Ean Costenbader's List: Food Plots

The following food plot mixes have been planted with success in Pennsylvania  and across the Appalachians. These mixes are recommended assuming soil  amendments have been made according to test results. Over time, you may "mix and  match" plantings to achieve desired results on a particular site. For example,  oats and wheat can be interchanged and numerous brassica varieties are  available. Experimenting with mixes is part of the fun, but remember, good  record keeping is important to track results over the years!

10# crimson clover
3# medium red clover
20# Austrian winter peas  
25# oats or wheat

8# crimson clover
3# medium red clover
2# rape (Dwarf Essex rape is a  good variety available at low cost)
25# oats or wheat

2# white dutch clover
4# ladino clover
5# medium red clover 1-2# rape  
25# oats or wheat

100# oats (approximately 3 bushels)

8-10# rape
(*all mixes are expressed in per acre rates)

Fall plantings should occur 40-50 days before the first frost. South of  Interstate 80, this is near the middle to end of August with a cutoff date  around September 1. North of I-80, planting should be completed by the second or  third week in August. Perhaps more important is to put seed in the ground just  prior to a rainfall. When August rolls around, have seed and equipment ready and  keep an eye on the weather for an approaching cold front (associated with rain).  Pennsylvania is often in the path of hurricane remnants that are forecast to  reach the Keystone State as much as a week in advance. Planting just prior to  arrival of these weather systems will greatly increase fall planting success.  Seeds can be broadcast or drilled. However, most private landowners and lessees  won't have a no-till drill available. If broadcasting is used, seeds should be  disced into the plot, followed by cultipacking. This increases seed to soil  contact and improves germination. A good technique is to: Prepare the plot by  discing (preceeded by plowing or tilling if necessary);
Broadcast larger  seeds first (oats, wheat and/or rape);
Disc to one-inch depth;  
Cultipack;
Broadcast smaller seed (clovers);
Cultipack again.  

In the absence of a cultipacker, a lawnroller partially filled with  water will suffice. With the growing popularity of food plot management,  numerous companies are marketing implements designed for ATVs and small  tractors. A quick internet search will reveal equipment sources.

 
Cultipacker. Craig Harper

- Ben Jones, Wildlife Planning Biologist