Food Plot

[Jakestir]

I planted some turnips for a food plot this year. Do I need to spray the plants with anything to keep the deer from destroying my plot before the plants are mature? I notice some deer tracks on my plot and i can see where the turnips are starting to grow, but I am afraid the deer are eating them as soon as they come up.

Deer always prefer the new growth over old growth except with those type plants that get tasty after the first cold snap/frost. That's why one should mow clover and alfalfa several times a year. I thought turnips was one of those plants that once it turns cold the tops turn to sugar. but hey I could be wrong.

[Jakestir]

After the first cold snap the tops do turn to sugar. I am a little nervous that after all that work of planting the deer are going to destroy the plot before I get to see some results out of my plot.

I think they will leave it alone till its just right. they are way better foods for them to eat, stuff they perfer, out there. they will get into it when its time.

[Jakestir]

Thanks Ronn

[Hunting Man]

Remember if they're eating it then you've done your job. All those good neutrients are going where they're susposed to. I have had my plots look like a paved parking lot by early October. Most of the neutrients should be given during the antlergrowing/fawning time period. Food plots for harvesting can be planted anytime. Those late plants like sugarbeets,turnips,rape all are called brassicas. As ronn said the sugar content forms after the first frost and the deer will mow them down after that. Some are very high in protien also. Throughout the fall I've had them paw at the big bases but not really stay and eat them. The bases will rot in the spring and you just start again.

[Jakestir]

I planted rape and turnips. I just visited my plot today and all is looking good. Deer tracks everywhere but looks like it is starting to come in fine. Last time I checked it out there were only a few plants coming up and deer tracks everywhere. I was just nervous they were eating them right as they were coming up. All is good in the great state of IL

[delbert]

my deer will eat turnips late into winter,they paw them out,,they dont taste bad.

i used that Imperials No Plow it has a couple clovers a rye grass and a plant like turnip but no tuber. so its a all season thing.

[Jakestir]

have any of you planted that Throw and Grow? I have a couple other spots I want to plant but I am running out of time. Can you really just broadcast it and rake it in?