Imagine sitting in your stand, the sun just starting to peek over the horizon, and seeing a magnificent buck step out into your carefully planned clearing. Or picture turkeys strutting confidently across a patch of lush greens you nurtured all season. That perfect wildlife viewing experience doesn’t happen by accident. It starts with the right foundation: your food plot seed.
Choosing the correct seed mix for deer and turkey can feel like a jungle. You face confusing labels, promises of massive growth, and the worry that you might waste time and money on a blend that deer ignore or that simply won’t thrive in your soil. A poor choice means fewer sightings, wasted effort, and hungry wildlife wandering elsewhere. We know you want to provide the best nutrition to keep your local herds and flocks healthy and close by.
This guide cuts through the confusion. We will break down exactly what deer and turkey truly need throughout the year. You will learn to identify the best seed types for different seasons and soil conditions, ensuring your plot becomes the ultimate destination for local wildlife. Get ready to transform your hunting property from average to exceptional. Let’s dive into selecting the perfect food plot seed!
Top Food Plot Seed For Deer And Turkey Recommendations
- CLOVER/CHICORY SEEDS FOR DEER & TURKEY – Pure Whitetail’s Clover/Chicory Select Food Plot Seed Blends help you provide a nutritious forage area where deer and turkey will want to keep returning to feed.
- PREMIUM SEEDS – Pure Whitetail’s Clover/Chicory uses only the highest quality food plot seeds, which create an irresistible all-season turkey and deer forage area. Each bag provides a perfect food plot mix of Arrowleaf Clover, Ladino Clover and 17% Chicory seed for an excellent, reliable high protein perennial food source for turkey and deer. Deer and turkey hunting simplified.
- EASY TO USE – These premium food plot seeds for whitetail deer are an ideal choice when you want to provide food plot seed for deer in your favorite hunting spots with minimal effort. Deer feeders aren’t necessary with these hardy deer food plot seed. Simply sow the seeds wherever you want to have deer feed. Pure Whitetail Clover/Chicory is also excellent as turkey food plot seed. Turkey and deer feed, grow big and strong, and keep coming back for more!
- DROUGHT RESISTANT PERENNIAL FOOD PLOT – Pure Whitetail Clover/Chicory is the perfect choice for a year-round turkey and buck food plot that resists heat and drought. Clover/Chicory is also highly resistant to insect infestations, ensuring it’s available for deer, turkey, rabbits, chickens and other birds to enjoy throughout the year.
- ONE 5 LB BAG COVERS 1 ACRE – Sow the seeds where turkey and whitetail access your favorite hunting spot to create a whitetail food plot deer and turkey will return to forage from early spring through the late season. Once established you can expect 3 to 5 years of growth up to 12" high with proper maintenance. Each bag covers 1 acre.
- 1 JUG (4.5 LBS.) = 1/4 ACRE (11,000 Sq. Ft.) - Comes in a handy reuseable container
- 3 Clovers, Triticale, Chicory, Joint Vetch
- Highly Attractive to Deer and Turkeys
- Shade Tolerant
- Perennial Mix
- Easy to Grow
- NUTRITIOUS & DELICIOUS - Throw & Gro contains a mixture of tetraploid ryegrass, forage clovers, and brassica selected to give your herd a fast-growing food source that's filled with vital protein and minerals; You will receive sweet, fast-growing forage
- THE PERSONAL PLOT FOR DEER - This product from Evolved Habitats can be used to create your own personal, out-of-the-way food plot for deer; These nutritious plants can be grown with zero tilling, which saves you time and energy
- NO-TILL FORMULA - This no-till forage can be planted without disking or heavy equipment, which increases your planting area options to include those spots you thought were out of reach; Throw and grow food plot that is easy to plant and grows quickly
- EASY-TO-PLANT - Spread the seeds evenly over the prepared area at the rate of 5 lbs per 1/4 acre; If the ground has not been broken with machinery, dragging the plot with fencing will help ensure ground contact with the seed
- TIME TO USE - Throw & Gro can be planted in Spring to increase protein levels available to your herd in the vital growing months; It's also perfect for planting during the Fall - once established, it'll provide tons of forage to help your herd through stressful seasons
- 2 Millets, Grain Sorghum
- Deer Browse Resistant
- Great for Creating Cover + Food
- Highly Attractive Food Source for Doves, Quail, and Turkeys
- 5 types of clover
- Perennial Mix; Up to 5 Years
- Highly Palatable Protein
- Drought Tolerant
- Graze Tolerant
- Seed mix includes daikon radish, crimson clover, cereal grain rye, winter wheat & purple top turnip.
- Cold tolerant forage produces an organic attractant feed source for white tail bucks, doe, & fawns.
- Drought resistant clover seeds provide ground cover & aids erosion control for better soil health.
- No plow equipment or tiller needed but if used can plant up to 0.29 acre. Plant seeds via throw and grow or hand spreader before rain and plant up to 0.20 acre.
- Brassica crop will lure that booner hit list trophy buck to your hunt stand during the fall season.
- CLOVER SEEDS FOR DEER & TURKEY – Pure Whitetail Clover Xtreme Select Food Plot Seed Blends create an irresistible natural forage buffet for whitetail deer and turkey. Using only the highest quality clover food plot seeds, Pure Whitetail’s Clover Xtreme Select Seed Blends create habit forming deer and turkey travel patterns in your desired locations.
- PREMIUM SEEDS – Pure Whitetail’s Clover Xtreme uses only the highest quality food plot seeds, which create a potent all-season turkey and deer food source. Don’t work harder than you need to. Let these turkey and deer food plot seeds bulk up the deer and turkey for you. Turkey and deer hunting has never been simpler.
- EASY TO USE – These premium food plot seeds for whitetail deer provide no till food plot seed for deer that is perfect for your favorite hunting spots. Deer feeders aren’t necessary when you use these premium deer food plot seed. Simply sow the seeds wherever you want to feed deer. Pure Whitetail Clover Xtreme is also excellent as turkey food plot seed. Turkey and deer feed, grow big and strong, and keep coming back for more!
- DROUGHT RESISTANT PERENNIAL FOOD PLOT – Pure Whitetail Clover Xtreme is the perfect choice for a year-round turkey and buck food plot that resists heat, drought, disease, and cold. Clover Xtreme includes a precise mixture of White Cloud Clover seed, Black Arrowleaf Clover seed, and Ladino Clover seeds. These protein rich and highly palatable hardy food plot seeds for deer and turkey provide a reliable food source with minimal effort.
- ONE 5 LB BAG COVERS 1 ACRE – Sow the seeds where turkey and whitetail access your favorite hunting spot to create a whitetail food plot deer and turkey will return to forage year-round. Clover Xtreme may be the easiest way to create a secret spot food plot for wildlife. Growth between 12" - 36" high. Our mix grows up to 5 years. Each bag covers 1 acre.
The Ultimate Buying Guide for Food Plot Seed: Attracting Deer and Turkey
Planting a food plot is a great way to improve hunting success and support local wildlife. Whether you want to draw in big bucks or provide tasty forage for turkeys, the right seed mix is essential. This guide will help you choose the best food plot seed for your needs.
Key Features to Look For
When buying food plot seed, several features make a big difference. Look for mixes that offer diversity. A good mix usually contains several types of plants. This keeps the deer and turkey coming back all season long.
- Year-Round Appeal: Some seeds grow best in the fall, while others thrive in the spring. Look for mixes with both annuals (grow for one season) and perennials (grow for multiple seasons).
- Nutrient Density: The best seeds offer high protein. Deer need protein to grow antlers and stay healthy. High-protein crops like clover and alfalfa are excellent choices.
- Drought Tolerance: Not all areas get perfect rain. Seeds that can handle dry spells will survive better. Check the label for drought-resistant varieties.
- Ease of Growth: Some mixes require a lot of soil preparation. If you are new to food plotting, choose a simple mix that grows well in average soil.
Important Materials: What’s in the Bag?
The quality of your food plot depends entirely on the materials inside the bag. Most successful food plots combine different classes of plants. These materials work together to provide food from early fall through late winter.
- Legumes (Clover, Alfalfa): These are protein powerhouses. They fix nitrogen in the soil, which helps other plants grow better. They often last for several years.
- Brassicas (Radish, Turnip): Deer love these, especially after a hard frost. Frost actually sweetens the greens and makes the roots more palatable. They are usually annuals.
- Grains (Oats, Wheat, Cereal Rye): These grow fast and provide quick cover and forage early in the season. They are great for attracting animals quickly after planting.
- Forage Soybeans: These offer high yields of protein and are very attractive to deer during the summer and early fall.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
The quality of the seed mix itself is important, but how it performs depends on external factors. Good quality seed will still fail if planted incorrectly.
Factors that Improve Quality:
- Proper Soil pH: Most seeds need a soil pH between 6.0 and 7.0. Testing your soil and adding lime if needed greatly improves germination.
- Good Seed-to-Soil Contact: The seed must touch the dirt! Lightly tilling or dragging the area after broadcasting the seed ensures it sprouts well.
- Sunlight: Most food plot crops need at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. Shaded areas reduce yield significantly.
Factors that Reduce Quality:
- Poor Drainage: If water pools in your plot, the seeds will rot before they can grow.
- Competition from Weeds: If you do not control weeds before planting, they will steal water and nutrients from your food plot seeds.
- Planting Too Deep: Most small seeds need to be planted very shallowly, often less than a quarter-inch deep. Planting too deep prevents sprouting.
User Experience and Use Cases
People buy food plot seed for different reasons. Your experience will change based on your goal.
Hunting Season Attraction (Fall Use): If you plan to hunt in the fall, focus on fast-growing annuals like oats and brassicas. These provide immediate forage when deer are actively feeding before winter. Users report great success when planting turnips two months before the first expected frost.
Long-Term Habitat Improvement (Perennial Use): For attracting wildlife year after year, perennial mixes featuring clover and alfalfa are the best choice. These require more patience as they establish, but they reduce the amount of work you do each spring. Experienced users note that these plots require mowing once or twice a year to keep weeds down.
Turkey Forage: Turkeys prefer a mix of greens and small grains. Look for mixes that include shorter clovers or buckwheat. Turkeys scratch the ground, so a mix that establishes quickly is often preferred.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Food Plot Seed
Q: How much seed do I need per acre?
A: This varies widely by the type of seed. Always check the bag for the recommended seeding rate. Generally, a standard mix might require 10 to 20 pounds per acre if broadcasting.
Q: When is the best time to plant food plot seed?
A: For most regions, late summer (early August to mid-September) is ideal for fall plots. Spring planting (April to May) works well for perennial clovers and soybeans.
Q: Can I plant food plot seed directly into thick weeds?
A: No. While some tough seeds can handle light stubble, planting directly into thick weeds drastically reduces your success rate. You must clear the area first.
Q: Do I need to fertilize my food plot?
A: Yes, usually. Fertilizer provides the necessary nutrients for fast, healthy growth. Soil testing tells you exactly what N-P-K (Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium) your plot needs.
Q: What is the difference between an annual and a perennial plot?
A: Annuals must be replanted every year (like oats). Perennials come back year after year (like clover), saving you planting time later on.
Q: How deep should I plant the seed?
A: Most food plot seeds should be planted very shallowly—about 1/8 to 1/4 inch deep. They need sunlight to help them sprout.
Q: Will turkeys eat the same things as deer?
A: Yes, they overlap a lot! Both enjoy clover, brassicas, and grains. Turkeys often prefer smaller seeds and greens they can easily scratch up.
Q: How long does it take for the seeds to grow?
A: Fast-growing grains like oats can sprout in about 7 to 10 days under good conditions. Slower crops like clover can take three to four weeks to show up.
Q: Should I use a roller or drag harrow after planting?
A: Yes, this is highly recommended! Dragging or lightly rolling the seed bed ensures the seeds make firm contact with the soil, which greatly improves germination.
Q: Can I mix different types of seed together?
A: Yes, mixing is common! Seed companies sell pre-mixed bags. If you mix your own, just ensure the different seeds have similar planting depth requirements.