tender.
Clover
Adding clover builds nutrition while tolerating heavy grazing. The extensive root system makes clover drought-resistant once established. Both ladino and red clover deliver essential proteins, minerals, and fiber that persist when other food sources decline.
Grains
While less common for spring, supplementary grains like wheat and oats extend the food supply into late summer when moisture permits. Second growing zone areas could benefit from early planted grains as other plants wane. Intermixing with pest-deterrent plants like turnips or radishes is recommended.
When & How To Plant
- Plant spring food plot seeds as soon as your region’s average last frost date has safely passed, assuming daytime temperatures are sufficiently warm.
- Key planting equipment that ensures quality seed dispersal:
- ATV-towed broadcast seed spreader.
- Mechanical seed drill.
- Carefully follow all seed label instructions for:
- Planting depth.
- Seeding rates/density.
- Row width/spacing (for seed drills).
- Avoid over-planting, which causes plants to compete unproductively.
- When intermixing multiple crop varieties in one plot, leave buffer zones between each planting area.