Elite Pursuit

There is a number of variations to this procedure, but below is what I have found works darn good for me. Remember to check the back of your seed bag for planting times according to your location.

After you have chosen your plot location, the first thing you need to do is take a soil sample from a number of different spots. You can either take that sample to your local mill, send it out and have it tested, or use a water kit. There are also pH meters that you can buy that are quick and easy to use. Either way, it will tell you what to apply in order to get the pH level where it needs to be.

The next step is to spray the field with a herbicide to kill off all the weeds. This step may need to be done twice to get them all. Normally it takes 7-10 days for the herbicide to do its job. When your weeds are all killed off, work the ground until it is good and loose. This can be accomplished with a plow, disc, or a rototiller. You may have to go over your plot multiple times depending on the ground. After your plot has been turned over, you need to apply the correct fertilizer or lime, according to what your pH test showed and disc it into the soil.

Now you are ready for seed. I have found that a hand crank spreader works best to spread the small seed that is typical of food plots. Check your bag of mix and apply seed as directed, making sure you get total coverage. Next, drag your plot to lightly cover the seed. This can be done with something as simple as an old set of bed springs or piece of fence. Most seeds shouldn't be planted very deep, so don't over drag it.

Now is the fun part. Sit back and watch it grow. I hope this helps you grow a great food plot this year. There's nothing better than harvesting an animal over something that you have spent your time and hard earned money on.

Bruce Curtis