Imagine a crisp autumn morning, the air alive with the scent of fallen leaves. You’re out in your favorite hunting spot, and the deer are actively feeding. What makes this scene possible? Often, it’s the careful planning and planting of a successful deer food plot. But choosing the right seeds can feel like a guessing game, leaving many hunters frustrated and wondering if they’re wasting their time and money.
The truth is, not all seeds are created equal when it comes to attracting and nourishing deer. You want plants that grow well in your specific soil and climate, and that provide the nutrients deer need to thrive. But with so many seed mixes and varieties available, how do you know which ones will give you the best results? It’s easy to feel overwhelmed and unsure where to start, leading to disappointing food plots that don’t draw in the deer you hoped for.
This post is here to help. We’ll break down the essentials of selecting the best seeds for your deer food plots, making the process much clearer. You’ll learn what deer love to eat, what grows best in different conditions, and how to create a food source that keeps them coming back. By understanding these key factors, you can transform your hunting grounds and enjoy more successful hunts.
Our Top 5 Seeds For Deer Food Plots Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Seeds For Deer Food Plots Detailed Reviews
1. Domain Outdoor Big Sexy Food Plot Seed for Deer
Rating: 9.0/10
Hunting season is almost here, and you want to make sure you have the best food plots to attract deer. Domain Outdoor’s Big Sexy Food Plot Seed is a game-changer! This mix is designed to give deer the nutrients they need to grow big antlers and stay healthy all season long. It’s packed with turnips, radishes, kale, and forage rape, all chosen for their great taste and ability to withstand the cold. Plus, it grows fast and is super easy to plant, so you can set up your perfect hunting spot quickly.
What We Like:
- High Nutrition and Protein: This seed mix is loaded with protein and nutrients, which is great for deer antler growth and overall health.
- Fast Germination and Easy Planting: You don’t need to be an expert to get this food plot started. It sprouts quickly and is simple to sow.
- Cold Season Hardy: The special varieties of turnips, radishes, kale, and forage rape are built tough. They can handle cold weather, keeping deer coming to your plot all fall and winter.
- Handles Heavy Grazing: The plants are designed to grow leafy tops and bulbs. This means deer can eat them down, and they will keep growing, providing food for a long time.
- Covers a Good Area: One jug plants a half-acre, which is a really good size for a food plot.
- Reusable Container: The seed comes in a handy jug that you can use again.
What Could Be Improved:
- Specific Planting Depth Information: While it’s easy to plant, a bit more detail on the ideal planting depth for each specific seed type could be helpful for optimal results.
- Long-Term Performance Data: More information on how the plot performs over multiple years with continued use would be beneficial for serious hunters.
If you want to create a top-notch food plot that attracts deer from the first day of hunting season to the last, Big Sexy is a fantastic choice. It’s an easy way to boost your hunting success.
2. EVOLVED HARVEST Throw & Gro No-Till Forage for Deer – Easy-to-Plant Fast-Growing Food Plot Seeds
Rating: 8.8/10
Want to give your deer herd a tasty and healthy meal? The EVOLVED HARVEST Throw & Gro No-Till Forage for Deer is a super easy way to create your own deer food plot. This 5 lb bag is packed with seeds that grow fast and are full of good stuff for deer. You can plant it without all the hard work of tilling, making it perfect for any spot you want to turn into a deer buffet.
What We Like:
- Nutritious and delicious mix of ryegrass, clovers, and brassicas that deer love.
- No-till formula means you don’t need heavy equipment, saving you time and effort.
- Easy to plant – just spread and go!
- Fast-growing, providing food for deer quickly.
- Can be planted in spring or fall to support deer year-round.
- Great for creating personal food plots in hard-to-reach areas.
What Could Be Improved:
- For best results, dragging the plot with fencing is recommended for good seed-to-soil contact, which is an extra step.
- The 5 lb bag covers 1/4 acre, so larger plots will require multiple bags.
This seed mix makes creating a food plot simple and effective. It’s a fantastic way to support your local deer population and enjoy watching them thrive.
3. Evolved Habitats Throw & Gro X-treme w/Radish Forage for Deer – Easy-to-Plant Fast-Growing No-Till Food Plot Seeds
Rating: 9.5/10
Want to attract more deer to your land? The Evolved Habitats Throw & Gro X-treme w/Radish is a game-changer for creating deer food plots. This seed mix is packed with nutritious goodness that deer love, especially the fast-growing forage radishes. It’s designed to be super easy to plant, even in spots you might not have thought possible. Plus, it’s a no-till formula, meaning you don’t need heavy equipment to get it growing.
What We Like:
- NUTRITIOUS & DELICIOUS: The mix provides vital protein and minerals for deer, with the added bonus of fast-growing forage radishes.
- THE PERSONAL PLOT FOR DEER: You can easily create your own special feeding spot for your herd.
- NO-TILL FORMULA: Plant without tilling or heavy machinery, opening up more planting options.
- EASY-TO-PLANT: Simply spread the seeds and ensure good ground contact, making it simple for anyone to use.
- PLANT ANYTIME: Works great for spring planting to boost protein or fall planting for crucial winter forage.
What Could Be Improved:
- Coverage Rate: While 5 lbs covers 1/4 acre, larger plots will require significant amounts of seed.
- Ground Preparation: Even with no-till, some ground contact is needed, which might require a drag or light raking in certain conditions.
This seed mix makes creating a healthy food source for deer incredibly simple and effective. It’s a fantastic way to support your local wildlife year-round.
4. Domain Outdoor No BS Deer Food Plot Seed for Deer
Rating: 8.6/10
Looking for a deer food plot that’s easy to plant and packed with attractants? The Domain Outdoor No BS Deer Food Plot Seed is a game-changer for hunters who want results without the hassle of heavy machinery. This mix is designed to quickly establish a lush plot that will draw deer to your hunting spots, even those tough-to-reach areas deep in the woods. It’s a simple, effective solution for creating a powerful deer magnet.
What We Like:
- Easy to Plant: This is a true “no till” mix. You don’t need heavy equipment. Just make sure your soil’s pH is right and rough up the soil with hand tools.
- Effective Ingredients: It contains a blend of forage oats, clover, forage rape, chicory, and radish. These are all known to attract and nourish deer.
- No Fillers: You get a pure seed mix. There are no wasted ingredients.
- Quick Establishment: The seeds are designed to grow fast. This means deer will find your plot sooner.
- Convenient Packaging: The 4.5 lb jug covers 1/4 acre (11,000 sq. ft.) and comes in a reusable container.
- Improved Germination: Clearing leaves and debris from your planting area helps the seeds sprout and grow better.
What Could Be Improved:
- Soil Preparation Still Needed: While it’s “no till,” you still need to ensure your soil’s pH is correct and rough up the surface for good seed-to-soil contact.
This seed mix offers a straightforward way to create an attractive food plot for deer. It’s a smart choice for hunters who value simplicity and effectiveness.
5. Whitetail Institute Secret Spot Deer Food Plot Seed – Annual Forage Designed Specifically for Smaller
Rating: 8.9/10
Unlock the potential of those hidden hunting spots with Whitetail Institute’s Secret Spot Deer Food Plot Seed. This special annual forage mix is made for those smaller, out-of-the-way places you’ve discovered. You don’t need fancy equipment; hand tools are all you need to get this planted. It covers a good-sized area, about 9000 square feet, with just 4 pounds of seed.
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What We Like:
- It has 12 different types of plants that deer really love. This mix keeps them coming back all hunting season and even after.
- You don’t need to do a lot of work to get the ground ready. Just clear away the old plants and make sure the seed touches the soil.
- The seed has something extra to help the soil grow better, even if the soil is a little acidic.
- It’s easy to plant in those secret spots that only you and the deer know about.
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What Could Be Improved:
- While it’s designed for minimal prep, some very thick, stubborn weeds might need a bit more clearing for best results.
- The “soil pH booster” is a nice touch, but for severely acidic soil, additional amendments might still be needed for optimal growth.
Secret Spot is a smart choice for hunters who want to create effective food plots without a lot of hassle. It’s designed to bring deer to your most secluded locations.
Choosing the Best Seeds for Your Deer Food Plot
Setting up a food plot for deer is a great way to attract and hold them on your property. It also provides them with essential nutrients. But with so many seed options, how do you pick the right ones? This guide will help you make smart choices for a successful food plot.
Key Features to Look For
When you shop for deer food plot seeds, keep these important features in mind:
- Nutritional Value: Deer need protein, carbohydrates, and vitamins. Look for seeds that offer a good mix of these. Legumes like clover and alfalfa are high in protein. Grains like wheat and oats provide carbohydrates.
- Palatability: Deer have to like eating the plants. Seeds that are known to be palatable will be eaten more readily. Clover, soybeans, and brassicas are usually big hits with deer.
- Growth Habits: Some plants grow fast and provide quick food. Others are slower but last longer. A good food plot often has a mix of both. Consider plants that grow well in your climate and soil type.
- Maturity Dates: Different plants mature at different times. Planting a variety helps ensure you have food available throughout the hunting season and beyond.
- Drought Tolerance: If your area doesn’t get a lot of rain, choose seeds that can handle dry spells.
Important Materials and Seed Types
The “materials” in deer food plot seeds are the actual plant species. Here are some common and effective types:
- Clovers: White clover and red clover are very popular. They are high in protein and can last for several years. They also fix nitrogen in the soil, which helps other plants grow.
- Forage Soybeans: These are a favorite for deer. They are packed with protein and are usually planted in the spring.
- Brassicas: This group includes plants like turnips, radishes, and kale. They grow quickly and are very attractive to deer, especially in the fall and winter. Some brassicas have roots that deer will dig up and eat.
- Grains: Oats, wheat, and rye are good for providing carbohydrates. They grow well in cooler weather and can offer food throughout the hunting season.
- Alfalfa: Similar to clover, alfalfa is very nutritious and can last for many years. It needs good soil drainage.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Several things can make your food plot seeds work better or worse:
- Seed Quality: Higher quality seeds often have better germination rates. This means more seeds will sprout and grow. Look for seeds that are fresh and haven’t been stored for too long.
- Seed Coatings: Some seeds come coated with fertilizer and protective agents. This can help them get started and fight off pests and diseases.
- Soil Preparation: This is crucial! You need to prepare your soil properly. This means testing your soil for pH and nutrients. You may need to add lime or fertilizer. Tilling or disking the soil helps seeds make good contact.
- Planting Depth: Planting seeds at the correct depth is very important. Too deep, and they won’t sprout. Too shallow, and they might dry out. Follow the instructions on the seed bag.
- Weather: Rain is essential for seed germination and plant growth. Too much rain or not enough can impact your food plot.
- Weed Competition: Weeds can steal nutrients and sunlight from your food plot plants. Good soil preparation and sometimes herbicides can help control weeds.
User Experience and Use Cases
Many hunters plant food plots to increase their chances of seeing deer during hunting season. A well-managed food plot can draw deer from surrounding areas. It also helps keep deer healthy by providing them with good food sources.
- Hunting Season Success: Hunters often plant plots that mature during the archery or rifle seasons. This gives deer a reason to be in the area when they are hunting.
- Year-Round Nutrition: Some plots are designed to provide food throughout the year, helping deer survive harsh winters and thrive in the spring and summer.
- Attracting Game Camera Activity: Food plots are excellent spots to place game cameras to monitor deer populations and activity.
- Improving Herd Health: By offering nutritious food, you can help improve the overall health and antler growth of the deer on your land.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)**
Q: What are the best seeds for a fall food plot?
A: For fall, brassicas like turnips and radishes are great. Grains like oats and wheat also work well. They grow quickly and deer love them when the weather gets colder.
Q: Should I mix different types of seeds?
A: Yes! Mixing seeds is usually the best approach. It gives you a variety of food sources and ensures something is available throughout the season.
Q: How much seed do I need?
A: The amount of seed needed depends on the size of your plot and the specific seed type. Always check the recommended planting rate on the seed packaging.
Q: When is the best time to plant food plot seeds?
A: The best time depends on your region and the type of seeds. Spring planting is good for soybeans and some clovers. Fall planting is best for grains and brassicas.
Q: Do I need to fertilize my food plot?
A: Yes, fertilizing based on a soil test is highly recommended. It provides the nutrients plants need to grow strong and healthy.
Q: What is soil testing, and why is it important?
A: Soil testing tells you the pH and nutrient levels in your soil. This helps you know what lime or fertilizer to add to help your seeds grow best.
Q: Can I plant food plot seeds in shaded areas?
A: Some plants, like certain types of clover, can tolerate partial shade. However, most food plot plants need at least 6-8 hours of sunlight per day to grow well.
Q: How long does it take for food plot seeds to grow?
A: This varies. Some seeds, like radishes, can show growth within a week. Others, like alfalfa, take longer to establish but last for years.
Q: What if I have a lot of weeds?
A: Proper soil preparation helps reduce weeds. Sometimes, using herbicides before planting or carefully spot-treating can be necessary.
Q: Are there seeds that deer won’t eat?
A: While deer are generally attracted to food plots, if conditions aren’t right, or if there are better food sources nearby, they might not utilize your plot as much.
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.