Have you ever been taken aback by the seemingly high prices of pre-packaged food plot seeds? Walking into a store, ready to create a haven for wildlife, you might encounter bags promising lush plots and attracting deer, only to find a hefty price tag attached. It’s natural to wonder, “Is planting a food plot really going to break the bank before I even get started?” The good news is, establishing productive wildlife forage doesn’t have to be expensive. In fact, sourcing the cheapest food options for your food plots can be surprisingly straightforward.
Many pre-mixed seed bags boast attractive branding and celebrity endorsements, contributing to a perception of premium value. However, when you examine the contents, you’ll often find a blend of common forages like rape, turnips, and radishes. These are effective and beneficial seeds, no doubt, but are they worth the inflated cost when purchased in these pre-packaged formats? Often, the answer is no. The reality is, the core components of a successful food plot are quite simple: suitable land, quality seeds, adequate water, and potentially fertilizer. While specialized forage varieties exist for different climates and soil types, the fundamental seeds themselves aren’t inherently rare or expensive.
The secret to accessing the cheapest food for your wildlife plots lies in exploring bulk seed options. Local farm supply stores are treasure troves of affordable seeds. Instead of relying on pre-made mixes, consider creating your own custom blend. For instance, a mix of turnips, radishes, rape, and cowpeas, purchased in bulk, can drastically reduce your planting expenses. Imagine covering a larger area for a fraction of the cost of those branded bags. The savings can be significant, allowing you to invest more in other aspects of land management or simply enjoy more plots for the same budget. One example demonstrates planting over an acre and a half for under $15 by using a homemade bulk seed blend.
This approach begs the question: is there a significant difference between bulk bin seed and the seeds in those expensive bags? While seed quality can vary, the key differentiator for food plots often comes down to selecting varieties suited to your specific region and climate. Local suppliers are more likely to stock seed varieties that are proven performers in your area. Therefore, opting for bulk seeds from a reputable farm supply store can not only provide the cheapest food option but also ensure you’re planting varieties well-adapted to your environment. By bypassing the marketing and packaging costs associated with retail seed bags, you unlock substantial savings and gain more control over your food plot investment.
