deer feeding

Preparing Planting and Maintaining a Deer Plot Grow

Creating and maintaining a successful deer plot can be an incredibly rewarding experience whether you are a hunter or just a home & land owner that likes to feed and watch the deer grow, reproduce and flourish.   From the early stages of planting, to watching your plot grow and flourish, you will enjoy the process immensely. But before you get started, it’s important to understand some basics about what goes into creating and maintaining your deer plot.

The first step in creating a successful deer plot is to evaluate the space you have available.  You will want at least a couple of acres and depending on the size of your plot, you may need to consider factors such as soil type and slope of the land. You will also want to think about how much sunlight your deer plot will receive throughout the day as well as water resources required for healthy soil, grass, shrubs and trees.  These factors all help determine which kinds of plants and grass are best suited for your space.  Once you’ve evaluated the area, it’s time to choose which plants and crops you want to grow in your deer plot. It’s important to select varieties that are both attractive to deer and easy to grow. Some popular options include clover, alfalfa, chicory, corn, and soybeans. Additionally, you may choose to grow a variety of fruits and vegetables for the deer to eat. man on small tractor

The Second important step is to have your soil tested.  You can do this by obtaining a soil test kit online or take samples down to your local county extension office and they can do that for you.  Once you get the results back you will have a good idea whether your soil is in need of more nitrogen or any other elements such as phosphorous or potassium etc;

After you’ve selected your plants and crops, it’s time to get to work! Start by preparing the soil with an aerator such as Covington Naturals Turf Aerator. In the complex interconnected network of the soil ecosystem, numerous organisms and natural processes collaborate to preserve the health and fertility of the soil. An often-underrated yet significant contributor to this ecosystem is the liquid soil aerator. This article aims to shed light on the importance of liquid soil aerators and their influence on soil health.

Demystifying Liquid Soil Aerators: Liquid soil aerators serve as a soil enrichment solution crafted to enhance soil architecture and aeration. Comprising beneficial microbes, enzymes, and humic substances, they synergistically work to upgrade the condition of the soil. When applied, these liquid aerators facilitate a conducive environment for plants, microorganisms, and beneficial insects.

Revamping Soil Structure: Liquid soil aerator's primary role lies in amending soil structure. Dense clay soils are prone to compaction and inadequate aeration, thereby impeding root development and nutrient absorption. The introduction of liquid soil aerators functions as a soil conditioner, relieving compacted soil particles and permitting better water seepage and root penetration. In doing so, it paves the way for robust plant growth and curtails waterlogging.

Boosting Nutrient Accessibility: Beneficial microbes present in liquid soil aerators play a pivotal role in decomposing organic matter and unlocking essential nutrients in the soil. These microbes consume decaying organic substances, transforming them into plant-friendly nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Consequently, plants can effortlessly access these crucial nutrients, resulting in enhanced growth and overall health.liquid soil aerator

Enhancing Microbial Activity: Liquid soil aerators stimulate microbial activity in the soil, a key factor in nutrient circulation and organic matter breakdown. Microbes have an essential role in converting organic compounds into more accessible forms, enriching the soil with vital nutrients. These microorganisms also contribute to disease suppression and improve soil structure by generating compounds that bind soil particles together.

Curbing Soil Erosion: By improving soil structure and water infiltration, liquid soil aerators can considerably curb soil erosion. By reducing surface runoff and promoting water absorption into the soil, it safeguards against soil particles being carried away during heavy rainfall or irrigation. Moreover, the augmented root growth from improved soil structure aids in stabilizing the soil, decreasing erosion risks further.

The significance of liquid soil aerators in the soil ecosystem is paramount. Ranging from amending soil structure and augmenting nutrient accessibility, to enhancing microbial activity and curbing soil erosion, it acts as a stimulant for a flourishing and sustainable soil environment. By integrating liquid soil aerators into soil management practices, we can foster a healthier ecosystem for plants, microorganisms, and beneficial organisms, culminating in improved agricultural productivity and environmental sustainability.  Adding this important element to your overall plan will guarantee having a successful deer plot.

 If you plan on planting seeds directly into the ground, use a garden tiller or tractor disc to loosen the soil and make it easier for the new seeds to sprout and roots to take hold. If you’re planting seedlings, be sure to space them out properly so they have enough room to grow. I prefer using BioLogic 45 lb. Deer Plot Food Plot Mix (1 bag per Acre). This is a blend of traditional cool season grains, BioLogic brassicas, and deer radishes, created to provide attractive forage throughout the fall and well into the winter months. Deer plot is a cost effective, performance proven food plot seed blend for experienced land managers or food plot beginners. One 45 lb. bag of deer plot per acre is an excellent selection for clubs and an economical choice for large plantings.bags of seeddeer plot food

When I apply new seeds I use liquid aerator after the seeds have been covered with top soil then water with a deep amount of water roughly 3-4 inches in depth and then do not water for 2 to 3 days afterward to allow the seeds to sprout.

After the turf and plants begin to grow and are a couple of inches high, apply Covington Naturals HFK633. HFK-633 gallon bottle

Humic acid, fulvic acid and seaweed kelp are powerful soil enhancers that have the potential to revolutionize your plot. By introducing these materials into the soil, you can improve its structure, drainage capabilities and ability to hold water and essential nutrients. Humic acid is created when organic matter breaks down over time - it helps to promote beneficial microbial activity in the soil and also helps to retain moisture. Fulvic acid, on the other hand, is derived from humification - it assists in transporting essential nutrients to your plants and can help increase the fertility of the soil. Seaweed kelp contains natural growth hormones that are absorbed by plant roots, helping to promote healthy growth as well as increased resistance to disease and pests.

As a result of their unique properties, these three soil enhancers can help your plants to thrive in even the most challenging growing conditions. Furthermore, they provide an accessible and affordable option that can improve the quality of your garden without breaking the bank. Whether you’re looking for lush flowers or a bountiful vegetable patch, humic acid, fulvic acid and seaweed kelp can be the perfect addition to your home garden.

By using a combination of these three powerful soil enhancers, you can create an environment that is conducive to healthy plant growth. Their natural benefits include improved drainage, better water-holding capabilities, increased fertility and enhanced microbial activity in the soil – all of which will help ensure that your plants and turf are able to reach their full potential.   HFK-633 will also raise the BRIX level (sugar & sweetness) of the turf and plants immensely.  Deer will gravitate to your plot vs. the neighbors for the sweetness without a doubt.

Regardless of your gardening skill level, humic acid, fulvic acid and seaweed kelp can offer significant benefits for both beginners and experienced gardeners alike. As an added bonus, they are also easy to introduce into the soil and require minimal maintenance once applied. So if you’re looking for a way to give your garden a boost, consider adding these soil enhancers to the mix for a lush and productive environment.  I also prefer to add a granular fertilizer to my plot along with the HFK-633 to give the turf and plants an added boost.  The granular is a slow release which will greatly add to the overall health and growth.  If you prefer to use a liquid, I recommend a Micro Nutrient Fertilizer such as our 3-18-18 along with 30-0-0 for a more immediate boost.micro fertilizer

Triple 16 Granular Fertilizer can help ensure that your plants thrive throughout the growing season as well.  Triple 16 fertilizer is an excellent way to boost nutrition and promote healthy soil for your turf, flowers and vegetables in the plot. 
Triple 16 fertilizer contains three key nutrients (nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium) in a unique 16-16-16 ratio. Nitrogen provides plants with the energy they need to grow strong and vibrant. Phosphorus helps them develop healthy root systems that can absorb essential minerals from the soil. Finally, potassium helps protect plants from disease and drought, making it an important part of any garden maintenance program.

In addition to providing essential nutrients, Triple 16 fertilizer also helps improve the density and texture of soil. This enhances the overall health of your plot while making it easier for plants to absorb water and nutrients effectively. It can also help break up clay soils working in conjunction with the liquid soil aerators, allowing you to create a better foundation for your efforts.

Using Triple 16 fertilizer is easy. Simply spread with a spreader at the right drop level and water thoroughly. Then, add more fertilizer every few weeks throughout the growing season for optimal results. With these simple tips, you can make sure that your plot stays healthy and productive all year long!

During the Summer Heatbottle of lawn dethatch

 

Once your plants and turf on the plot are in the ground, it’s time to get started on your maintenance routine. This will involve regularly monitoring your plot for signs of disease, pests, or other problems. It’s also important to water your plants properly and fertilize them regularly. If you have the space, setting up a deer feeder can be beneficial as well however the sweet turf and plants that will be abundant may be enough.

If done right, you should start to see results within a few weeks of planting your deer plot. With some time and effort, you will have a beautiful and thriving plot that will attract deer from all around! Enjoy your hard work, and remember to continue with proper maintenance for the best results.

Finally, if you’re looking for more tips on setting up and maintaining a successful deer plot, be sure to check out online resources such as blogs or forums related to deer hunting. Here, you can learn from experienced hunters who can provide you with valuable advice. With their help, you’ll be well on your way to creating a successful and rewarding deer plot experience!

Good luck on your journey towards creating the perfect deer plot, and have fun in the process! Happy hunting!

trophy buck