What would be good to plant in the spring and summer in East Texas? Acreage is not a problem, so don' t hold back. I planted oats in late September and the number of tracks has greatly increased as well as the size. I want to keep something growing year around to keep the deer moving through the area.

If you' re soil has a good PH level around 7.0, Ladino White Clover, Kenland Red Clover, or Alfalfa would be a good plot. The white seems lower growing than the red. But the deer here destroyed the Red Clover plot. It didn' t seem to have the rebounding abilities of the White. I have not tried Alfalfa here as my soil doesn' t have the trace minerals needed for it' s growth. My soil is mostly clay. You could try the advertised brands like Biologic, etc. but you will pay dearly for the seed against buying it locally at a farm supply or Coop. These three will last 3-4 years, depending how weed free they stay. For annual crops, I would suggest Iron Clay Peas or even Soy Beans. I have put in a half-acre of Austrial winter peas this fall and they are doing quite well. You do need to protect them from the deer for about 2-3 weeks or they will pull them out by the roots while small. I put a string fence about 2-3 ft. high around the plot and hung white plastic shopping bags on it at 6 ft. intevals. Colored bags don' t work. The deer have hardly touched it.
I am in North Miss. about 60 miles due East of Memphis. So I fugure I am in the same temp zone as you. Maybe some others can give you some additional suggestions.

Russ

Do a soil sample. We need to know what type of soil you have and the nutrient levels in the soil.
How far down does the top soil go?
How much rainfall do you get per year?
How much rainfall in the summer?
What is planted in the area?
Do you have equipment?
Are you in North, Central or Southern Texas? It makes a difference.
If your rainfall is good only in portions of the year you may have to do annual plantings. Perennial plantings require an even rainfall through out the year or they will be spotty or even die in a drought situation.