BufordBoone
Gold Member
I've created a few food plots (clover, sunflowers, etc) with limited success.
I have a JD 2355 and a Kubota L5740
Basic advice I've received was:
1 - Mow the grass
2 - Poison (Roundup, etc) the grass
3 - Turn the ground up - I've used a large, heavy disc. Always seems to take 5-10 passes.
4 - Have a soil sample analyzed.
5 - Amend the soil as per report.
6 - Spread the seed - I have a spreader that I pull behind an ATV
7 - Cover up the seed - I was told "Just drag something over the field. Fence, Cedar pole, large pallet, don't matter". I've used a large, heavy pallet.
My problem areas:
Turning the ground. I have a 3-bottom plow (never used) should I plow the ground before running the disc?
Would it be better to just get a tiller?
Covering the seed - My plots don't seem to grow uniformly. For example, I created 3 strips of sunflowers. None of the strips have plants in the entire strip. Also, the areas that do have plants are not aligned. I suspect a planting issue. I'm not real sold on the "just drag something over it".
What additional implements , if any, would you recommend for making a food plot?
Cultipacker? - My reading appears to indicate it just breaks soil up. i have a friend that uses his after seeding.
Seeder?
No-Till Seeder?
Spring cultivator?
Spike tooth harrow?
Chain harrow?
I suspect there is a bit of overlap.
I don't mind getting another implement but I'd rather have as few as necessary.
Food plots are a hobby, after all. Besides, hogs will tear them up each year.
I'd love to hear what works for you.
Thanks.
I have a JD 2355 and a Kubota L5740
Basic advice I've received was:
1 - Mow the grass
2 - Poison (Roundup, etc) the grass
3 - Turn the ground up - I've used a large, heavy disc. Always seems to take 5-10 passes.
4 - Have a soil sample analyzed.
5 - Amend the soil as per report.
6 - Spread the seed - I have a spreader that I pull behind an ATV
7 - Cover up the seed - I was told "Just drag something over the field. Fence, Cedar pole, large pallet, don't matter". I've used a large, heavy pallet.
My problem areas:
Turning the ground. I have a 3-bottom plow (never used) should I plow the ground before running the disc?
Would it be better to just get a tiller?
Covering the seed - My plots don't seem to grow uniformly. For example, I created 3 strips of sunflowers. None of the strips have plants in the entire strip. Also, the areas that do have plants are not aligned. I suspect a planting issue. I'm not real sold on the "just drag something over it".
What additional implements , if any, would you recommend for making a food plot?
Cultipacker? - My reading appears to indicate it just breaks soil up. i have a friend that uses his after seeding.
Seeder?
No-Till Seeder?
Spring cultivator?
Spike tooth harrow?
Chain harrow?
I suspect there is a bit of overlap.
I don't mind getting another implement but I'd rather have as few as necessary.
Food plots are a hobby, after all. Besides, hogs will tear them up each year.
I'd love to hear what works for you.
Thanks.