[Shady]

Im thinking about planting a food plot in my lower yard since I dont like to mow the grass back there. It is a slope (not too extreme, but enough to make mowing on a riding mower tricky but possible and push mower near heart attack) The grass grew great back there and deer regularly come through. Is it feasable to plant on a slope? Is is feasable to think that this is a better alternative to a conventional lawn that needs mowed regularly?

 

[Shady]

The entire area Im thinking about is about 200 ft wide by 150 ft long. Its a slope but i can manage my atv on it, I dont have any equiment. I was thinking about using a small powered push till to turn the dirt. I also have a retaining wall in mind to seperate the lower yard and upper yard. Should I wait for this barrier before doing anything. Will the clover creep up and take over my lawn? My other question is the spraying plan. How often should I spray?

 

[Shady]

Hmmm. OK. Ill start with the section that I really dont mow and see how it works out. You think my best option is to spray and prepare for next spring or can I get it rolling in the fall? And I have thought about clearing out the wood line and planting apple trees on the edge. This plot would be for observation and experimentation. Although, I can legally hunt it with a bow which I would do to thin out some of these does.
Dutch,

You said I can plant through the thatch. So that means when the grass is dead I dont have to worry about raking it out for turning it into the soil? Also, you dont think I need to til lime into the ground? The grass does to great in the back and I have never limed it. Natural fertilizer flow as my septic tank is buried at the top of the bank. Ill post some pics as I go along with this project.

 

[Shady]

Hmm. I actually live in North West VA. I moved from State College when I graduated but my wifes family are State College natives and we visit quite often. In fact, we will be there this weekend. Ill check out that store.

Im going to take Dutch's advice and start out with a small section first. Its an area pounded with weeds and tall grass. There are also a few rocks I need to clean up and the ground is a bit rough. It wasnt graded properly which is one of the reasons it doesnt get mowed often. Ill hit it with round up, send away soil tests, and post some pics of the progress. Hopefully I can plant this fall.

 

[Shady]

I just hit a corner in my backyard with round up today. I used a hand pump sprayer and made about 8 gallons from concentrate. Hopefully it was enough. The area is about 4700 sq ft. After the grass kills I plan on digging up some rocks and cleaning the area up a bit. Ill post some pics in a bit.

 

[Shady]

Should I be seeing some browning or death yet. I hope I didnt waste my money and time.

Scratch that comment. Very good browning today. I think I got a good kill. Cant wait to get in there and clean it up.

 

[Shady]

Food Plotters,

What about topsoil. If i spread topsoil could I plant for fall?

 

[Shady]

I went down to work on the plot today. I just had to move some of the bigger rocks for now. I was surprised to see that some clover was shooting up. I didnt plant this, it just appeared. Its from my lawn I assume. Its good to see I can grow it without even trying. I moved the rocks and turned the dirt a little by hand. The soil is looking good. Weeds came in a little. Ill spot spray later this month to get rid of them.