[angus]

These are the 2 main plots on our property in Tioga county. We have several smaller ones as well but did not have the time this weekend. We decided to try something a little different this fall. We have been making our own seed blends for years and have had great success not only attracting wildlife but, improving it as well. We decided to try some commercial blends to compare. Testing and trying different methods is the best way to nail the perfect food source for your area. The Blends we used were:

Whitetail Institute Double Cross
http://www.whitetailinstitute.com/products/double/

PlotSpike Forage Feast.

http://www.plotspike.com/foragefeast.htm

Teh soil is in good condition and there has been a lot of rain this summer as well.


This is field B. It is 75 yards by 25-30 yards in size. On each end we planted PlotSpike. In the middle there is about 10x25 yard section of Purple Top Turnips planted separately from the PlotSpike. My father loves his turnips so, we incorporated them into the plot without affecting the commercial seed (we hope anyway).

Plot A is 50% PlotSpike and 50% Double Cross. The field is split right down the middle to try and gauge which the deer prefer more when grow side by side.

I will log the results this season to compare these commercial seed blends.

 

[pabowhuntR]

Plots look good. Keep us updated.

 

[Guest]

Those plots look real nice.

Have you considered dropping some of the trees on either side of the plot to allow for more sunlight and to allow the area to thicken up a bit? You wouldn't have to drop all the trees, but some might help. Leave the tops lay and use the rest for firewood? The tops will help protect from browsing any seedlings that get started.

 

[angus]

Those plots look real nice.

Have you considered dropping some of the trees on either side of the plot to allow for more sunlight and to allow the area to thicken up a bit? You wouldn't have to drop all the trees, but some might help. Leave the tops lay and use the rest for firewood? The tops will help protect from browsing any seedlings that get started.

Whenever the loggers come back they will be taking some of the trees in the fence rows along side of the fields. It is a little more open than it looks in the pics. These pics were taken early morning before the sun really got up. the plots get some really good full sun for a good while through the day. There is a thick patch of woods between them that teh deer use a lot. I do not want to disturb this area too much. The left side of plot B is pretty much field with a few trees mixed in. The trees along side of the fields do not really block too much sun. We have had plots in these fields for the last 6 years with great success.

 

[angus]

Went up to Tioga this weekend. The clover in the Double Cross is looking pretty good but, brassicas are not looking good. The turnips are all but gone and the PlotSpike has a couple peas growing and the rye. Way too much rain. most of the seed rotted adn what did germinate is now turning brown from root rot. If it dries out over the next week or two we may be able to replant. If not, looks like these fields are going to suffer this fall/winter. I didn't take any pics because I forgot my camera at home. I am heading back up in a couple weeks and will get some pics then.

 

[Guest]

Brassica doesn't like it too wet and that may have been a problem for you. Mine are doing well, on a bit of a slope. Just didn't get the seed the whole way to the edge of the plot.