Food Plots 101: Pre-Planting Preparation

With spring rapidly approaching Cody, Dad and I are currently preparing to plant our yearly food plots. While plowing, planting and watching the plots grow is extremely rewarding, an oft forgotten aspect of food plotting is the planning and pre-planting processes. Like a wise man once said, “Failing to prepare, is preparing to fail.”

When one decides they want to plant a food plot, the first task is to select a location, and even this isn’t as fool proof as it would seem! Plot experts typically recommend that plots be planted in a north-south orientation in order to allow the plots maximum sunlight to maximize photosynthetic activity and plant growth. Also, it is extremely important to understand the soil and drainage characteristics of your selected area. For example, we have one plot that is extremely well drained as it is made up predominantly of sand. This plot, in the past, has given us trouble as we’ve ignored this. This year, however, we will be planting Imperial Whitetail Extreme which is specifically engineered for these “extreme” conditions where water may be limited and soil conditions not ideal.

Along with understanding the soil type it is of the utmost importance to conduct a pH test on the soil in the area. We collect soil and send it to the Whitetail Institute in Alabama. They analyze the soil and send us back a report with suggested amounts of lime and other nutrients that should be applied to create optimal growing conditions. The Whitetail Institute as well as Mossy Oak Biologic will both conduct these analysis for a minimal fee. And, let me tell you, this simple test can ultimately be the difference between success and failure in a food plot.