Attracting wildlife to your property often starts with the right food plot. But with so many seed options, choosing the best one can feel overwhelming. What grows well in your area? What animals are you trying to attract? It really comes down to understanding your land and your goals. I’ve spent years experimenting with different seed mixes on my own property, and I’ve learned a lot about what works and what doesn’t. So, let’s take a look at some of the best seeds for food plots to help you get started.
Product Overview / Quick Summary:
- Whitetail Institute Imperial Whitetail Clover: Best overall for attracting deer.
- Evolved Harvest Throw & Grow: Easiest to plant, requires minimal soil preparation.
- Barenbrug Bare-Inburger Forage Oats: Best for quick growth and cool-season grazing.
- Tecomate Monster Mix: Best for a diverse plot attracting various game.
- Pennington Durana Clover: Best for long-lasting perennial plots.
Top 5 Best Seeds For Food Plots
1. Whitetail Institute Imperial Whitetail Clover
Imperial Whitetail Clover is a popular choice, and for good reason. It’s specifically designed to attract whitetail deer and provides a high-protein food source that they love. Plus, it’s a perennial, so it comes back year after year.
Pros:
- ✅ Very attractive to whitetail deer.
- ✅ Perennial, providing years of food.
- ✅ High in protein, promoting deer health.
Cons:
- ❌ Can be more expensive than annual options.
- ❌ Requires good soil drainage to thrive.
- ❌ Needs regular mowing to prevent weeds.
Verdict: If you’re serious about attracting whitetail deer and don’t mind the slightly higher upfront cost, Imperial Whitetail Clover is an excellent long-term investment.
2. Evolved Harvest Throw & Grow
Throw & Grow is perfect if you want a food plot but don’t have a lot of equipment or time. It’s designed to be simply scattered on the ground with minimal soil preparation. It’s a blend of seeds that germinate quickly and provide a good food source for deer and other wildlife.
Pros:
- ✅ Extremely easy to plant – just throw and grow.
- ✅ Requires minimal soil preparation.
- ✅ Germinates quickly.
Cons:
- ❌ Not as long-lasting as perennial options.
- ❌ May not perform as well in very poor soil conditions.
- ❌ Can be more susceptible to weed competition.
Verdict: For beginners or those with limited time and equipment, Evolved Harvest Throw & Grow is a great way to get a food plot started quickly.
3. Barenbrug Bare-Inburger Forage Oats
Forage oats are a fantastic option for a quick, cool-season food plot. Deer love them, and they grow rapidly, providing a reliable food source in the fall and winter. I’ve used forage oats to fill in gaps in my perennial plots and they are like a magnet for deer.
Pros:
- ✅ Fast-growing and provides quick forage.
- ✅ Highly palatable to deer.
- ✅ Excellent for cool-season grazing.
Cons:
- ❌ Annual, so it needs to be replanted each year.
- ❌ Can be susceptible to heavy grazing pressure.
- ❌ Doesn’t provide the same long-term benefits as perennials.
Verdict: If you need a fast and reliable food source for the fall and winter, Barenbrug Forage Oats are a solid choice. Just remember they are annuals.
4. Tecomate Monster Mix
Monster Mix is designed to attract a wide variety of game animals, not just deer. It’s a blend of different seeds that provide a diverse food source and habitat. If you’re managing your land for more than just deer, this is a good option to consider.
Pros:
- ✅ Attracts a wide variety of game animals.
- ✅ Provides a diverse food source.
- ✅ Good for creating habitat.
Cons:
- ❌ May not be as specifically tailored to deer as other options.
- ❌ Can be more expensive due to the diverse seed mix.
- ❌ Requires more planning to ensure proper germination of all seed types.
Verdict: For landowners looking to attract a diverse range of wildlife, Tecomate Monster Mix offers a well-rounded solution.
5. Pennington Durana Clover
Durana Clover is a type of white clover known for its exceptional persistence and longevity. It’s a perennial that can withstand heavy grazing pressure and still thrive. A long-lasting clover plot can be a real asset for attracting deer year after year.
Pros:
- ✅ Long-lasting perennial.
- ✅ Tolerant of heavy grazing.
- ✅ Provides a consistent food source.
Cons:
- ❌ Can be slow to establish initially.
- ❌ Requires good soil drainage.
- ❌ May need periodic fertilization to maintain optimal growth.
Verdict: If you’re looking for a low-maintenance, long-lasting food plot that can handle heavy grazing, Pennington Durana Clover is an excellent choice.
Buying Guide
Choosing the right seeds for your food plot depends on a few key factors. Consider these points before making a purchase:
- Your Location: Different seeds thrive in different climates. Research what grows well in your specific region. Your local extension office can be a great resource.
- Soil Type: Test your soil to determine its pH and nutrient levels. This will help you choose seeds that are well-suited to your soil conditions. Some seeds are more tolerant of poor soil than others.
- Target Animals: What animals are you trying to attract? Deer, turkey, and other game animals have different food preferences. Choose a seed mix that caters to their needs.
- Sunlight: How much sunlight does your plot receive? Some seeds require full sun, while others can tolerate partial shade.
- Maintenance: How much time and effort are you willing to put into maintaining your food plot? Perennial plots require less annual maintenance than annual plots, but they may need periodic mowing and fertilization.
- Budget: Food plot seeds can range in price. Set a budget and choose seeds that fit within your financial constraints. Sometimes, investing a bit more upfront in a high-quality seed mix can save you money in the long run.
- Consider a mix: A mix of seeds, like the Tecomate Monster Mix, can provide a more diverse and resilient food source than a single type of seed.
FAQs
Q: When is the best time to plant food plot seeds?
A: The best time to plant depends on the type of seed and your location. Generally, cool-season annuals like oats and brassicas are planted in the late summer or early fall, while warm-season annuals like corn and soybeans are planted in the spring. Perennial clovers can be planted in the spring or fall.
Q: How much seed do I need per acre?
A: Seeding rates vary depending on the type of seed. Always follow the manufacturer’s recommendations on the seed bag. Over-seeding can lead to overcrowding and reduced growth.
Q: Do I need to fertilize my food plot?
A: Fertilizing can significantly improve the growth and yield of your food plot. Test your soil to determine its nutrient levels and apply fertilizer accordingly. Use a fertilizer specifically formulated for food plots.
Q: How do I control weeds in my food plot?
A: Weed control is essential for a successful food plot. You can use herbicides, mowing, or a combination of both. Choose herbicides that are safe for the seeds you’re planting and follow the label instructions carefully.
Q: What is the difference between annual and perennial food plots?
A: Annual food plots need to be replanted each year, while perennial food plots come back year after year. Annual plots provide a quick food source, while perennial plots offer a long-term solution.
Conclusion
Choosing the best seeds for your food plot is a crucial step in attracting wildlife and improving habitat. By considering your location, soil type, target animals, and budget, you can select the right seeds to create a thriving food plot that benefits both wildlife and your land. Don’t be afraid to experiment and see what works best for you. A little trial and error can go a long way in creating a successful and productive food plot.
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