Introduction
Why Choose Brassicas for Your Food Plot?
For wildlife enthusiasts and hunters alike, establishing a thriving food plot is a cornerstone of habitat management. Food plots provide essential supplemental nutrition, attract deer, and contribute to overall herd health. Amongst the many options available, brassicas have emerged as a highly favored choice, earning their place as a staple in successful food plot strategies. But with a diverse selection of brassica varieties, navigating the options can feel overwhelming. This guide delves into the world of best brassica food plot seed, equipping you with the knowledge to cultivate a bountiful plot and attract deer to your land.
Why Choose Brassicas for Your Food Plot?
The popularity of brassicas in food plots isn’t accidental. They offer a compelling combination of advantages that make them a top choice for both novice and experienced land managers. These benefits directly translate to healthier deer and more productive hunting opportunities.
Brassicas boast an impressive nutritional profile. They are exceptionally high in protein, a crucial nutrient for antler development in bucks and milk production in does. The plants also provide a good source of energy, essential for deer to survive harsh winters and meet the demands of reproduction. They pack essential vitamins and minerals, contributing to overall deer health and vitality. This high nutritional content is a driving factor in deer’s preference for brassicas.
One of the most appealing traits of brassicas is their attractiveness to deer. Many varieties are palatable and highly sought after, especially in the late season when other food sources become scarce. Their sweet taste and tender texture entice deer, making brassicas a magnet for attracting them to your property.
Brassicas also offer remarkable cold-hardiness, making them a valuable late-season forage option. Many varieties continue to thrive even after the first frosts, providing a crucial food source when other plants have withered. This sustained food supply helps deer build up fat reserves to weather the winter, increasing their chances of survival.
Furthermore, brassicas possess excellent weed suppression capabilities. Their rapid growth and dense foliage can effectively outcompete weeds, reducing the need for herbicide applications and promoting healthier plant growth. This benefit translates to a lower maintenance food plot with fewer headaches.
Beyond the immediate benefits for deer, brassicas contribute to soil health. They help break up compacted soils, improve drainage, and add organic matter, enhancing soil structure and fertility. Some brassicas, like radishes and turnips, have deep taproots that can pull nutrients from deeper soil layers, bringing them to the surface where other plants can access them.
Understanding the Diversity of Brassicas
To successfully select the best brassica food plot seed, it’s important to understand the different types and their unique characteristics. Each variety offers a distinct set of advantages, making it essential to choose the right mix for your specific needs and location.
Radishes
Radishes, perhaps the most well-known brassica, offer rapid growth and are often a favorite of deer. Varieties offer varying degrees of cold hardiness and root size. They establish quickly, providing an early season food source, and the roots are often consumed by deer, particularly during the late season.
Turnips
Turnips are another popular choice, known for their sweet and tender roots and nutritious leaves. Turnip varieties show variance in growth rate and root shape. They are highly palatable and can produce substantial yields, making them a valuable addition to any food plot.
Kale
Kale is a leafy green brassica that offers excellent forage value. It is known for its hardiness and ability to withstand cold temperatures. The leafy greens are typically consumed by deer throughout the fall and winter, providing a consistent source of nutrition.
Swedes/Rutabagas
Swedes, or rutabagas, are a cross between a turnip and a cabbage, and offer a combination of benefits. They produce large, palatable roots and nutritious leaves. They’re known for their late-season appeal, making them an excellent option for winter feeding.
Mustard
Mustard varieties are fast-growing brassicas that provide an early season food source. While deer may graze on the leaves, their primary benefit lies in their soil-building qualities. They can help suppress weeds and improve soil health.
Key Factors in Seed Selection
Choosing the best brassica food plot seed involves careful consideration of several crucial factors. These factors will influence the success of your plot and the benefits it provides.
Climate and Region
Climate and your specific geographical region have a significant impact on seed selection. Consider the hardiness zones, which define the range of temperatures your area experiences. Knowing the average first and last frost dates is crucial for planting and assessing the potential for success of different varieties. Selecting varieties that are well-suited for your climate and growing season length is paramount for achieving optimal results.
Soil Conditions and Testing
Thorough soil testing is the foundation of a successful food plot. This process determines the pH, nutrient levels, and the need for amendments like lime or fertilizer. The type of soil is also an important factor. Well-drained soil is preferable for brassicas, but some varieties tolerate heavier soils. Drainage, texture, and other properties impact the growth and root development of brassicas.
Deer Density and Pressure
The density of deer in your area is a critical factor. In areas with high deer populations, plots are subjected to greater grazing pressure. Larger plots, a diverse selection of seeds, and early-season planting can help counteract this.
Planting Time and Methods
The planting time and methods must be chosen for your specific region. Optimal planting times vary depending on your location and the brassica species. Broadcast seeding, drilling, or no-till methods are common. Consider seed depth and the spacing between seeds to provide optimal conditions for germination and growth.
Top Brassica Seed Recommendations
Selecting the best brassica food plot seed involves a deeper look at specific varieties, each offering unique advantages.
Radishes
When considering Radishes, look at forage radishes. They are fast growing and provide excellent early season browse, while the roots are also a late season attraction. Their rapid growth offers weed suppression. Remember that deer prefer them to other types of radishes.
Turnips
The best Turnip varieties offer a combination of leaf and root production. Consider yields and cold hardiness of the varieties.
Kale
Choose Kale varieties based on their tolerance to frost, and leaf production.
Swede/Rutabaga
Select Swede/Rutabaga varieties known for their larger root size, and long-term winter hardiness. Deer prefer their tender roots.
Mustard
With Mustard varieties, consider their soil building capabilities and fast growth.
Best Brassica Blends
Consider the best Brassica Blends that combine multiple brassica varieties with other companion crops, such as clover or oats. These provide a variety of nutritional benefits and broaden the appeal of the plot, increasing the likelihood that deer will use the plot.
Remember when making these seed recommendations that they should provide:
- Late-season attraction
- Winter hardiness
- High Nutritional Profile
- Ease of Establishment
Essential Plotting and Care
After selecting the best brassica food plot seed, proper planting and maintenance are essential to ensure a successful plot.
Site Preparation
Thorough site preparation is crucial. Clear the plot area of existing vegetation and till the soil to create a seedbed. Weed control is necessary. Pre-emergent herbicides can prevent weeds from germinating, while post-emergent herbicides control existing weeds. Mowing can also manage weed pressure.
Fertilization
Proper fertilization is a must. After you have soil test results, you can determine the necessary nutrients and the appropriate fertilizer ratio. Timing is important, as is the selection of slow-release versus quick-release fertilizers.
Pest and Disease Management
Manage potential pest and disease issues. Common problems include insect infestations and fungal diseases. Employ insecticides, fungicides, and other control measures when needed to protect the brassicas.
Watering (If Applicable)
Watering can be beneficial during dry spells. Supplemental irrigation can improve germination and establishment, especially in drought-prone areas.
Conclusion
Choosing the best brassica food plot seed is a strategic investment in attracting and supporting deer on your property. By understanding the benefits of brassicas, carefully considering your specific site conditions, and selecting the right varieties, you can create a food plot that will provide substantial nutrition and lure deer throughout the season. By selecting the best brassica food plot seed, a food plot will yield maximum attraction, providing deer with the nutrients that they need, while maximizing your success.
Take the time to research different seed options, consult local experts, and start planning your food plots today. The rewards of a thriving food plot are well worth the effort.
Remember to consider the weather and climate and plan accordingly!
[Optional] FAQs
How much seed do I need per acre?
(This depends on the variety and planting method; follow seed package instructions.)
When should I plant brassicas?
(Planting times vary; consult your local extension office or seed supplier.)
How long do brassicas last?
(Brassicas provide forage for several months, with some varieties persisting through winter.)
Are brassicas good for all types of deer?
(Yes, brassicas provide valuable nutrients for all deer, including bucks, does, and fawns.)
