Community
Whitetail Deer Hunting Gain a better understanding of the World's most popular big game animal and the techniques that will help you become a better deer hunter.

Shaded Food Plots???

Thread Tools
 
Old 01-11-2017 | 11:17 AM
  #1  
Thread Starter
Fork Horn
 
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 198
Likes: 0
From: Tennessee
Default Shaded Food Plots???

This year I planted some purple top turnip that came up but a lot of it died off. I am thinking it's because my property is mostly on a north facing slope and a lot of tree canopy on it (don't want to cut anymore trees). Is there a food that will keep the deer in the area year round that tolerates shaded areas? I was told clover might work but would like some expert opinions.
skiftcky is offline  
Reply
Old 01-11-2017 | 11:33 AM
  #2  
rockport's Avatar
Nontypical Buck
 
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 3,359
Likes: 0
Default

Clover,winter wheat,rye,and oats

Did you possibly plants to many turnips and they starved each other out?
rockport is offline  
Reply
Old 01-11-2017 | 11:57 AM
  #3  
Typical Buck
 
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 629
Likes: 0
From: central wi
Default

I agree with the clover and winter wheat from experience
Hatfield Hunter is offline  
Reply
Old 01-11-2017 | 03:11 PM
  #4  
super_hunt54's Avatar
Nontypical Buck
 
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 3,695
Likes: 1
From: Illinois
Default

Rape seed also does very well in Tennessee. And you can't go wrong with clover either! Rock also made a really good point as well. You MAY have over planted as turnips do have a tendency to really suck up the resources. I learned that lesson the hard way and I think Rock did too
super_hunt54 is offline  
Reply
Old 01-12-2017 | 05:26 AM
  #5  
Fork Horn
 
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 343
Likes: 0
From: MS
Default

As long as the plot gets at least 6 hours of sun a day, the clover will do fine! Oats are a good mix with the clover as well.
BrushyPines is offline  
Reply
Old 01-12-2017 | 05:35 AM
  #6  
rockport's Avatar
Nontypical Buck
 
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 3,359
Likes: 0
Default

Originally Posted by super_hunt54
Rape seed also does very well in Tennessee. And you can't go wrong with clover either! Rock also made a really good point as well. You MAY have over planted as turnips do have a tendency to really suck up the resources. I learned that lesson the hard way and I think Rock did too
Of course.

As far as the winter wheat types the rye is the easiest to grow. That stuff will damn near grow in your pocket.

If you are going to do mixes its best to separate it the first year so you know what worked and what didn't
rockport is offline  
Reply
Old 01-12-2017 | 07:56 AM
  #7  
Thread Starter
Fork Horn
 
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 198
Likes: 0
From: Tennessee
Default

Thanks for the input... also, no didn't plant to close, you can see the areas in my plot that get more sunlight are much nicer and bigger plants than the heavily shaded areas.
skiftcky is offline  
Reply
Old 01-12-2017 | 07:59 AM
  #8  
rockport's Avatar
Nontypical Buck
 
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 3,359
Likes: 0
Default

Originally Posted by skiftcky
Thanks for the input... also, no didn't plant to close, you can see the areas in my plot that get more sunlight are much nicer and bigger plants than the heavily shaded areas.
Go back to turnips in those areas and clover for the rest.
rockport is offline  
Reply
Old 01-19-2017 | 01:35 PM
  #9  
Nontypical Buck
 
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 2,186
Likes: 0
From:
Default

Tough to get and maintain a vigorous food plot in shaded areas. One key is a good pH. Most shaded areas will have a high acidity from decayed leaves, pine straw, etc. Soil test or if not, cover the area with ag lime at a rate of about 1 ton/acre rate. Should help.
Mojotex is offline  
Reply
Old 01-19-2017 | 02:10 PM
  #10  
Rob in VT's Avatar
Nontypical Buck
 
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 1,550
Likes: 1
From: Big Horn WY
Default

Clover and oats work well. Oats will grow on pavement so shade isn't a problem
Rob in VT is offline  
Reply

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are Off



Contact Us - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Terms of Service -

Copyright © 2026 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Use of this site indicates your consent to the Terms of Use.