Imagine this: You’re out in the woods, the sun is just starting to peek over the trees, and you hear that unmistakable gobble. But the turkeys aren’t where you expect them to be. Frustrating, right? Many hunters dream of attracting more wild turkeys to their land, but figuring out the best food plots can feel like a puzzle with too many pieces. What seeds should you plant? When should you plant them? And how do you make sure the turkeys actually *eat* what you put out?
If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by all the choices for turkey food plots, you’re not alone. It’s tough to know where to start. But what if there was a way to make it simpler? What if you could learn the secrets to creating irresistible food plots that draw turkeys in like magnets?
In this post, we’re going to break down exactly what wild turkeys love to eat and how you can create the perfect food plot to get them flocking to your property. We’ll cover everything from choosing the right plants to planting them at the best times. Get ready to learn how to turn your land into a turkey paradise!
Our Top 5 Food Plots For Turkeys Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Food Plots For Turkeys Detailed Reviews
1. Domain Outdoor Dirty Bird Food Plot Seed Mix for Doves
Rating: 9.5/10
The Domain Outdoor Dirty Bird Food Plot Seed Mix is your secret weapon for creating a wildlife haven. This specially crafted blend is designed to attract and nourish doves, pheasants, turkey, and deer. It’s more than just food; it builds a habitat that supports these animals all year long. You get enough seed for a quarter acre, which is about 11,000 square feet. The mix comes in a handy jug that you can reuse.
What We Like:
- Provides a highly nutritious food and cover source from summer through winter.
- Features a premium seed mix with diverse nutrition and habitat benefits.
- Enhances hunting by breaking up plots and guiding deer movement.
- Offers year-round benefits with winter resilience, keeping food accessible above snow.
- Grows fast and can be planted in spring or late summer.
- Adapts to various soil types and thrives in sun.
- Comes in a reusable container.
What Could Be Improved:
- The pH range of 5.8 – 7.0 means you might need to adjust your soil’s pH for best results.
This seed mix is a fantastic way to boost your property’s wildlife appeal. It’s an easy-to-use solution for better hunting and habitat management.
2. Whitetail Hill Bucks and Beards Food Plot Seed Mix for Deer and Turkeys
Rating: 9.3/10
The Whitetail Hill Bucks and Beards Food Plot Seed Mix is designed to bring more deer and turkeys to your land. This special mix includes clovers, chicory, and grains. It’s made to attract these animals and keep them coming back. You can get it for a quarter of an acre or a full two acres. It’s a great way to create a food plot that works for both deer and turkeys.
What We Like:
- This mix has three different types of clover, plus chicory, joint vetch, and triticale. This variety offers a great food source.
- It’s highly attractive to both deer and turkeys, meaning you’ll likely see more wildlife.
- The seeds are shade tolerant, so they can grow in spots that don’t get full sun all day.
- It’s a perennial mix, meaning it will come back year after year with proper care.
- This seed mix is easy to grow, even if you’re new to food plotting.
- You can plant it in the spring or the fall, giving you flexibility.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it’s easy to grow, it’s important to follow the planting instructions carefully for the best results.
- The specific acreage options might not fit everyone’s needs perfectly.
This Whitetail Hill seed mix is a fantastic option for anyone wanting to boost their wildlife attraction. It offers a well-rounded, easy-to-grow solution for creating a thriving food plot.
3. Pure Whitetail Clover Xtreme
Rating: 9.2/10
Looking to create the ultimate food plot for deer and turkey? Pure Whitetail Clover Xtreme is a premium blend of clover seeds designed to attract and keep these animals coming back. This 5 lb bag plants a full acre, offering a delicious and nutritious year-round food source.
What We Like:
- Creates an irresistible natural buffet for whitetail deer and turkey.
- Uses only the highest quality seeds for a potent all-season food source.
- Easy to use with no-till planting, making it perfect for any hunting spot.
- Drought, heat, disease, and cold resistant perennial blend ensures year-round food.
- A single 5 lb bag covers a full acre, offering great value.
- The mix includes White Cloud Clover, Black Arrowleaf Clover, and Ladino Clover for maximum appeal and nutrition.
- Plants grow between 12″ – 36″ high and can last up to 5 years.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it’s a perennial blend, re-seeding might be needed after several years for optimal growth.
- Availability might be limited during peak hunting seasons.
Pure Whitetail Clover Xtreme makes creating a secret food plot simple and effective. Give your local wildlife a consistent, high-quality food source and enjoy the benefits during your next hunting trip.
4. Whitetail Institute Turkey Select Chufa Food Plot Seed
Rating: 8.7/10
Looking for a way to keep wild turkeys happy and on your land? The Whitetail Institute Turkey Select Chufa Food Plot Seed is a fantastic option. This 10 lb bag is enough to plant a quarter-acre plot and is designed to do exactly what its name suggests: select turkeys and keep them coming back for more. It’s also a bonus for duck hunters!
What We Like:
- High-quality chufa seeds that really attract and hold turkeys.
- The turkeys love digging up the nut-like tubers.
- These tubers are packed with carbs and protein, making them super nutritious.
- It’s not just for turkeys; waterfowl enjoy them too!
- Easy to plant and grow, maturing in about 100-120 days.
- You can plant it almost anywhere in the country during spring or early summer.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 10 lb bag covers a quarter-acre, so larger properties might need multiple bags, which could add up in cost.
- While easy to grow, success still depends on local conditions and proper planting techniques.
This chufa seed is a smart investment for any hunter or landowner wanting to boost their turkey and waterfowl populations. It provides an easy-to-grow, nutritious food source that keeps game birds returning to your property.
5. Pure Whitetail Clover/Chicory
Rating: 9.3/10
Want to attract more deer and turkey to your hunting spots? The Pure Whitetail Clover/Chicory Select Seed Blend is designed to do just that. This premium seed mix creates a tasty, high-protein food source that keeps game coming back all year long. It’s perfect for hunters looking for an easy way to set up a reliable food plot.
What We Like:
- Creates an irresistible, nutritious food area for deer and turkey.
- Uses high-quality Arrowleaf Clover, Ladino Clover, and Chicory for a reliable protein source.
- Super easy to plant; just sow the seeds where you want game to feed – no feeders needed!
- Drought and heat resistant, making it a great year-round food plot option.
- Resistant to many common insect pests.
- One 5 lb bag covers a full acre, providing a large feeding area.
- Once established, it grows for 3-5 years, reaching up to 12 inches high with care.
What Could Be Improved:
- While easy to plant, optimal establishment might require some basic soil preparation.
- Long-term maintenance, like occasional mowing, is needed to keep it productive.
This seed blend offers a simple and effective way to boost your hunting success. You’ll love seeing more deer and turkey on your land with this hardy, perennial food plot.
Your Guide to Creating Amazing Food Plots for Turkeys
Want to attract more wild turkeys to your land? Creating a food plot is a fantastic way to do it! A food plot is a small area where you plant specific crops that turkeys love to eat. It gives them a reliable food source, especially during tough times like winter. This guide will help you choose the best seeds and set up a food plot that will have turkeys gobbling with joy.
Key Features to Look For in Turkey Food Plot Seeds
When you’re shopping for food plot seeds, keep these important features in mind:
- Nutritional Value: Turkeys need food that gives them energy and helps them grow. Look for seeds that offer good protein and carbohydrates.
- Attractiveness to Turkeys: Some plants are just tastier to turkeys than others. Seeds that produce grains, seeds, berries, or leafy greens are usually a big hit.
- Year-Round Appeal: The best food plots offer something for turkeys in every season. This means choosing plants that grow at different times or provide food that lasts through the winter.
- Ease of Growth: You don’t want to spend all your time fighting weeds or dealing with plants that struggle to grow. Look for seeds that are known to be hardy and easy to manage.
- Drought Tolerance: If you live in an area with dry spells, choosing plants that can handle less water is a smart move.
Important Materials for Your Food Plot
Besides the seeds themselves, you might need a few other things:
- Soil Testing Kit: This helps you understand what your soil needs. It will tell you if you need to add any nutrients or adjust the pH.
- Lime and Fertilizer: Based on your soil test, you might need these to make your soil healthier for planting.
- Weed Control: Sometimes, you need to manage weeds so your food plot plants can grow strong.
- Tools: A tiller or disc can help prepare the soil. You’ll also need a spreader for seeds and a rake.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Food Plot Quality
Several things can make your food plot a turkey paradise or a disappointment:
Factors That Improve Quality:
- Good Soil: Healthy soil grows healthy plants. Testing and amending your soil is crucial.
- Sunlight: Most food plot plants need plenty of sunshine to grow well.
- Water: While some plants are drought-tolerant, consistent moisture helps them thrive.
- Proper Planting Depth and Spacing: Following the seed package instructions ensures good germination and growth.
- Protection from Overgrazing: If turkeys eat your plot too quickly, it won’t last long. Sometimes, you might need to fence it off temporarily.
Factors That Reduce Quality:
- Poor Soil: If the soil lacks nutrients or has the wrong pH, plants won’t grow.
- Too Much Shade: Plants struggle to grow in deep shade.
- Too Much Competition from Weeds: Weeds steal water, nutrients, and sunlight from your food plot plants.
- Planting at the Wrong Time: Different seeds need to be planted at specific times of the year.
- Not Enough Seed: Using too little seed means a sparse plot that doesn’t offer much food.
User Experience and Use Cases
People create food plots for many reasons. Hunters use them to attract turkeys for a better hunting experience. Landowners use them to support healthy turkey populations on their property. Even nature lovers enjoy seeing more birds visiting their land. The experience is rewarding when you see turkeys flocking to the area you’ve planted. It takes some effort, but the results are well worth it.
Frequently Asked Questions about Turkey Food Plots
Q: What are the best plants for a turkey food plot?
A: Good choices include clover, wheat, oats, rye, buckwheat, sunflowers, and various brassicas (like turnips and rape). Berries and insects are also important parts of their diet.
Q: When should I plant my turkey food plot?
A: The best time depends on the seeds you choose and your local climate. Many cool-season grains are planted in late summer or early fall. Warm-season plants are best put in the ground in spring.
Q: How large should my food plot be?
A: Even a small plot, about a quarter-acre, can make a big difference. Larger plots can support more birds, but even small, well-placed plots are effective.
Q: Do I need to till the soil before planting?
A: Tilling or disking helps prepare the soil by loosening it and mixing in nutrients. It gives your seeds a better chance to sprout.
Q: How often do I need to maintain my food plot?
A: Maintenance varies. You might need to mow to control weeds or reseed areas that have been heavily grazed.
Q: Can I plant multiple types of seeds in one plot?
A: Yes! Mixing different seeds can provide food throughout the year and appeal to turkeys’ varied tastes.
Q: What if my food plot isn’t attracting turkeys?
A: Check if the plants are growing well. Make sure there’s enough food. Turkeys also need water and cover (places to hide), so consider those nearby.
Q: Can I use a food plot for other wildlife too?
A: Absolutely! Many plants that attract turkeys also benefit deer, squirrels, and various bird species.
Q: How long does it take to see results?
A: You should start seeing some activity within a few weeks as the plants grow. It can take a season or two for the plot to become a consistent attraction.
Q: Is it expensive to create a food plot?
A: The cost can vary. Seeds, soil amendments, and tools are the main expenses. However, the benefits of a healthy turkey population often outweigh the costs.
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.