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Post by marine3077 on Feb 17, 2010 11:20:55 GMT -5
ok so here it is gettin to be that time of year to start to think about food plots. well im putting in about 5 acres of new plots on my preperty. I know to plow and soil sample and all that stuff. Since i am in the military my time at home is short and must manage my time the best i can. I will not be doing a soil sample but will be puttin pelletized lime and the basic 10-10-10 fertilizer. well thats the idea. is there anything specail i need to do besides this? i am thinking about ruling our the fertilizer but not sure. My plan is to lime and fertilize early and then plant later in the summer. is that a good idea or should the fertilizer wait? and I have heard of people using round up to kill the vegitation but im not doing that. any tips from you guys will be great. i can access the plots with tractor or atv to plow and everything so that is not a problem.
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Post by mudduck on Feb 17, 2010 15:13:29 GMT -5
Do the soil sample. Unless you know what kind of soil you have it really is a must. That way you know what the soil requires (how much lime and fertilizer type) in order to have a successful plot. Don't mean to be a pessimist but, if you're not going to put in the time and research, the result will be disappointing. Contact your local soil conservancy, they'll help you out.
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Post by marine3077 on Feb 18, 2010 4:35:24 GMT -5
that is true and i agree. but since im stationed in SC my time at home is very limited along with how often i can get home. you know of a place with a very fast turn around for the soil sample? my plan was to use the basic triple 10 with pelletized lime if i was unable to do a soil sample. i may end up gettin one of the soil tester tools. i got some time still so i havent decided fully on my route of action.
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Post by mudduck on Feb 18, 2010 8:05:00 GMT -5
Do you have a hunting partner that can help you? If not, I would take the sample in early spring, give it to soils cons. as I mentioned before and in a couple of weeks you should have the results.
I am recommending you to do this because you said you are planting five acres. It can start to get expensive and it gets frustrating when the results aren't what you expected. Trust me, I learned the hard way.
Since you are stationed in SC and I assume are hunting in SOMD you can have a lime/fertilizer company come in and lime and fertilize your plot(s). Good luck to you!!
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Post by THE DEER HUNTER on Feb 18, 2010 9:03:09 GMT -5
I have always heard that if you cannot get a soil sample, then use extra lime. As mudduck mentioned though, planting 5 acres is pretty expensive, so I'd find a way to sample the soil.
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Post by Hunting Addict on Feb 18, 2010 15:51:11 GMT -5
You can always get one of these and do your own soil sample. www.mossyoakbiologic.com/Scripts/prodView.asp?idproduct=19However this only does your pH leveles but they are the most important when it comes to the amount of lime. I think you can get do it yourself soil sample test at Southern States but I may be wrong. |
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Post by Hunting Addict on Feb 18, 2010 15:53:55 GMT -5
If you are in a bind with time then it never hurts to put down some lime before you plant. I would add 10-10-10 to it the same day you plant it and then when ever you come home after it comes up. Especially if it's going to rain.
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Post by bigbucksniper on Feb 18, 2010 18:07:04 GMT -5
What kinda plot you looking to put in?? I would do the soil sample so you don't spend the money on seed and get poor results
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Post by marine3077 on Feb 20, 2010 23:41:39 GMT -5
Thanks for the tips guys. I actually do have a hunting partner to help me, actually more than one. My goal is to have it in the ground during the spring time so that the deer have time to find it and get the protein for the upcomin season. We have picked evolved harvest food plot seed Pro Graze as our product we are going to go with. It is perinial or how ever you spell it. I will talk to the southern states in la plata about the soil sample. That was were i worked before i joined the military. Do you guys suggest using round up to kill the vegetation before plowing or just plow it all up? I am probly just going to plow it all up to save time and a little bit of money
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Post by osprey on Feb 21, 2010 8:39:31 GMT -5
Unless you have very thick vegetation you can skip the Roundup. There will be so many weed seeds in the ground that once you till it you're going to get fresh weeds and grasses sprouting.
Not sure what's in that mix, but if it's clover based you can use Arrest and Slay on clover to kill weed competition after it's growing well, 3-6" high weeds. Also, don't put much nitrogen on clover (the first number in the 10-10-10 type #s). Clovers fix their own nitrogen, adding more will just encourage weeds and grasses. Try to find an 0-10-10 or 5-20-20 type fertilizer mix for clover.
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