Have you ever watched a buck walk right past your stand because your food plot was nothing more than a patch of dirt? Spring is the most critical time for deer health, yet many hunters struggle to pick the right crops. Choosing the wrong seeds can lead to wasted money, poor growth, and hungry deer that move to your neighbor’s property instead of yours.
The options in the seed aisle can feel endless and confusing. Should you plant clover, chicory, or a mix of grains? Many hunters feel overwhelmed by soil tests, planting dates, and regional weather patterns. You want a lush, green plot that attracts big deer all summer long, but the technical jargon often gets in the way of a simple, successful season.
In this guide, we will cut through the clutter and help you make the best choice for your land. You will learn which plants provide the best nutrition for antler growth and which ones stand up to the toughest weather. We will break down the science of planting into easy, actionable steps that anyone can follow. By the end of this post, you will have the confidence to turn your field into a deer magnet. Let’s dig into the details and start planning your perfect spring food plot.
Top Spring Deer Food Plot Recommendations
- Includes the newest proprietary clovers scientifically designed by the Whitetail Institute specifically for food plots for deer
- Includes WINA perennial forage chicory for maximum attraction, high protein levels, longevity, and variety
- Provides up to 44% antler-building protein
- Coated with RainBondTM for enhanced seedling survivability
- EXTREMELY cold tolerant, resistant to drought, and heat
- Packed with ANTLER-BUILDING protein
- Helps does deliver HEAVIER, HEALTHIER fawns and produce more milk
- EXTREMELY cold tolerant as well as heat and drought resistant
- Coated with RainBond for ENHANCED seedling survivability
- Lasts up to 5 years from a single planting
- 1 JUG (3.25 LBS.) = 1/2 ACRE (22,000 Sq. Ft.) - Comes in a handy reuseable container
- FINALLY, A FOOD PLOT MIX THAT DOES IT ALL - Sugar Momma provides a premier cold season food plot for extreme fall and winter attraction and year round forage and protein
- ONE PLANTING - Designed to provide food on a year-round basis with brassicas intended for fast growth and cold season forage along with perrenials designed for year round high protein forage
- Turnip, Rape and Kale for fall and winter attraction along with two varieties of clover and chicory for year round protein
- PH RANGE: 6.0 - 7.0
- Packed with ANTLER-BUILDING protein
- Helps does deliver HEAVIER, HEALTHIER fawns and produce more milk
- EXTREMELY cold tolerant as well as heat and drought resistant
- Coated with RainBond for ENHANCED seedling survivability
- Lasts up to 5 years from a single planting
- Includes specially selected cereal grains, annual clovers, brassica, radish and lettuce
- Highly attractive annual forage specifically designed for areas hard to access with farming equipment (logging roads, remote clearings, etc)
- Can be planted either in a fully prepared seedbed, or with minimal ground preparation sufficient to establish good seed-to-soil contact
- EXTREMELY drought and cold tolerant - Establishes quickly and grows rapidly
- Tolerates as little as only 3-4 hours of broken or filtered sunlight a day
![HIT LIST SEED® Shade Food Plot Seeds for Deer [Annual & Perennial] - Deer Food Plot Seed Perennial - Deer Plot Seed Mix - Clover, Forage Brassica & Ryegrass - Spring, Summer & Fall Planting - 3 lbs](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51XkTHSOp5L._SL160_._SL160_.jpg)
- Perfect: Blend of Ladino Clover, Forage Brassica, and Annual Ryegrass is ideal for low sun conditions
- Nutrient Rich: These seeds produce nutrient dense plants that deer love to eat!
- Beginners and Veterans: Great food plot blend for seasoned veterans and beginners alike - this blend germinates quickly!
- Annual & Perennial: This blend Can Be Planted Each Year and Will Also Come Back on it’s Own!
- Spring and Fall: Plant in the Spring OR the Fall in all regions!
- NUTRITIOUS & DELICIOUS - Throw & Gro contains a mixture of tetraploid ryegrass, forage clovers, and brassica selected to give your herd a fast-growing food source that's filled with vital protein and minerals; You will receive sweet, fast-growing forage
- THE PERSONAL PLOT FOR DEER - This product from Evolved Habitats can be used to create your own personal, out-of-the-way food plot for deer; These nutritious plants can be grown with zero tilling, which saves you time and energy
- NO-TILL FORMULA - This no-till forage can be planted without disking or heavy equipment, which increases your planting area options to include those spots you thought were out of reach; Throw and grow food plot that is easy to plant and grows quickly
- EASY-TO-PLANT - Spread the seeds evenly over the prepared area at the rate of 5 lbs per 1/4 acre; If the ground has not been broken with machinery, dragging the plot with fencing will help ensure ground contact with the seed
- TIME TO USE - Throw & Gro can be planted in Spring to increase protein levels available to your herd in the vital growing months; It's also perfect for planting during the Fall - once established, it'll provide tons of forage to help your herd through stressful seasons
- ANTLER KING | Bigger Bucks - Healthier Deer. The Leader in Wildlife Nutrition Products, Food Plots, Minerals and Attractants
- FALL/WINTER/SPRING FOOD PLOT SEED BLEND | This unique mix stays green all season and beyond to provide deer with much needed winter energy, plus up to 20% protein for bucks to grow next year’s rack | Plants 1/2 Acre
- COLD-TOLERANT NUTRITION | The Winter Peas in Fall/Winter Spring offer a 20-30% protein forage, are very cold tolerant and the entire plant (stem, leaves, pod) will be browsed and eaten by deer. The special variety of Fall Rye will offer a tender green food source with up to 15% protein and stay green all winter long
- 6-8" GROWTH IN 10 DAYS | Special variety of winter peas, a unique variety of fall rye, radishes and buckwheat grow extremely fast (can be 6″ tall in only 10 days) and stay green all fall and winter. If you are an avid hunter and are looking for an unbelievable hunt plot, this is it!!
- PLANTING DIRECTIONS | Plant in fall only, plant August through October. Recommended fertilizer is 19-19-19 or 15-15-15 at 300lbs. per acre. pH should be between 5.5-7.0. Can plow in spring to put nitrogen back into the soil
The Ultimate Guide to Choosing Spring Deer Food Plots
Planting a spring food plot helps deer survive the “green-up” season. It provides essential nutrition when natural food is scarce. If you want to attract more deer to your property, follow this guide to pick the best seed mixes.
Key Features to Look For
First, look for high-protein content. Spring plots need to support antler growth and nursing does. Choose mixes that offer fast-growing plants like clover, chicory, or brassicas. You also want seeds that handle local weather well. Check the bag for “germination rates.” High rates mean more seeds will grow into healthy plants.
Important Materials
Success starts with the right materials. Most spring plots rely on a mix of legumes and leafy greens. Clover is a top choice because it lasts for years. Chicory provides deep roots to survive dry spells. You will also need lime and fertilizer to balance your soil. A simple soil test kit is the most important tool you can buy.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Soil quality is the biggest factor. Always test your soil before you plant. If your dirt lacks nutrients, your plants will be small and weak. Weed control is another major factor. Weeds steal water and sunlight from your food plot. Spraying for weeds early helps your crops thrive. Finally, location matters. Deer avoid small plots in open areas where they feel unsafe. Put your plot near thick cover for the best results.
User Experience and Use Cases
Most hunters use spring plots to keep deer on their land all year. You will see deer visiting your plot daily once the plants sprout. These plots are great for scouting. You can watch the deer to see which bucks are growing well. Some hunters use these areas to take photos or videos throughout the summer. A good spring plot turns your land into a deer sanctuary.
10 Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When should I plant my spring food plot?
A: Plant when the soil warms up and the danger of frost has passed. This is usually in early to mid-spring.
Q: Do I really need a soil test?
A: Yes. A soil test tells you exactly what nutrients your dirt needs. It saves you money on unnecessary fertilizer.
Q: How big should my food plot be?
A: A half-acre is a great starting size. It is big enough to feed deer but small enough to manage easily.
Q: Can I plant in the shade?
A: Some plants like clover grow in partial shade. However, most food plots need at least six hours of sunlight.
Q: How do I stop weeds?
A: Mow the plot regularly or use a selective herbicide. Keep the area clean so the deer food can grow.
Q: Should I use fertilizer?
A: Use fertilizer if your soil test recommends it. It gives your plants the energy they need to grow fast.
Q: How long will the plot last?
A: Clover can last for several years. Other crops like annual brassicas only last one season.
Q: Will the deer eat it immediately?
A: Deer will start grazing as soon as the plants are a few inches tall. They love the fresh, green leaves.
Q: Do I need to water the plot?
A: Rain is usually enough. If you have a long dry spell, you might need to water it manually.
Q: Is it hard for a beginner to plant?
A: No. Clear the weeds, loosen the soil, scatter the seeds, and cover them lightly. It is a fun and simple project.