Food plot planting dates by zone and species

Last updated 2026-07-25

When should you plant food plots for deer?

The honest answer is: it depends on what you're planting and where you hunt, not a fixed date on a calendar. Fall plots built around brassicas, winter wheat, oats, or clover blends need to go in the ground so they hit peak palatability right as hunting season opens and food gets scarce. Spring and summer plots, think soybeans, cowpeas, or clover establishment, need warm soil and no frost risk. The single best planning anchor is your local first fall frost date, which you can pull from NOAA's Climate Prediction Center or your state's Cooperative Extension frost date tables. Work backward from that date depending on species. Brassicas like turnips and radishes want 60 to 90 days of growing time before a hard frost sweetens them up and makes them attractive. Cereal grains like oats and wheat want 45 to 60 days before frost to reach good vegetative growth. For spring-planted perennials and warm-season annuals, the anchor flips to your last spring frost date and soil temperature. Clover, alfalfa, and chicory germinate best once soil hits the 50 to 55°F range measured at planting depth. Soybeans and sorghum want soil closer to 60°F before you drop seed, according to Penn State Extension planting guidance for forage soybeans. If you take one thing from this article, take this: buy a $15 soil thermometer before you buy a bag of seed. Waiting on the calendar wastes far more plots than waiting on the ground.

What is a food plot, exactly?

A food plot is a planted area, usually a half acre to five acres, established specifically to grow forage for deer and other wildlife rather than for grain harvest or livestock. Landowners plant them on ag ground, logging cuts, or cleared timber openings to supplement natural browse, concentrate deer activity for observation and hunting, and in some cases improve herd nutrition through the stress periods of late summer and winter. Food plots generally fall into two buckets: annual plots (replanted every year, fast growth, high tonnage) and perennial plots (clover, alfalfa, chicory blends that persist two to five years with mowing and fertilizer maintenance). Most serious plotters run both, using perennials as the stable core and annuals like brassicas or cereal grains timed to peak during hunting season. A plot is not the same as baiting. Baiting means placing loose grain, minerals, or feed to attract animals to a specific spot, and it's illegal in a long list of states during deer season, or restricted by distance and timing in others. A planted, rooted crop is legal hunting over standing agriculture in nearly every state, but you need to check your state wildlife agency's specific regulation before you hunt over anything that could be construed as bait ^[1]. Michigan, for example, restricts baiting and feeding of deer statewide, with limited exceptions, under its Wildlife Conservation Order provisions tied to chronic wasting disease concerns, while still allowing hunting over food plots ^[2]. Rules vary enough state to state that this is worth five minutes on your state agency's website before opening day. If you want a plan built around your specific acreage, soil, and region rather than generic advice, that's exactly what a food plot whitetail plan is for.

When should you plant turnips for deer?

Plant turnips 60 to 90 days before your area's average first fall frost date. In most of the Midwest and Upper South that lands somewhere between late July and mid-August; in the Deep South you can push into September. Turnips need a cold snap to convert starches to sugars, which is what makes the bulbs and tops attractive to deer in November and December rather than in September when they're still bitter and largely ignored. Seeding depth matters more than people think. Turnip seed is tiny and should go no deeper than a quarter inch, ideally broadcast onto a firm, well-limed seedbed and lightly cultipacked or dragged. Extension guidance on brassica forage crops generally recommends a soil pH between 6.0 and 6.5 for good establishment, and notes that brassicas are heavy nitrogen feeders, generally needing 40 to 60 pounds of actual nitrogen per acre in addition to phosphorus and potassium based on soil test results ^[3]. Deer often ignore turnip bulbs entirely until after a couple of hard frosts, then hammer them through winter. Don't panic if your turnip plot looks untouched in October. That's normal, not a failure.

When should you plant oats for deer?

Plant oats 45 to 60 days before first frost for a fall plot, which usually means late August through mid-September across most whitetail range. Oats germinate fast, often within 5 to 7 days in warm soil, and put on rapid leafy growth that deer hit hard in early fall before brassicas and cereal rye take over as the season gets colder. Oats are a good choice if you want something up and green quickly, but they're less cold-hardy than winter wheat or cereal rye. In much of the Midwest, oats will winterkill somewhere in the 10 to 20°F range depending on the variety and snow cover, while winter wheat and rye can survive well below zero. If you want a plot that holds attraction into late winter, mix oats with a hardier cereal grain or with brassicas so something is still standing after the first oats die back. Spring oats can also work as a nurse crop for spring clover establishment, giving quick cover and some grazing while the clover gets established underneath, a practice detailed in Iowa State University Extension's guidance on establishing forage legumes.

Do deer eat clover, and do they actually like it?

Yes, deer eat clover heavily and it's one of the most consistently preferred food plot forages across whitetail range. Clover ranks at or near the top of forage preference studies and remains a plotting staple because it's high in protein (often 20 to 30% crude protein in vegetative growth stages) and stays palatable through most of the growing season, more than for a few weeks like some annuals. Why deer like clover so much comes down to digestibility and protein density during the exact windows deer need it most, spring green-up after winter stress and late summer through fall before rut. Research on white-tailed deer forage preference has repeatedly found clovers among the most heavily used food plot plantings when compared against other legumes and brassicas in controlled plot trials ^[4]. Plant clover in early spring (March to April in the transition zone, April to May further north) or in late summer to early fall (August to September), giving it 60 to 90 days before either summer heat or winter cold stress sets in. Fall establishment often produces a stronger stand the following spring because clover doesn't have to compete with summer weed pressure while it's still a seedling. A well-maintained clover plot, mowed a few times a season and limed per soil test, can produce for three to five years before you need to till and reseed. That's the best cost-per-year value in the entire food plot world, and it's a big reason clover shows up in almost every deer food plot seed mix on the market.

Do deer eat sorghum?

Yes, deer eat sorghum, both the standing grain heads and the leafy forage, though it's more of a supporting player than a primary attractant compared to soybeans or clover. Grain sorghum (milo) and forage sorghum are both used in food plots, mostly as a warm-season component in a mix or as standing cover and late-season grain once the heads mature and dry down. Sorghum's real value is drought tolerance. In sandy or dry soils where corn struggles, sorghum handles heat and low moisture noticeably better, which is why it shows up often in southern and southwestern food plot mixes. Plant sorghum after soil temperatures reach 60 to 65°F, generally similar timing to corn, which lands in May through early June across most of its range according to Kansas State University Extension guidance on grain sorghum production . Don't expect sorghum to outcompete soybeans or standing corn as a preferred attractant. It's a good drought-insurance crop and a decent late-season grain source, not a top-tier draw on its own.

What are deer's favorite foods, really?

There's no single universal answer because preference shifts by season, region, and what's available naturally, but a handful of foods consistently rank at the top in feeding studies and plotting circles: soybeans, clover, chicory, and standing corn during the growing season, with acorns (particularly white oak acorns) topping natural forage preference almost everywhere they're available in fall. Acorns matter more than most plotters admit. A heavy white oak acorn drop can pull deer off a food plot entirely for weeks, which is why plot success varies so much year to year on the same property. Wildlife biologists have documented this shift repeatedly; when acorns are abundant, deer use of planted forage drops sharply until the acorn supply runs out. Among planted crops, soybeans consistently test as one of the highest-preference forages during summer growth, both for pod and leaf browsing. Clover holds strong through spring and fall. Brassicas and cereal grains take over as the preferred choice once cold weather hits and other options thin out. The practical takeaway: no single species is a year-round silver bullet. That's exactly why most successful plot programs run a mix of a perennial clover base, a summer annual like soybeans or deer food plots planted in cowpeas, and a fall brassica or cereal grain blend timed to frost.

Do deer like honey?

There's no real evidence deer seek out honey as a food source or that it works as an attractant, and this isn't a question food plot science or wildlife agencies address because it's outside normal deer diet research. Deer are herbivores built to browse woody plants, forbs, grasses, and mast crops; honey isn't part of their natural foraging behavior and doesn't show up in deer diet studies published by extension services or wildlife agencies. What probably drives this question is confusion with commercial deer attractant products that use sweet, sugary scents (some marketed with names referencing sweetness) to appeal to a deer's preference for sugar-rich foods like acorns, apples, and persimmons, which do have measurable sugar content deer key in on. If you're looking for a real sugar-based draw, apples, persimmons, and sugar beets have actual research behind them as attractive, palatable forage. Honey doesn't, and in most states pouring any liquid attractant scent or feed substance over bait piles can cross into baiting regulations depending on your state's specific rules, so check before you experiment ^[1].

Fall food plot planting calendar by region

Deep South (LA, MS, southern AL/GA)	Nov 15 - Dec 1	Aug 15 - Sept 15	Sept 15 - Oct 15	Sept 15 - Oct 15
Mid-South (TN, AR, VA, NC)	Oct 15 - Nov 5	Aug 1 - Aug 25	Aug 25 - Sept 20	Aug 15 - Sept 15
Midwest (IA, IL, IN, OH, southern MI/WI)	Sept 25 - Oct 15	July 15 - Aug 10	Aug 10 - Sept 5	Aug 1 - Sept 1
Upper Midwest/Northeast (MN, WI north, ME, upstate NY)	Sept 10 - Sept 25	July 1 - July 25	July 25 - Aug 20	July 15 - Aug 15	These windows are built from USDA plant hardiness zone data and typical frost date ranges published by NOAA . Your soil test lab and local extension office will have county-specific numbers that beat any regional table.

Here's a rough planting window breakdown. Treat this as a starting point, not gospel. Always check your specific county's frost dates through your state Cooperative Extension office, since even neighboring counties can differ by two weeks or more depending on elevation and terrain. | Region | First fall frost (typical) | Brassicas/turnips | Cereal grains (oats/wheat) | Clover (fall seeding) |

Spring and summer food plot planting calendar

Spring plots run on a different clock, tied to last frost date and soil temperature rather than first frost. Clover, chicory, and alfalfa can go in as soon as soil hits the mid-50s and standing water risk has passed, which for most of the Midwest and Mid-South lands in March through April. Warm-season annuals like soybeans, cowpeas, and sorghum need warmer soil, generally 60°F or higher, and no frost risk, pushing planting into May in the Midwest and Upper South, or as late as early June in the far north. A practical rule many extension agronomists use: soybeans planted for grain want soil consistently above 50°F with no frost in the 10-day forecast, but food-plot soybeans (planted thick, for forage rather than grain yield) tolerate slightly cooler conditions since you're not chasing maximum yield. Don't rush spring planting to beat a calendar date. A frost-killed stand of soybeans two weeks after planting costs you the whole season, since most plotters only get one shot at spring establishment before summer heat and weed pressure take over.

How does soil testing affect your planting timeline?

Soil testing doesn't change your planting date directly, but it changes whether that planting date actually produces a plot worth hunting over. Lime takes months to adjust soil pH, sometimes 6 months or longer for a significant shift, according to soil fertility guidance from university extension soil testing labs . If your soil test comes back at pH 5.2 and you spread lime the same week you plant, you won't see the pH benefit until well into the growing season, sometimes not until the following year. This is the single biggest reason plots fail that has nothing to do with planting date. A grower plants perfectly on schedule into soil at pH 5.0, and brassicas or clover, both of which want pH 6.0 to 6.8, struggle regardless of rainfall or sun. Pull your soil sample 3 to 6 months before your planned planting date if at all possible, so lime has time to work before seed goes in the ground. Your soil test lab's specific lime and fertilizer recommendations are the real authority here, not a generic article. Every field is different, and a $10 to $20 soil test from your state land-grant university lab will tell you exactly how much lime and what N-P-K blend your specific dirt needs . If you want a planting plan that layers species selection on top of your test results and your region's frost dates, the $99 one-time Custom Food Plot Plan is built to do exactly that.

What mistakes cause food plots to miss their window?

The most common mistake is planting by the calendar instead of by conditions. A grower in southern Ohio plants brassicas on August 1 every year because that's what they did last year, but if it's a hot, dry August, that seed sits in dust for three weeks and misses its 60 to 90 day growth window before frost. Second most common mistake: ignoring seed-to-soil contact. Broadcasting seed onto standing sod or trash-covered ground without a drag, cultipacker, or light disking wastes a huge share of the seed regardless of when you planted. Small seeds like clover and brassicas need firm contact and shallow coverage, generally a quarter inch or less. Third: planting warm-season annuals too early out of impatience. Soybeans and sorghum planted into 50°F soil germinate slowly and unevenly, giving weeds a head start that a properly timed planting into 60°F soil would have avoided entirely. If you're building out a full-season rotation and want species pairings that actually complement each other rather than compete for the same planting window, browse food plot seed options built around specific planting dates rather than a single bag that claims to do everything.

Frequently asked questions

Do deer eat sorghum?

Yes. Deer eat both the grain heads and leafy forage of sorghum, though it ranks below soybeans and clover as a primary attractant. Sorghum's real strength is drought tolerance, making it a solid choice in sandy or dry soils where corn struggles. Plant after soil hits 60 to 65°F, similar timing to corn.

Do deer like clover?

Yes, clover is one of the most consistently preferred food plot forages, often 20 to 30% crude protein in vegetative growth. Deer hit it hard in spring green-up and again in late summer through fall. A well-maintained clover stand can produce for three to five years before needing to be reseeded.

When should you plant food plots for deer?

Timing depends on species: fall plots (brassicas, cereal grains) go in 45 to 90 days before your local first frost date, while spring plots (clover, soybeans) go in after soil warms past 50 to 60°F with frost risk passed. Check NOAA frost date data or your county extension office for your specific window.

When should you plant oats for deer?

Plant oats 45 to 60 days before your area's average first fall frost, generally late August through mid-September across most whitetail range. Oats germinate fast (5 to 7 days) but aren't very cold-hardy, so pair them with wheat, rye, or brassicas if you want the plot to hold through late winter.

When should you plant turnips for deer?

Plant turnips 60 to 90 days before first fall frost, generally late July through mid-August in the Midwest and Mid-South, later into September in the Deep South. Turnips need a hard frost to sweeten up; deer often ignore the bulbs until after a couple of freezes.

What is a food plot?

A food plot is a planted area, typically a half acre to several acres, established to grow forage specifically for deer and other wildlife. Plots fall into annual types (fast-growing, replanted yearly, like brassicas or soybeans) and perennial types (clover, alfalfa, chicory) that persist multiple years with maintenance.

What are deer's favorite foods?

Preference shifts by season and region, but soybeans, clover, chicory, and acorns (especially white oak) consistently rank highest. A heavy acorn drop can pull deer off planted plots entirely for weeks. No single species works year-round, which is why most programs mix a perennial base with rotating annuals.

Do deer like honey?

There's no real evidence deer seek out honey; it's not part of their natural browsing behavior and doesn't appear in deer diet research. This confusion likely stems from sugar-based commercial attractants that mimic natural sugar sources like apples and persimmons, which deer do genuinely prefer.

How far before hunting season should I plant a food plot?

For brassicas and turnips, plant 60 to 90 days before your first frost so bulbs and tops mature and sweeten by the time season opens. For cereal grains like oats and wheat, 45 to 60 days is usually enough. Always work backward from your specific local frost date, not a generic month.

Can I plant a food plot too early in spring?

Yes. Planting warm-season crops like soybeans or sorghum before soil hits 60°F leads to slow, uneven germination and gives weeds a head start. Wait until soil temperature is consistently in range and frost risk has passed, even if that means planting later than neighboring properties.

Is hunting over a food plot considered baiting?

In most states, no. Hunting over a standing, rooted planted crop is legal almost everywhere, while baiting (placing loose grain, minerals, or feed) is banned or restricted in many states, especially where chronic wasting disease is a concern. Rules vary significantly by state, so check your wildlife agency's regulations before hunting.

How long does lime take to work before I can plant?

Lime can take 6 months or longer to fully adjust soil pH, depending on the lime type and how thoroughly it's incorporated. Pull your soil sample well ahead of your planned planting date, ideally 3 to 6 months out, so pH correction has time to happen before seed goes in.

Sources

1. Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, Frost Seeding Legumes into Pasture (PM 1097): Oats used as a nurse crop for spring clover establishment
2. Journal of Wildlife Management, forage preference study on white-tailed deer: Clover ranks among highest-use forages in food plot preference research, particularly spring and early summer
3. Kansas State University Extension, Grain Sorghum Production Handbook (C-687): Grain sorghum planting timing tied to soil temperature reaching 60-65°F
4. Mississippi State University Extension, Extension Soil Testing Laboratory: Lime can take 6 months or longer to significantly adjust soil pH
5. University of Georgia Extension: Recommended fall planting windows for wildlife food plots including oats and brassicas
6. Michigan State University Extension: Timing recommendations for planting food plots for deer in northern regions