Ever wonder if you can grow tasty food for wildlife even in shady spots? Many hunters dream of lush food plots, but what happens when your best hunting land is covered in tall trees? It can be frustrating when the sun doesn’t reach your hunting grounds, leaving you wondering if anything can grow there. You might feel like you’re missing out on prime opportunities to attract deer and other game.
Choosing the right plants for a shaded food plot is tricky. You need plants that don’t need a lot of sunlight but still provide good nutrition. Many common food plot seeds just won’t thrive in the shade. This can lead to wasted time and money, and plots that don’t attract the animals you want.
But don’t give up hope! This post is here to help. We’ll explore the best food plot options for shaded areas, giving you the knowledge to create a successful plot that wildlife will love. You’ll learn what plants to choose, how to prepare your soil, and simple tips to get the most out of your shady hunting land.
Our Top 5 Food Plot For Shaded Woods Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Food Plot For Shaded Woods Detailed Reviews
1. Domain Outdoor No BS Deer Food Plot Seed for Deer
Rating: 9.2/10
If you’re looking to attract deer to your hunting spots without a lot of hassle, the Domain Outdoor No BS Deer Food Plot Seed is a game-changer. This mix comes with everything you need to create a delicious buffet for deer. It’s packed with forage oats, clover, forage rape, chicory, and radish. Best of all, you don’t need a tractor or fancy equipment to get it growing. It’s designed for “no-till” planting, meaning you can prepare your plot with simple hand tools.
What We Like:
- Easy to Use: You only need hand tools like a rake to get this seed planted.
- No Fillers: Every bit of the 4.5 lb jug is pure, attractive deer food.
- Quick Establishment: The blend is made to grow fast, drawing deer to your chosen spots quickly.
- Effective Mix: Contains a variety of tasty plants like oats, clover, rape, chicory, and radish that deer love.
- Convenient Container: The seed comes in a reusable jug, which is handy for storage and carrying.
What Could Be Improved:
- Soil Preparation Still Needed: While it’s no-till, you still need to make sure your soil’s pH is right and roughen the soil surface for best results.
- Debris Removal is Key: You must clear leaves and debris for the seeds to sprout properly.
This seed mix makes planting a food plot simple and effective, even if you don’t have heavy machinery. It’s a smart way to boost your hunting success by creating an irresistible food source for deer.
2. Whitetail Products Gone Wild
Rating: 9.4/10
Calling all deer hunters and wildlife enthusiasts! We’re excited to get our hands on the Whitetail Products Gone Wild, Shady Trail/Woods Food Plot Seeds, a 3lb bag designed to bring those elusive whitetails right to your hunting spot. This isn’t just any seed; it’s a superseed packed with nutrients to create a powerful food plot. The folks at Whitetail Products clearly put thought into this, even making sure the packaging helps the seeds sprout well.
What We Like:
- This 3lb bag plants a good-sized area, about 1/4 acre, which is perfect for most hunters.
- It’s a “superseed” with lots of nutrients to attract and feed deer.
- The packaging is built to resist UV rays and moisture, giving your seeds the best chance to grow.
- You can store it for a super long time, up to 7 years, if you keep it at room temperature.
- It’s made for shady spots, which is a big plus for many hunting locations.
What Could Be Improved:
- The “Gone Wild” name might make some people expect a very specific, perhaps more aggressive, seed blend than what is provided.
- While the shelf life is great, actual germination rates over several years might need more testing by users.
This Whitetail Products food plot seed seems like a solid investment for anyone looking to improve their hunting grounds. Its focus on nutrition and long-term usability makes it a contender for serious hunters.
3. Evolved Habitats Throw & Gro X-treme w/Radish Forage for Deer – Easy-to-Plant Fast-Growing No-Till Food Plot Seeds
Rating: 8.6/10
Want to create a deer haven right in your backyard? The Evolved Habitats Throw & Gro X-treme w/Radish is your secret weapon. This 5 lb bag of seeds is designed to make planting a food plot for deer super easy. It’s packed with nutrients that deer love, especially the fast-growing radishes. Think of it as a personalized buffet for your local deer herd.
What We Like:
- Delicious and packed with protein and minerals for deer.
- Super easy to plant, even in tough spots.
- No-till formula means no heavy equipment needed.
- Grows fast, giving deer a great food source quickly.
- Can be planted in spring or fall for year-round benefits.
- Helps deer through stressful times.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 5 lb bag covers 1/4 acre, so you might need multiple bags for larger areas.
- Ensuring good seed-to-soil contact might require a little extra effort if the ground isn’t prepped.
This seed mix is a game-changer for anyone wanting to support their local deer population with minimal fuss. Get ready to see more happy, healthy deer on your property!
4. Whitetail Hill Kill Plot Food Seed Mix for Deer
Rating: 8.9/10
The Whitetail Hill Kill Plot Food Seed Mix is designed to attract deer to your hunting spots. It comes in sizes for either a 1/3-acre plot or a 3-acre plot, making it versatile for different hunting areas. This mix focuses on growing plants that deer love, helping you create a prime feeding location.
What We Like:
- It uses a mix of brassicas, clovers, and chicory, which are all highly attractive to deer.
- The seed is made specifically for small plots, so it’s easy to manage even if you don’t have a huge area.
- You can choose the size that best fits your hunting needs.
- The blend helps create a food source that deer will visit regularly.
What Could Be Improved:
- The instructions for planting could be more detailed for beginners.
- It would be helpful to know the best soil types for this mix.
This seed mix is a solid option for hunters looking to improve their deer attractant strategies. It offers a good balance of plants that deer enjoy, making your hunting plots more effective.
5. Ani-Logics Outdoors Crush No Till Field Mix Deer Food Plot Seed
Rating: 8.7/10
Want to attract deer to your hunting spot quickly? The Ani-Logics Outdoors Crush No Till Field Mix is your answer. This deer food plot seed is designed for speed and simplicity. You can have a hunt-ready plot in just 2 to 3 weeks. Plus, you don’t need any special equipment to plant it – just toss it and let it grow. It’s a fantastic way to boost your hunting success without a lot of work.
What We Like:
- It grows super fast, so you don’t have to wait long to hunt.
- The mix has six different seeds that grow at different times, keeping deer interested all season.
- It’s incredibly easy to plant – no tilling needed, just scatter the seed.
- This blend can handle deer eating it a lot and still grow strong.
- It works even in shady spots with poor soil or less-than-ideal pH levels.
- You can plant it almost anywhere, making it very flexible.
- It covers half an acre, giving you a good-sized food plot.
- The package includes Purple Top Turnips, Forage Rape, Oats, Select Clovers, and Ryegrass for a diverse plot.
What Could Be Improved:
- The package only contains Purple Top Turnips from the list of included seeds.
This seed mix is a winner for hunters who want fast results and easy setup. You’ll be attracting deer to your plot in no time.
Choosing the Best Food Plot for Shaded Woods
Finding the right food plot for your shaded woodland can be tricky. You want something that deer and other wildlife will love, even with less sunshine. This guide will help you pick the perfect seeds and understand what makes a great shaded food plot.
Key Features to Look For
When you’re shopping for food plot seeds for shady areas, keep these important features in mind:
- Shade Tolerance: This is the most important thing. Look for plants that can grow well with less than 6 hours of sunlight a day.
- Nutritional Value: Deer need good food for health and antler growth. Choose plants that offer protein and energy.
- Attractiveness to Wildlife: Some plants are just tastier to deer. Think about what they prefer in your area.
- Easy to Grow: You don’t want a food plot that’s too hard to manage. Simple planting and maintenance are best.
- Drought Resistance: Shady woods can sometimes be drier. Plants that can handle a little less water are a big plus.
Important Materials (Seeds)
The “materials” for a food plot are the seeds you plant. Here are some great options for shaded woods:
- Clover (White Clover): Many types of white clover are very shade tolerant. They provide protein and can last for years. Ladino clover is a popular choice.
- Chicory: This plant loves sunshine but can still do well in partial shade. It’s packed with minerals and can grow deep roots to find water.
- Forage Soybeans: Some varieties of forage soybeans can handle a bit of shade. They offer high protein, which is great for deer.
- Winter Peas: These are fast-growing and nutritious. They can provide food in the fall and early spring. They also help improve the soil.
- Buckwheat: This is a quick-growing annual that can suppress weeds and attract insects, which birds also like. It does well in partial shade.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Several things can make your shaded food plot better or worse:
Factors That Improve Quality:
- Soil Testing: Knowing your soil’s pH and nutrient levels helps you add what’s needed. This makes plants grow stronger.
- Proper Planting Depth: Planting seeds at the right depth helps them sprout. Too deep or too shallow can cause problems.
- Adequate Moisture: Even shade-tolerant plants need water to get started.
- Weed Control: Weeds compete with your food plot plants for sunlight, water, and nutrients.
- Fertilizing: Adding the right fertilizer based on your soil test boosts plant growth and nutrition.
Factors That Reduce Quality:
- Too Much Shade: Even shade-tolerant plants have limits. If an area gets almost no sun, most food plots won’t grow well.
- Poor Soil: Compacted or nutrient-poor soil makes it hard for plants to thrive.
- Lack of Water: Not enough water, especially when plants are young, can kill them.
- Overgrazing: If deer eat your young plants too much, they might not recover.
- Wrong Seed Mix: Planting seeds that don’t like shade will lead to a failed food plot.
User Experience and Use Cases
People use shaded food plots for many reasons. Hunters use them to attract deer and improve hunting success. Wildlife watchers enjoy seeing animals gather to eat. Landowners use them to boost the health of the local deer herd. A well-planned shaded food plot can provide a reliable food source when other food is scarce.
The experience of creating a food plot can be very rewarding. You’ll see the transformation from bare ground to a lush feeding area. It takes effort, but the results are worth it for the wildlife and for your enjoyment of the outdoors.
Pro Tip: Always read the seed bag for specific planting instructions and shade tolerance information.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the best food plot mix for a heavily shaded area?
A: For heavily shaded areas, a mix with a high percentage of white clover and possibly some shade-tolerant grasses is often best. Buckwheat can also be a good choice for a quick boost.
Q: How much sunlight do “shade-tolerant” plants really need?
A: Shade-tolerant plants can grow with less than 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. Some can even do well with only 2-4 hours of dappled sunlight.
Q: Can I plant a food plot in a completely dark forest?
A: No, even the most shade-tolerant plants need some light to grow. A completely dark area will not support a food plot.
Q: When is the best time to plant a food plot in shaded woods?
A: The best time depends on your region and the specific seeds. Generally, fall planting is good for cool-season crops like clover and peas, while spring planting is better for warm-season crops.
Q: How do I prepare the soil for a shaded food plot?
A: You’ll want to clear the area of debris, test your soil, and amend it if necessary. Loosening the soil is also important for seed germination.
Q: How often should I mow my shaded food plot?
A: Mowing helps control weeds and encourages better growth. Mow when plants are about 8-12 inches tall, removing no more than one-third of the plant.
Q: Will deer eat chicory in the shade?
A: Yes, deer will eat chicory even in partial shade, especially if it’s a good quality planting. Chicory is very palatable and nutritious.
Q: What are some common mistakes to avoid when planting a shaded food plot?
A: Common mistakes include planting in areas with too little light, not testing the soil, planting seeds too deep, and not controlling weeds.
Q: How long does it take for a shaded food plot to establish?
A: It can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months for a food plot to establish, depending on the seeds planted and growing conditions.
Q: Can I mix different types of seeds for my shaded food plot?
A: Yes, mixing different shade-tolerant seeds can create a more diverse and nutritious food source for wildlife. Just make sure they have similar growing needs.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
I’m the recipe developer and food photographer behind Air Fryer at Tiffany’s. I’m also a wife, mom to two adventurous little boys, registered nurse, and live in the great Midwest. Join me as I show you new ways to use your air fryer that you never knew possible.