[HammerDown15]

What would you all recommend planting for my situation. I have been clearing about 1/2 acre, equipment access is limited and the soil is on the acidic side. It gets good sun. I don't really have the funds for proper liming and fertilization so i am just gonna take what I get. site is in Worcester co. MD and drains average but area does stay moist. Any suggestions

 

[pabonecollector]

Start out by buying a bag of pelletized lime...i recently bought a 40lb bag at tractor supply for $4.00...can't beat that..wouldn't hurt to start digging up some ground and spreading lime out.

 

[Esox_Hunter]

40# of lime isn't going to do much for a 1/2 acre area. Application rates of 1-2 tons of lime per acre are often recommended in the absense of a soil test. Also, be advised that pelletized lime does not react as quickly as fine, pulverized lime.

White clover has grown fairly well for me in less than ideal soil conditions.

 

[pabonecollector]

I was just putting out there the price in which i got it for....wasn't saying 1 40lb bag would cover his 1/2 acre haha...and i did note that pelletized lime could be put down now and wouldn't hurt due to not being able to plant for a couple months possibly.

 

[Esox_Hunter]

Sorry I misunderstood your post.

I agree with you that now (or just about anytime) is a good time to get some lime down.

 

[pabonecollector]

No problem...just wanted to clarify what i was trying to say...

 

[dce]

I just took a soil test of my property this weekend to send to PSU.It's for pasture,not a foodplot but still relevant.I called the local feed mill for lime prices.Bagged pelletitized lime was over $5/bag which would be over $200/ton.Bulk lime would cost about $50/ton for them to spread.

Personally,I'd spend the 11 bucks for a soil test and have it sent in for analysis.That way you know for sure.

 

[joe8768]

with little funds why not just plant winter rye this fall.

 

[ParkerMag35]

Brassicas are great if you are an archery hunter for a plot that size, but ready to hunt after a frost because deer will clean the plot off quick. Many brassicas will grow in a ph above 5 as well. If you are a gun hunter the I agree with joe, plant cereal grains.

 

[LONZO]

To anyone having tried to establish a food plot for 2 yrs with the deer pounding it into oblivion before it can get established, what is the cheapest way to fence it.

 

[HomeintheWoods]

Are the high number of deer impacting your habitat?

 

[LONZO]

No just a very small plot.

 

[rrroae]

If you want to plant in spring, I'd spray first with Gly(Pronto at Tractor Supply). Then lime.


I'd plant Alice white clover at 6# per acre and 50 lbs of oats.


Likely you'll still have some problems with weeds vs fall planting but the oats should make a good cover crop for the clover and help supress weeds.


Won't cost you much to try. Alice clover is $4.65 lb at Welters and you should be able to pick up a bushel of oat seeds for around $10 from your local co op. Tractor supply also usually has their Pronto on sale sometime in the spring for around $30 - $40 per 2 1/2 gallons concentrate.


Alice Clover

http://www.welterseed.com/ProductDetails.aspx?id=340