The allure of a healthy ecosystem teeming with wildlife is undeniable. Imagine stepping onto your land and witnessing deer grazing contentedly, turkeys strutting through the undergrowth, and songbirds flitting through the trees. This isn’t just a dream; it’s a tangible reality that can be cultivated through the strategic implementation of a well-designed food plot. But we’re not talking about just any food plot. We’re talking about a big sexy food plot – a carefully planned and expertly executed strategy to attract wildlife and significantly improve the ecological health of your land.
A food plot, in its simplest form, is a cultivated area planted with crops specifically intended to provide a supplemental food source for wildlife. These are often used by hunters to attract deer and turkeys to the area to provide more opportunities to harvest them, but it can be used to attract pollinators, rabbits, and other animals. A big sexy food plot takes this concept to a higher level, transforming a simple patch of forage into a thriving ecosystem that provides year-round nutrition and habitat. It’s about investing time, effort, and resources wisely to yield maximum returns in terms of both quantity and quality of food, enhancing the overall attractiveness of your property to desired animals, and ultimately, fostering a healthier and more vibrant ecosystem.
The key to unlocking the potential of your land lies in understanding what makes a food plot truly “big sexy.” A well-planned and executed big sexy food plot is the cornerstone of maximizing wildlife attraction, improving hunting success, and supporting a thriving ecosystem on your property.
Defining “Big Sexy”: What Makes a Food Plot Stand Out?
While the term “big sexy food plot” might sound a little humorous, the underlying principles are based on sound ecological practices. It’s about creating a food plot that’s not just a food source, but a desirable destination for wildlife.
Size Matters (But It’s Not Everything)
Size truly does matter, to a point. However, it’s not the only thing that matters. A large plot can be visually appealing to wildlife, providing ample forage and creating a sense of security. However, consider this: an enormous, single-species food plot lacks diversity and could be more vulnerable to disease or pest outbreaks. A one-acre plot might be considered “big” for a forty-acre parcel. It is important to know how many animals you would like to attract or feed to decide what size plot you need. It’s better to start small and expand as needed, focusing on quality before expanding without a plan. Before planting, consider the size of your property, your target wildlife species, and the amount of time and resources you’re willing to invest.
Diversity is Key
Diversity reigns supreme. Monoculture food plots – those planted with only one species – offer limited benefits to wildlife and can deplete soil nutrients. A truly big sexy food plot boasts a diverse array of plant species, carefully selected to provide year-round forage and attract a wide range of animals. Imagine a mix of lush legumes like clover and alfalfa, nutritious brassicas such as rape and turnips, and hearty grains like wheat and oats. The benefits of such diversity are manifold: it improves soil health by cycling nutrients and preventing erosion, it provides resilience against unpredictable weather patterns, and most importantly, it extends the feeding period for wildlife throughout the year. Deer love clover early in the spring, turnips are a good late season food source, and oats provide cover for turkeys.
Location, Location, Location
Location is paramount. A food plot, no matter how well-planted, is unlikely to succeed if it’s located in an unsuitable area. Sunlight, water, and soil quality are critical factors to consider. Most food plot crops require at least six hours of direct sunlight per day. Assess the natural drainage patterns of your land to avoid planting in areas prone to flooding or waterlogging. Strategic placement is crucial. Position your big sexy food plot near existing cover, such as woodlands, thickets, or brush piles, to provide wildlife with a sense of security as they enter and exit the plot. Also, make sure that the plot is accessible to you with a tractor or other equipment needed for planting and maintenance.
Planning Your Big Sexy Food Plot: A Comprehensive Guide
Once you understand the core principles, it’s time to get down to the nitty-gritty of planning your big sexy food plot.
Soil Testing is Non-Negotiable
Soil testing is not optional. Before you even think about planting, conduct a thorough soil test to determine the pH level and nutrient content of your soil. This is absolutely essential for selecting the right crops and determining the necessary soil amendments. Soil pH affects the availability of nutrients to plants; most food plot crops thrive in a slightly acidic to neutral soil (pH 6.0-7.0). Nutrient deficiencies, such as nitrogen, phosphorus, or potassium, can severely limit plant growth and reduce the overall productivity of your food plot.
Taking a soil sample is relatively simple. Using a soil probe or spade, collect several samples from different locations within the proposed food plot area. Mix these samples together thoroughly and send a representative sample to a certified soil testing laboratory. The lab will provide you with a detailed report outlining the pH, nutrient levels, and any recommendations for amendments.
Choosing the Right Plants
Choosing the right plants is critical. The success of your big sexy food plot hinges on selecting plant species that are well-suited to your region, climate, and target wildlife species. Consider the specific needs of the animals you want to attract. Deer, for example, are attracted to legumes, brassicas, and grains. Turkeys prefer areas with abundant insects and seeds. Pollinators are drawn to flowering plants that provide nectar and pollen.
Here are some popular options: Legumes (clover, alfalfa, soybeans) are nitrogen-fixing plants that improve soil fertility and provide high-protein forage. Brassicas (rape, turnips, kale) are cool-season crops that are highly palatable to deer and other wildlife. Grains (wheat, oats, rye) are excellent sources of carbohydrates and provide cover for nesting birds. Native grasses can provide excellent cover and are naturally adapted to your region. Choosing the right plants will ensure the overall success of your big sexy food plot.
Plot Layout and Design
Plot layout and design are often overlooked, but plays a significant role in maximizing wildlife utilization. Avoid planting square or rectangular plots. Irregular shapes mimic natural openings in the landscape and provide more edge habitat, which is highly attractive to wildlife. Create edge habitat by planting native shrubs and grasses along the perimeter of the plot. This provides cover, food, and nesting sites for a variety of species. Consider planting screening cover along entry points into the plot. This could consist of switchgrass, egyptian wheat or other plants that are tall and will hide the movement of wildlife. The feeling of security can make or break a big sexy food plot.
Planting and Maintenance: Making It Happen
With your plan in place, it’s time to get your hands dirty.
Soil Preparation
Soil preparation is essential for ensuring successful germination and growth. The process you use to prepare a seed bed will depend on your equipment and the conditions of your land. Methods for tilling or no-till planting are both viable options. Tilling loosens the soil, improves aeration, and incorporates organic matter. No-till planting minimizes soil disturbance and helps to conserve moisture. The method you choose will depend on your preferences, equipment, and the specific needs of your crops. Regardless of the method, always strive to create a smooth, firm seedbed that promotes good seed-to-soil contact.
Planting Techniques
Planting techniques also vary depending on the type of seed you are planting. Broadcasting involves scattering seeds evenly over the prepared seedbed. Drilling involves using a seed drill to plant seeds at a precise depth and spacing. Broadcasting is generally less expensive and easier, but drilling provides more consistent germination and seedling establishment. Always consult the seed package for the recommended seeding rates and planting dates.
Weed Control
Weed control is an ongoing battle. Weeds compete with your desired crops for sunlight, water, and nutrients, so effective weed control is essential for maximizing the productivity of your big sexy food plot. Pre-emergent herbicides can be applied before planting to prevent weeds from germinating. Post-emergent herbicides can be used to control weeds that have already emerged. Mowing is another effective weed control strategy, especially for perennial crops like clover. The best way to manage weeds over the long-term is through crop rotation. Rotating crops with different growth habits and herbicide tolerances can help to prevent the buildup of weed populations.
Fertilizing
Fertilizing is necessary to replenish nutrients that are removed by crops. Applying fertilizer based on the recommendations of your soil test is critical. The timing of fertilizer applications can also impact plant growth. For example, applying nitrogen fertilizer in the spring can promote rapid growth of legumes. Applying phosphorus fertilizer in the fall can help to improve root development.
Protection from Grazing Pressure
Protection from grazing pressure may be needed, depending on the size of your food plot and the density of wildlife in your area. If deer are heavily grazing your crops before they have a chance to establish, you may need to implement some protective measures. Temporary fencing can be used to exclude deer from the food plot until the plants are mature. Planting larger plots can help to dilute the grazing pressure.
Beyond the Basics: Taking It to the Next Level
Once you’ve mastered the basics, you can start exploring more advanced techniques to enhance the effectiveness of your big sexy food plot.
Water Management
Water management is crucial, especially in areas with limited rainfall. Drainage considerations are vital to prevent waterlogging and root rot. Supplemental irrigation, such as drip irrigation or sprinklers, can be used to supplement natural rainfall and ensure that your crops have access to adequate water. Creating water sources nearby, such as a small pond or water trough, can also attract wildlife to the area.
Habitat Enhancement Around the Plot
Habitat enhancement around the plot can significantly enhance its attractiveness to wildlife. Creating bedding areas with tall grasses or shrubs provides cover and shelter for animals. Planting fruit trees and shrubs provides a supplemental food source in the fall and winter. Establishing travel corridors between the food plot and other areas of the property can help to guide wildlife to the area.
Monitoring and Adaptation
Monitoring and adaptation are essential for long-term success. Regularly assess the health and use of the plot. Observe what animals are using the plot, what plants are thriving, and what problems you are encountering. Adjust your planting and maintenance strategies based on your observations and soil tests. Over time, you’ll develop a better understanding of what works best on your property and how to optimize your big sexy food plot for maximum impact.
Conclusion
A big sexy food plot is more than just a place to grow food; it’s an investment in the ecological health and vitality of your land. By following the principles outlined in this article, you can transform your property into a wildlife paradise, creating a thriving ecosystem that benefits both animals and humans alike. A well-planned and executed big sexy food plot is the key to unlocking the full potential of your land.
Remember, it is important to test your soil, choose the right plants, prepare the ground, and keep weeds and pests under control. It takes time and energy to keep a food plot going year after year, but it is well worth the effort.
So, take a look at your land, plan what you want to plant, and start planning your dream food plot today! The rewards – a thriving wildlife population, improved hunting opportunities, and a healthier ecosystem – are well worth the effort.
