Creating the ideal habitat for deer often involves thinking beyond just food plots. While nutritional food sources are crucial, providing excellent cover and screening is equally important for deer to thrive. Real World Wildlife Products understands this holistic approach, and for years, they have been dedicated to offering solutions that benefit wildlife land managers. One such innovative product is Real World Giant Miscanthus, a remarkable plant that serves as an exceptional screening solution and contributes indirectly to a healthy deer habitat. If you’re wondering Where To Buy Deer Food in the context of long-term habitat improvement, considering plants like Giant Miscanthus is a smart move.
Understanding Real World Giant Miscanthus
For a long time, Real World customers sought a reliable plot screen product. Many annual plants were tested, but none met Real World’s high standards for longevity and effectiveness. They needed something that wouldn’t just look good temporarily but would endure and perform its function throughout the year and across multiple seasons. President of Real World Wildlife Products, Don Higgins, discovered miscanthus grass and was immediately impressed by its potential for wildlife habitat. After extensive research and testing of various miscanthus cultivars, Real World focused on a specific variety, ultimately partnering with the patent holder to bring Real World Giant Miscanthus to the market. This is not just any miscanthus; it’s specifically selected for superior screening capabilities due to its dense leaf structure and impressive height.
Planting graphic showing rhizome spacing for Real World Giant Miscanthus, essential for creating effective deer habitat screens.
What Exactly is Miscanthus?
Miscanthus is a perennial grass originating from Asia, known for its impressive growth, often reaching heights of 12 feet or more. Its stalks resemble bamboo and are about 3/8” in diameter. Importantly, this variety is non-invasive and doesn’t produce viable seeds, making it a responsible choice for habitat management. While primarily used for biofuel due to its high yield, miscanthus is also incredibly valuable for wildlife due to its rapid growth, minimal nutrient needs, and resistance to pests and diseases. For those looking at where to buy deer food alternatives that enhance habitat, miscanthus offers a long-lasting, low-maintenance solution.
Propagation and Growth
Real World Giant Miscanthus is grown from rhizomes, which are root-like pieces. Since it’s sterile, propagation is through rhizome division, not seeds. These rhizomes are planted about 4 inches deep, spaced 18 inches apart in rows that are 18-24 inches apart. Each plant expands about 4-6 inches annually, gradually forming a dense hedge. For an effective screen, planting 3-5 rows is recommended. This methodical planting ensures a robust and continuous screen, vital for creating secure areas within deer habitat.
A dense wall of Real World Giant Miscanthus, showcasing its effectiveness as a natural screen for wildlife, contributing to safe deer zones.
Geographic Adaptability
A key advantage of Real World Giant Miscanthus is its wide geographic adaptability. It has been successfully grown from the Gulf Coast region all the way into southern Canada, proving its tolerance to diverse climates, from tropical heat to colder northern conditions. This versatility makes it a reliable choice for habitat managers across a large range of locations.
Geographic map highlighting the regions where Real World Giant Miscanthus thrives, demonstrating its broad applicability for deer habitat enhancement across different climates.
Establishing Real World Giant Miscanthus for Optimal Deer Habitat
Planting rhizomes in the spring, once the ground is workable, is ideal. While tilling the soil beforehand can speed up establishment, it’s not essential. Plant rhizomes 4 inches deep and 18 inches apart, with rows spaced 18-24 inches apart. Remember, these plants will expand each year, filling in gaps to create a solid screen. Moisture is crucial, especially in the initial stages. Ground temperatures of 60°F and adequate moisture promote healthy growth. Miscanthus is adaptable to a pH range of 5.5 to 7.5. Weed control is important in the first year, especially against broadleaf weeds. Common corn herbicides like Atrazine and 2,4-D can be used effectively. Applying Atrazine immediately after planting in a weed-free bed is recommended.
Rhizome Storage Guidelines
It’s best to plant your miscanthus rhizomes as soon as you receive them. If immediate planting isn’t possible, they can be stored for 2-4 weeks in refrigeration to maintain dormancy. Crucially, do not freeze the rhizomes.
Expected Growth Timeline
In the first year, expect 1-3 stalks per rhizome, ranging from 1 to 8 feet tall, depending on conditions. By the second year, each plant should produce 5-7 stalks, reaching 4-12 feet in height. In the third year, clusters will be about 14 inches in diameter with 20-25 stalks, standing 10-12 feet tall. After the third year, the clusters will merge, creating a continuous, dense screen, offering excellent year-round cover for deer and other wildlife.
Miscanthus rhizomes, the starting point for growing Real World Giant Miscanthus, crucial for establishing robust deer habitat screens.
Maintenance and Fertilization
Avoid fertilizing in the planting year. From the second year onwards, a light to moderate application of high-nitrogen fertilizer like urea (46-0-0) in the spring can boost growth.
Creating the Ultimate Wildlife Screen
For the most effective screening, combine Real World Giant Miscanthus with Real World Switchgrass. Start by preparing a 12-15 feet wide seedbed the fall before planting. In late winter, frost seed Real World switchgrass at no more than 4 lbs per acre into this seedbed. In early spring, plant 3 rows of Real World Giant Miscanthus within the same seedbed. Plant the first row in the center and then one row 2-3 feet on each side. Control weeds in the first year with Atrazine and 2-4D as needed. This combination creates a virtually impenetrable screen, offering unparalleled security and habitat structure.
Where to Buy Real World Giant Miscanthus
Real World Wildlife Products is where to buy deer food alternatives like Giant Miscanthus rhizomes, designed to enhance your property for wildlife. They offer rhizomes in bags of 100 and bulk bags of 5,000 or 10,000. You can order directly from their website Real World Wildlife Products. Orders for the 2025 planting season are now open, with options for:
- Bags of 100 rhizomes: $91.99 plus shipping
- Bulk bags of 5,000 rhizomes: $3,200.00 plus shipping (Contact for bulk orders)
- Bulk bags of 10,000 rhizomes: $5,500.00 plus shipping (Contact for bulk orders)
When ordering online, note that Real World Miscanthus has a predetermined ship date you select. If you purchase other items in the same transaction, those may incur a separate shipping charge.
Quick Answers to Common Questions:
- Wet Areas? Miscanthus doesn’t tolerate flooding. Consider Real World Switchgrass for wet areas.
- Sunlight Needs? Similar to corn, Miscanthus needs full sunlight, adequate water, and freedom from competition.
- Transplanting Rhizomes? No, Real World Giant Miscanthus is patented, and unauthorized propagation is prohibited.
- How Many Rhizomes? Refer to the planting graphic provided for density recommendations based on your screening needs.
Choosing Real World Giant Miscanthus is an investment in long-term habitat improvement. While not direct deer food, it provides essential screening and cover, contributing significantly to a healthier and more secure environment for deer and other wildlife on your property. Visit Real World Wildlife Products today to place your order for the 2025 planting season and take the first step in transforming your land into a wildlife haven.
