Too late for a fall plot?

[totally_addicted]

So yesterday a landowner gave us permission to plant a 2 acre food plot in a field that once was an alfalfa field. We want to put it in this Saturday if we do it but are concerned that it may be too late if we get our first frosts in a few weeks. Is there any suggestions for what to do?

This piece of property is just awesome. It is a small 10 acre piece that is surrounded by 300 acres of QDMA land. There are some great bucks that we've seen using this piece in excess of 150". They used to frequent our 10 acres when the alfalfa was thick but as it has thinned so have their appearances. We'd really like what we plant to be a late season draw such as turnips. But are definitely open to more cold hardy plant like Rye. Unless, we'd be be better off waiting 'til next season and doing it earlier.

Thanks for all the advice in advance.

[Greybeard53]

Perfect time to plant winter rye.

[bigbucks]

I'm still planning on putting in Winter Rye along with Turnips & Brassicas (rape) I believe it is. The earliest I'll get it in due to bear hunting & other committments is Monday. It might not be until Thursday. What's the difference if you'd planted it two weeks ago like we did another food plot? It hasn't rained enough to matter, at least around here.

[westb]

Double cross from whitetail institute is a great one to plant this time of year.

[mrklean]

what do you think is the latest to plant a food plot i might not be up to our land till the end of september?

[BLACKJACK]

what do you think is the latest to plant a food plot i might not be up to our land till the end of september?

Anything that grows is better than nothing, give it a try. A lot depends on when we get the first frost, it could be in mid-September or it could be in October. For you and the original poster, I'd recommend the winter rye, its a little cold tolerant and deer love it.

[InTheNorthwoods]

It is too late to expect any bulb growth on turnips or radishes. I'd suggest a mix of winter rye (cereal kind, not rye grass) and clover. You could mix in some brassicas (radish, rye, turnip) and get some nice green growth that the deer may like, but the best bet this time of year is to use rye to establish a clover plot for next year.

[Jason_Gundersen]

Many people dont realize how fast winter rye actually established (a couple days) and how drought tolerant it is even just after germination

[hockeybc69]

you can grow winter rye on concrete and no rain!

Good stuff for sure.

I planted mine last weekend with clover mixed in.

[mrklean]

Local feed store a good place to pick it up?

[hockeybc69]

Yup. Bout $20 for 50 lbs.

[Gofishleech]

I paid $10.50 a bushle in park rapids. Called around and it was up to $17.00 at some places. Planted last weekend and have had no rain but its starting to grow. Deer love it all fall and will ding thru snow to get to it.

[totally_addicted]

Anyone know of a place to buy winter rye around St. Cloud or Buffalo?

[Jason_Gundersen]

Any coop/feedmill will sell it