Need some advice on getting a plot going fast!!
 

I want to do an experimental fall plot this year. I live in central mn (is it too late?). I'm thinking of doing just a 50' by 50' area just to see if i can get it growing good before i go all out next year.

I have a perfect place for a plot it is next to 30,000 acres of state land and there aren't many fields left in the area. I have about 3 acres that can be planted and it isn't visible from any road.

My problem is right now there are grassy weeds, not real thick though. The soil is pretty sandy.

What should I do? Till, fertilize, seed, rake over lightly? what fertilizer should I use, like a starter fertilizer?

I was thinking of using biologic full-draw.

Any advice would be appreciated. I'd like to get it planted on Monday and I'm out of town Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Thanks a ton!

RE: Need some advice on getting a plot going fast!!
 

Just till up the land, broadcast out some rye, rack it over lightly and let it go. It'll last through the frost's and all and deer love it.
It should last till spring.

RE: Need some advice on getting a plot going fast!!
 

rye and winter wheat on tilled up ground will come up in less than a week

RE: Need some advice on getting a plot going fast!!
 

Rye it is! What about any fertilizer? This is some pretty sandy soil. Think I'll need it?

RE: Need some advice on getting a plot going fast!!
 

Have you done a soil test? That will tell you what you need for fertilizer and lime. In sandy soil a product like Whitetail Extreme or Alpha Rack may be the best bet but until you know the ph and what you need for fertilizer I wouldn't recommend putting down expensive seed.

I planted Imperial clover and Powerplant in two small plots this year. Both did great and I just started a small fall plot of Secret spot which is coming up good. I've found sofar the deer prefer the powerplant but they've eaten everything to within 2 feet of the ground. At one point the powerplant was all 5 feet tall. Now that there is little left of the powerplant they've moved on to the Imperial clover and that is getting grazed really heavy in the last week or so.

In central MN the planting dates for a fall plant is Aug 20-25. If you got it in the weekend you may be ok
http://www.whitetailinstitute.com/in...nting/fall.php
Above is a planting map from Whitetail Institute. Their info and products are great. They've yet to steer me wrong.

Also you may get some better responces in the wildlife managment forum. There are a lot of people who are well educated in agriculture and wildlife managment and they are willing to help. The guys in there are top notch as well.

RE: Need some advice on getting a plot going fast!!
 

;)Secret Spot has really got my vote #10 I've got a stand in a low thick bottom and its coming up great. I just raked leaves back and spread seed and covered lite. Only took 3 days to start coming up.:)