What food plots to plant in september (zone by zone)

Last updated 2026-07-26

what should you plant in a food plot in september

September is the busiest planting month on the whitetail calendar, and for good reason. Most of the country's best fall food plot options, brassicas, cereal grains, and clover, all get planted in this window because they need a set number of days to mature before frost shuts them down. Get the timing right and you'll have a plot that's pulling deer hard by November. Get it wrong by even two or three weeks and you can end up with a thin, weedy plot that never fills in. The three plantings that dominate September are brassicas (turnips, radishes, rape, and blends of these), cereal grains (oats, winter wheat, winter rye), and clover (usually frost-seeded or drilled alongside a grain nurse crop). Each one has a different job. Brassicas are a fall and winter energy and attraction crop. Cereal grains germinate fast and give you green growth in as little as 5-7 days, which is huge if you're chasing early bow season. Clover is the long-term investment, a perennial that if it establishes well in September, will still be feeding deer in June two years from now. What you shouldn't plant in September, generally, is corn, soybeans, or sorghum. Those are spring plantings meant to mature over a full summer growing season. Corn and beans planted now won't have time to make grain before frost in the vast majority of the country. If you've got standing beans or corn from a spring planting, September is when you start hunting it, not planting it. A lot of first-time plotters ask us to just tell them one seed to buy. There isn't one right answer, because your soil, your rainfall, and your frost date all change the math. That's really the whole idea behind a food plot whitetail plan built around your specific dirt instead of a bag that says "deer" on the front.

when to plant food plots for deer

The short answer: it depends on whether you're planting a spring/summer plot or a fall/winter plot, and September belongs almost entirely to the fall category. For fall annuals like brassicas and cereal grains, the rule of thumb from most land-grant extension programs is to plant 60 to 90 days before your area's average first hard frost. That means in the Upper Midwest and Northeast, where frost can hit by late September or early October, you actually want to be planting brassicas by early-to-mid August, not September. Wait too long up north and turnips won't bulb properly. In the transition zone (Ohio Valley, mid-South, southern Appalachians) September 1-20 is close to ideal for brassicas and September through mid-October works for cereal grains. In the Deep South and southern Coastal Plain, you've got more room, cereal grains and clover can go in from late September through November because frost doesn't show up until December or later in many spots. Soil temperature matters more than the date on the calendar. Oats and wheat germinate well once soil temps are consistently in the 50s to upper 60s Fahrenheit at planting depth. Clover seed wants soil temps in a similar range and also wants consistent soil moisture right after seeding, since clover seed is small and dries out fast if it sits at the surface with no rain. If you're checking a soil thermometer 2 inches down and it's still pushing 85 degrees, you can wait. If it's dropped into the 60s, you're in the window. The practical move: pull up your county's average first frost date from the National Weather Service or your state climatologist's office, count back 90 days for brassicas and about 60-75 days for cereal grains, and that's your planting window. Extension offices in Kentucky, for example, recommend brassica plantings for deer "from late July through early September" depending on region, specifically because brassicas need that long runway ^[1].

when to plant turnips for deer

Turnips need roughly 80 to 90 days from seed to a fully bulbed, frost-sweetened plant, so most of the country should have them in the ground by early-to-mid September at the latest, and often earlier further north ^[1]. Turnips planted too late will grow leaves but never size up the bulb, and the bulb is a big part of what makes them a late-season draw once frost converts starches to sugars. Seeding depth is shallow, about a quarter inch, and turnip seed is tiny, so a lot of guys just broadcast it into a prepared, weed-free seedbed and cultipack or drag it in rather than trying to drill it. Recommended seeding rates run around 4-6 lbs per acre for turnips alone, or lower (2-4 lbs) when blended with other brassicas like radishes and rape in a mix ^[2]. One thing worth knowing: deer often don't touch the tops hard until after a frost or two. That first freeze converts starches in the leaves and bulb to sugars, which is why a turnip plot that gets ignored in October can get hammered in December. If you're hunting early season over a turnip plot and it looks untouched, that's normal, not a failure.

when to plant oats for deer

Oats can go in anywhere from late August through October depending on your zone, and they're one of the most forgiving fall plantings because they germinate fast, usually within a week, and deer will hit the tender green shoots almost immediately. Oats are a cool-season annual, meaning they'll winterkill in cold climates (generally once temps drop into the low teens or single digits for a sustained stretch), but they'll keep growing right through a mild winter in the South. Because oats germinate and green up so fast, a lot of hunters use them specifically as an early-season attraction plot, something to pull deer in during September and October bow season while brassicas are still building underground bulbs and clover is still establishing its root system. Seeding rate for oats alone typically runs 100-120 lbs per acre if drilled, more if broadcast, since broadcast seed has worse seed-to-soil contact ^[3]. Oats are also commonly used as a nurse crop for clover. You plant the oats and clover together, the oats come up fast and give you cover and early attraction, and by the time the oats die back (or you mow them) the clover has had time to establish underneath. This combination is one of the more reliable one-two punches for a September planting in the transition zone and Midwest.

do deer eat clover, and is it worth planting

Yes, clover is one of the most consistently preferred forages for whitetail deer across nearly every region of the country, and it's a staple recommendation from wildlife agencies and universities alike ^[2]. Clover offers protein levels commonly cited in the 25-30% range in quality forage studies, which matters most in spring and summer for antler growth and lactation, but a well-established clover stand also holds up through fall and gives you a green option deer will use alongside acorns and browse. Clover's real advantage over annuals is that it's perennial. A properly limed, fertilized stand of white clover (like Ladino) or red clover can produce for 3-5 years before it needs to be reseeded, which means your September planting this year could still be feeding deer in the summer of 2029 with nothing more than mowing and a fertility top-off. That's a very different cost structure than replanting brassicas or oats every single year. September is a legitimate clover planting window in the South and transition zone, especially when frost-seeded or drilled alongside oats or wheat as a nurse crop. In the northern tier, spring planting (April-May) is usually the safer call for clover because a September seeding doesn't leave enough time for the root system to establish before winter dormancy, and a hard freeze on a young clover seedling can wipe out the stand. If you're unsure which side of that line your county falls on, your state extension forage specialist is the best resource, not a seed bag's national-average planting map.

do deer like clover more than other plot options

Clover ranks at or near the top of preferred forages in most regional forage preference studies, but "favorite" changes by season, and no single plant wins every month of the year. In spring and summer, clover, soybeans, and alfalfa tend to top preference charts. In fall, acorns often beat anything you can plant, followed by brassicas after a frost, standing soybeans or corn if you've got them, and cereal grains ^[4]. The honest answer is that deer preference is regional and situational. A plot that gets hammered in one county might get ignored in another because the deer there have easier food sources (ag fields, mast crops) nearby. That's why a lot of experienced plotters plant a mix, some clover for spring/summer and general draw, a brassica plot for late season, and a cereal grain plot for early bow season attraction, rather than betting the farm on one species.

do deer eat sorghum

Yes, deer will eat grain sorghum (milo), both the standing seed heads and the foliage, but it's a summer planting, not a September one, and it's more commonly grown as a dove field or wildlife food source than a dedicated deer plot species ^[5]. Sorghum is planted in late spring once soil temps warm up, similarly to corn, and it matures over the summer. Where sorghum earns a place in deer management is as a standing grain option for late fall and winter, similar to how standing corn works, giving deer and other wildlife a high-energy food source once the growing season annuals are gone. But if you're asking what to plant this September, sorghum isn't it. It's already too late in the season to plant sorghum from seed and expect a mature crop before frost in the vast majority of the country.

do deer like honey, and does it belong in a food plot

No, this isn't a real food plot question in the agronomic sense, deer don't eat honey in any meaningful way as part of their diet, and there's no legitimate food plot seed or forage called "honey" for whitetail. What people are often actually asking about is either mock scrapes/attractant products that use scent lures, or they're thinking of "Honey Hole" branded seed blends sold under various trade names, which are just corn, brassica, or clover mixes with a marketing name. Worth flagging here too: many states regulate or outright ban baiting and supplemental feeding, and rules on things like mineral licks, feed piles, and scent-based attractants vary a lot by state and sometimes by county within a state. Food plots (standing, growing crops in the ground) are treated differently than bait piles in most states, but you should check your state wildlife agency's regulations before using any product marketed as a deer attractant, especially anything edible placed loose on the ground ^[6].

what counts as deer's favorite food overall

There's no single universal favorite, whitetail diet studies consistently show deer are opportunistic browsers whose preferences shift by season, region, and what's locally available, but acorns, soybeans, and clover show up near the top of most regional studies ^{[4] [7]}. In fall specifically, white oak acorns are often preferred over red oak acorns because they have lower tannin content and taste less bitter, something documented in forestry and wildlife extension literature for decades. Among planted forages, agricultural soybeans and clover tend to top preference trials during the growing season, while brassicas, cereal grains, and standing corn or beans take over once frost arrives and acorns start running out. If you're planning a full-season program rather than a single plot, that succession, spring/summer clover or beans, fall brassicas and grains, is the logic most state agency and university food plot guides build around ^{[1] [2]}.

what is a food plot, exactly

A food plot is a planted area of forage, grain, or browse crops established specifically to provide supplemental nutrition and, often, hunting opportunity for deer and other wildlife. Food plots range from a quarter-acre kill plot tucked into timber to 5+ acre agricultural-style fields, and they're planted with anything from a single species like clover to a multi-species blend of brassicas, legumes, and grains. Food plots serve two overlapping purposes that sometimes get confused: nutrition and hunting access. A large clover field planted for spring/summer nutrition is a management tool, it helps does raise fawns and bucks grow antlers, and it might see almost no hunting pressure. A small brassica plot tucked against thick cover, on the other hand, is often planted specifically as a hunting setup, timed so it's most attractive right when your season opens. Most state wildlife agencies and extension services distinguish food plots from baiting in their regulations, since a food plot is a standing, growing crop rather than shelled corn or minerals placed on the ground, but the legal lines differ by state, so check your specific state agency's rules before you plant anything you also intend to hunt directly over ^[6]. If you want a plan built around your soil test, your acreage, and your zone rather than a generic seed bag recommendation, that's exactly the gap a Custom Food Plot Plan is meant to fill, it's a $99 one-time report, not a subscription, and it's meant to complement, not replace, your soil test lab's specific lime and fertilizer recommendations.

how does september planting differ by zone

Zone	Typical first frost	Brassica planting window	Cereal grain / clover window
Upper Midwest / Northeast	Late Sept - early Oct	Late July - mid Aug	Late Aug - mid Sept
Transition zone (Ohio Valley, mid-South)	Mid-late Oct	Aug - early Sept	Sept - mid Oct
Deep South / Coastal Plain	Nov - Dec	Sept - early Oct	Late Sept - Nov	These windows are built off the 60-90-day-before-frost rule used by most extension programs [1], but local microclimates, elevation, and even a single field's drainage can shift things by a week or two. If you're right on a zone boundary, err toward planting earlier rather than later. A brassica plot planted two weeks early will just be a little more mature at frost; one planted two weeks late might never bulb at all. Rainfall matters as much as temperature. Cereal grains and clover both need consistent soil moisture in the first 10-14 days after seeding to germinate evenly. If your September forecast is bone dry, it can be worth waiting for a rain event even if it pushes you outside the ideal window by a few days, rather than planting into dust and hoping.

what should you actually plant this month if you had to pick one thing

If you can only manage one September planting and you're in the transition zone or Midwest, a brassica blend (turnips, radishes, a little rape) planted in the first half of the month is the highest-percentage play for a plot that peaks right around gun season and stays productive into December. It's forgiving of a range of soil types, it's genuinely different from the corn and soybeans deer are eating all summer, and the late-season sweetening effect after frost is real and well documented in extension literature ^[1]. If you're set up for early bow season instead and want green attraction fast, oats alone or an oats/clover mix gets you usable green-up in about a week and gives you a longer-term clover stand as a bonus. Either way, don't skip the soil test. Brassicas in particular are heavy nitrogen feeders and most extension guides recommend a starter application around planting plus a topdress 3-4 weeks later, but your actual rates should come from your soil test lab, not a blanket number off the internet ^[2]. For a broader breakdown of species options beyond September specifically, deer food plots and deer food plot seed cover the full-season picture, and food plot seed is a good next stop if you're still narrowing down a blend.

Frequently asked questions

Do deer eat sorghum?

Yes, deer eat grain sorghum (milo) foliage and seed heads, but it's a late-spring planting, not a September one. It matures over summer like corn, so if you're planting this month, sorghum isn't a realistic option. It shows up more often as a dove field or standing winter grain source than a dedicated fall deer plot.

Do deer eat clover?

Yes, clover is one of the most consistently preferred whitetail forages, cited by state agencies and universities as a top pick, with crude protein often in the 25-30% range. A good stand can produce for 3-5 years before needing reseeding, making it one of the better long-term investments in a food plot program.

When to plant deer food plots?

It depends on species. Fall annuals like brassicas and cereal grains go in 60-90 days before your area's first hard frost, generally August through October depending on zone. Spring/summer plots (clover, soybeans, corn) go in April-June. Check your county's average first frost date and count backward from there.

Do deer like clover?

Yes, clover ranks at or near the top in most regional deer forage preference studies, especially spring through fall. It's not the only thing deer prefer, acorns often beat it in autumn, but a well-maintained clover plot is one of the most reliably used food sources across the whitetail range.

When to plant oats for deer?

Oats can be planted late August through October depending on your zone, generally 60-75 days before first frost. They germinate in about 5-7 days, making them a good early-season attraction option, and are often planted alongside clover as a nurse crop.

When to plant food plots for deer in general?

Fall plots go in during the 60-90 day window before your area's first hard frost, roughly August in the far north down through October or November in the Deep South. Spring plots for summer nutrition (clover, beans, corn) are planted April through June once soil temps warm and frost risk passes.

When to plant turnips for deer?

Turnips need 80-90 days to mature, so plant them by early-to-mid September in the transition zone, earlier (late July-August) up north, and you can push into September or slightly later in the Deep South. Planting too late leaves you with leafy tops and no bulb.

What is a food plot?

A food plot is a planted patch of forage, grain, or browse specifically established to feed deer and other wildlife and, often, to create a hunting setup. Sizes range from small hidden kill plots to multi-acre fields, and species range from single-crop clover to multi-species brassica and grain blends.

What are deer's favorite foods?

There's no single universal favorite. Acorns (especially white oak), soybeans, and clover consistently rank near the top across regional studies, but preference shifts by season and what's locally available. Fall favorites often shift toward brassicas and grains once acorns and standing crops run low.

Do deer like honey?

No, honey isn't a meaningful part of a whitetail's diet and there's no real food plot crop by that name. People asking this are usually thinking of branded attractant products or seed blend trade names. Check your state's baiting and feeding regulations before using any edible attractant product, since rules vary widely by state.

Can I plant corn or soybeans in September?

No, corn and soybeans are spring/early-summer plantings that need a full growing season to produce grain. Planted in September, they won't mature before frost in almost any part of the country. If you have standing beans or corn from a spring planting, September is when you hunt it, not plant it.

How much brassica seed do I need per acre?

Turnips alone typically run 4-6 lbs per acre; brassica blends with radishes and rape usually run 2-4 lbs per acre since the mix includes multiple seed types. Broadcast into a clean, weed-free seedbed at about a quarter-inch depth and cultipack or drag lightly to improve seed-to-soil contact.

Should I plant a mix or a single species in September?

A mix is usually the safer bet. Many hunters combine a fast-germinating cereal grain (oats or wheat) with a slower brassica or clover, so you get early green-up plus a longer-season food source. A single-species plot works fine too, but a mix spreads your risk if weather or timing isn't perfect.

Sources

1. University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension, Brassicas for Deer: Brassica planting windows for deer food plots and maturity timelines of 80-90 days for turnips.
2. Mississippi State University Extension, Establishing and Managing Wildlife Food Plots: Seeding rates for brassica blends and starter/topdress nitrogen recommendations for brassicas.
3. University of Tennessee Extension, Wildlife Food Plots for Deer: Recommended seeding rates for oats and other cereal grains when drilled versus broadcast.
4. USDA Forest Service, Deer Habitat and Forage Preference research summaries: Regional forage preference studies showing acorns, soybeans, and clover ranking highly among whitetail deer diet components.
5. USDA NRCS Plant Guide, Grain Sorghum: Grain sorghum is a warm-season crop planted in late spring, used as wildlife food including for deer and dove fields.
6. Michigan Department of Natural Resources, Baiting and Feeding Regulations: State wildlife agencies regulate baiting and supplemental feeding of deer, with rules varying by state, and food plots are treated differently from bait piles.
7. Quality Deer Management Association / National Deer Association, Deer Diet and Nutrition resources: White oak acorns are generally preferred over red oak acorns due to lower tannin content.