Best Food Plot Seeds for Deer: The Dual System for Year-Round Success

Creating the perfect food plot for deer requires careful consideration of various factors. A truly effective deer food plot should provide nourishment throughout the year, withstand grazing pressure, thrive in less-than-ideal soil conditions, and be manageable without excessive equipment or maintenance. Finding the right Food Plot Seeds For Deer that meet these criteria can be challenging, but a proven system exists that checks all the boxes.

This article will explore the “Dual System of Perennial Clover and Cereal Grain,” a method favored by experienced land managers for its comprehensive benefits. This approach not only feeds deer year-round but also enhances soil health and simplifies plot management, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a sustainable and effective deer food plot solution. While primarily suited for cooler climates, the principles behind this system offer valuable insights for anyone looking to optimize their deer food plots.

Understanding the Dual System: Clover and Cereal Grain

The foundation of this system lies in the strategic combination of two key plant types: perennial clover and cereal grain. Specifically, Ladino clover, or a mix of other perennial clovers, is established as the base, complemented by cereal rye as the grain component. This pairing is particularly effective because both clover and rye are remarkably resilient and adaptable, thriving even in poor, low pH soils with minimal fertilization – conditions often found in areas designated for food plots.

In regions like zone 6B, rye proves superior to winter wheat, especially at the edge of snow belts, showcasing its hardiness and cold-weather performance. Both clover and rye exhibit almost weed-like vigor, demanding less nutrient-rich soil compared to many other plant species commonly used in food plots. However, for optimal results, conducting a soil test and amending nutrients to recommended levels is always beneficial.

Key Benefits of This Food Plot Seed System for Deer

This “Dual System” offers a multitude of advantages, making it a top choice for attracting and sustaining deer populations:

Year-Round Food Source: The combination of perennial clover and cereal rye ensures a continuous food supply for deer throughout the year. Clover provides forage during warmer months, while rye takes over in colder periods, offering vital green forage when other sources are scarce.
Resilience to Grazing Pressure: Perennial clover, once established, can withstand consistent grazing pressure, regenerating effectively even in smaller food plots. This is crucial for maintaining a productive plot despite deer feeding.
Adaptability to Poor Soil: Both clover and rye are known for their ability to grow in less-than-ideal soil conditions, reducing the need for extensive and costly soil amendments. This makes establishing food plots in challenging areas more feasible.
Low Maintenance Management: The system requires minimal heavy equipment and time-intensive maintenance throughout the year. Once established, the cycle largely manages itself with annual rye broadcasting and occasional mowing.
Cost-Effective Solution: Clover and rye seeds are generally readily available and relatively inexpensive compared to some specialized food plot seed mixes, making this system economically viable.
Natural Weed Suppression: Rye exhibits allelopathic properties, naturally suppressing early spring grasses, reducing the need for extensive herbicide use in the initial stages.
Provides Excellent Fawning Cover: As rye matures and grows tall in the spring, it provides crucial fawning cover, offering protection for young deer during vulnerable early months.
Soil Health Improvement: Clover naturally fixes nitrogen and utilizes carbon, while rye increases carbon and utilizes nitrogen. This symbiotic relationship helps balance nitrogen and carbon levels in the soil, enhancing long-term soil health and fertility.
Attracts Other Game Species: While primarily benefiting deer, this system can also provide food and habitat for other desirable game species, promoting biodiversity in the area.
Balanced Ecosystem: Unlike monoculture food plots, this dual system promotes a more balanced ecosystem, contributing to overall environmental health.
Minimal Time Investment: Managing an acre plot using this system requires relatively few hours per year compared to more intensive food plot methods.

Establishing and Managing Your Dual System Food Plot

Setting up and maintaining this dual system is straightforward, requiring a few key steps:

Soil Preparation: Begin by tilling and preparing the soil in either spring or fall. Soil testing is recommended to determine nutrient levels and guide any necessary amendments.
Clover Seeding: In early spring, broadcast Ladino clover seed along with a nurse crop such as buckwheat, oats, or barley. In early fall, wheat or rye can be used as a nurse crop. Rolling the soil after broadcasting improves seed-to-soil contact.
Rye Broadcasting: Around Labor Day each year, broadcast approximately 200 lbs of cereal rye seed per acre directly into the established clover stand.
Mowing: Immediately after broadcasting rye seed, mow the clover to mid-height or slightly lower. This allows sunlight to reach the rye seeds and reduces competition.
Dragging (Optional but Recommended): Dragging a wire harrow over the plot after mowing further enhances germination rates by scarifying thatch and ensuring seed-to-soil contact.
Winter and Spring Growth: The rye will germinate and grow throughout the fall and winter, providing green forage for deer even in cold conditions. Clover will become dormant during the colder months. In early spring, rye growth will surge, continuing to attract deer.
Fawning Cover and Clover Regrowth: As rye matures and becomes less palatable, deer will shift to grazing the clover beneath. The tall rye provides excellent fawning cover. Allow the rye to mature and produce grain, which will benefit birds and occasionally be consumed by deer.
Summer Weed Control: Once rye straw begins to collapse, you can mow or allow it to decompose naturally. This stage is also ideal for spot-spraying clover with herbicides like Butyrac 200, Clethodim, Imazethapyr, or Imox to control late-summer grasses if needed.
Cycle Restart: Repeat steps 3-5 annually around Labor Day to begin the cycle anew.

Essential Equipment

The equipment needed for this system is minimal and readily accessible:

Seed Broadcaster: For efficient and even seed distribution.
Mower: A standard mower is sufficient for managing clover height.
Sprayer: For spot-treating weeds as needed.
Disc (for Initial Clover Seeding): Primarily used for initial soil preparation when establishing clover.
Wire Drag Harrow (Optional but Beneficial): Can be pulled by an ATV or tractor to improve seed germination.

Enhancements and Considerations

Chicory Addition: Incorporating chicory with clover can add diversity and further attract deer.
Brassicas (Use Sparingly): While brassicas can be added with rye, limit their quantity as they can compete with rye and may not provide significant deer forage in early spring when rye is crucial.
Cool Climate Focus: Remember that this system is most effective in cool climate zones, roughly around zone 6. It may not perform optimally in warmer southern regions or areas with prolonged summer droughts.

Addressing Common Challenges

Beginners may encounter a few challenges, but these are easily overcome with proper technique:

Establishing Clover: Creating a good stand of Ladino clover is crucial. Use name-brand, coated seed and ensure bare soil and a nurse crop during initial seeding.
Grass Control: Late summer grass competition is a common issue in clover plots. Regular monitoring and timely spot-spraying are key to managing grasses.
Rye Broadcasting in Thatch: Ensuring seed-to-soil contact when broadcasting rye into established clover with thatch can be challenging. Mowing the clover before broadcasting and using a drag harrow are essential to overcome this.

Conclusion: A Top Choice for Deer Food Plot Seeds

The “Dual System of Perennial Clover and Cereal Grain” stands out as an exceptional method for creating effective and sustainable deer food plots. By combining the complementary benefits of clover and rye, this system provides year-round forage, improves soil health, and simplifies management. For those seeking reliable food plot seeds for deer and a proven approach to attract and nourish deer populations, this dual system is a highly recommended and time-tested solution.

Image: A thriving dual system food plot just 14 days after planting, showcasing rapid growth.

Image: Close-up view of a healthy food plot featuring both perennial clover and cereal rye, illustrating the dual system in action.