Making Things Grow

One of the joys of food plotting is that it turns deer managers into farmers. The pride you’ll feel in creating and maintaining lush, nutritious food plots is a benefit that goes far beyond well-fed deer and better hunting opportunities. More than one hardcore food plotter has commented that bags of seed should come with a label that reads “Warning: Food Plotting is Addictive!”

Once your plots are cleared of trees, brush and grasses, it’s time to take a soil test. This is a critical step, as the pH (acidity) of soil will affect how well seeds can grow. Most soils are at least slightly acidic and will need an application of lime to help neutralize that condition. Using a shovel, dig a small scoop of dirt from several locations on your plot, then mix these samples together in a one-gallon plastic bag. You can take this soil sample to the local county agricultural extension office and submit it for testing. This test will reveal the pH level of your soil, as well as a recommendation for lime and fertilizer.

As you wait for your soil test, put that Polaris ATV to work plowing and discing your harvest plots. Working the soil will help kill weed growth and prepare a nice bed for your seeds. Then, using a pull-behind spreader, dispense the recommended amount of lime onto your plots and disc it in. If the extension agent has advised some fertilization, work that into the soil as well. You’ll have plenty of space to haul in bags of seed, fertilizer and other equipment on the Lock & Ride ™ Cargo Box.
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