For those passionate about wildlife and hunting, the anticipation of fall is often intertwined with the preparation of Fall Food plots. Much like the reward of a successful hunt, the process of planting and nurturing these plots can be deeply satisfying. If you’re looking to enhance your land for wildlife this fall, focusing on creating weed-free fall food plots is a crucial step. This guide, based on years of hands-on experience, will walk you through a detailed, step-by-step approach to ensure your fall food plots are not only successful but also significantly reduce weed competition.
My journey with planting food plots spans over 25 years, and during this time, I’ve developed a method that, while perhaps unconventional, has proven incredibly effective in achieving weed-free plots. The key is starting early and taking a proactive approach throughout the spring and summer months, long before planting your fall food mixes. This preemptive strategy is especially beneficial if, like me, you prefer fall plantings and find spring seasons a bit less demanding in terms of plot preparation. Let’s delve into the process that has consistently delivered excellent results for my fall food plots in central Illinois.
Step 1: April – The Initial Groundwork and Soil Assessment
The foundation of weed control in your fall food plots is laid in April. At this time, the remnants of last year’s plots are typically overgrown with weeds. This is the ideal moment to initiate the cleanup process. Begin by spraying your plots with a herbicide like Roundup, incorporating a product such as Plot Max to enhance the effectiveness of the weed control. Simultaneously, this is the perfect opportunity to take soil samples. Understanding your soil’s composition and pH levels is crucial for determining the necessary amendments for optimal plant growth later in the season.
Step 2: Late April/Early May – Liming and Deep Discing
Approximately two weeks after the initial herbicide application, it’s time to address soil pH and begin the physical preparation of the plot. Apply lime to all your fall food plot areas as indicated by your soil test results. Lime helps to neutralize soil acidity, making nutrients more accessible to your desired plants. Following liming, disc the plots as deeply as your equipment allows – ideally around 8 inches. This deep discing not only incorporates the lime effectively but also turns the soil, preparing it for the subsequent weed control steps.
Step 3: June – The Second Wave of Weed Control
By June, disturbing the soil through discing will likely have encouraged a new flush of weed growth from dormant seeds brought to the surface. This is a critical juncture for the second herbicide application. Spraying again at this stage targets these newly germinated weeds, significantly reducing the weed seed bank in your plot. Remember, each time you till or disturb the soil, you inevitably awaken weed seeds that have been waiting for the right conditions to sprout. This second spray is a proactive measure to minimize future weed issues.
Step 4: Mid-July – Pre-Planting Weed Management
In mid-July, conduct a final herbicide application to eliminate any weed growth that has emerged since the June spraying. While it might seem repetitive, this step is instrumental in achieving truly weed-free fall food plots. My philosophy is clear: a weed-free plot provides the best possible environment for your chosen fall food mix to thrive, without competition for nutrients, sunlight, and space.
Step 5: Early August – Planting and Fertilization
The first couple of weeks in August mark the ideal planting window for fall food plots in many regions. Begin by spreading fertilizer across all your prepared plots, adhering to the recommendations for your chosen seed mix. After fertilization, lightly disc the area again, but this time, keep it shallow – no more than 2 inches deep. The goal here is to incorporate the fertilizer without bringing up another wave of dormant weed seeds. For seed, consider a mix like Antler King Honey Hole, a popular choice for fall food plots. When it comes to seed coverage, I advocate for a natural approach. Instead of dragging or burying small seeds, I rely on rainfall to naturally incorporate them into the soil. If you prefer to cover the seeds, do so very lightly, ensuring they are no deeper than 1/4 inch to avoid hindering germination.
Step 6: Key Considerations for Fall Food Plot Success
Beyond the step-by-step soil preparation, there are a couple of crucial tips to keep in mind for maximizing the success of your fall food plots. Firstly, always adhere to the recommended seeding rates for your chosen seed mix. Over-seeding can lead to overcrowding and reduced plant vigor. Secondly, and equally important, delay fertilizer application until the time of planting. Many fall food plot mixes benefit from fertilizers high in nitrogen; however, nitrogen also fuels weed growth. By applying fertilizer only at planting, you give your desired plants a competitive advantage, allowing them to establish quickly and outcompete any remaining weeds.
By following these “outside-the-box” methods, you can significantly enhance your fall food plot planting efforts. Even if it’s already July, there’s still ample time to implement these preparation steps before your August planting. Embrace this proactive approach to land management, and look forward to more successful and weed-free fall food plots. Happy planting!
