Introduction
Are you looking to transform your land into a wildlife magnet? Do you dream of attracting deer, turkeys, and other game animals with a lush, nutritious food plot? Then you’ve likely heard about the incredible benefits of brassicas. These versatile plants are a cornerstone of successful food plots, offering a wealth of benefits for both wildlife and the environment. But with so many options available, choosing the best brassica food plot seed can feel overwhelming. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to select the ideal seed for your specific goals and conditions, ensuring a thriving food plot and a bounty of wildlife.
Brassicas, members of the mustard family (think broccoli, cabbage, and kale), are a diverse group of plants prized for their attractiveness to wildlife, high nutritional value, cold tolerance, ease of establishment, and soil improvement qualities. They are a go-to choice for land managers and hunters seeking to create a reliable food source that can withstand the rigors of fall and winter. From plump turnips to leafy rape and hardy kale, brassicas provide a critical energy boost when natural forage is scarce. They are a cornerstone for land managers and hunters.
Selecting the right brassica seed is crucial for maximizing the benefits of your food plot. This article is designed to guide you through the selection process, covering the different brassica varieties, essential factors to consider, top seed recommendations, planting and maintenance tips, and troubleshooting common problems. By the end, you’ll be well-equipped to create a thriving brassica food plot that attracts and nourishes your local wildlife population. So, let’s delve into the world of brassicas and discover how to unlock their potential for your land.
Understanding Brassica Varieties for Food Plots
The world of brassicas is vast and varied, offering a range of options tailored to different purposes and conditions. Understanding the characteristics of each type is essential for making informed decisions about your food plot. We can group brassicas into several categories to better understand their strengths.
The Power of Turnips
Turnips are known for their bulb-forming roots and relatively fast growth. They are a popular choice for early-season attraction, as the sweet, starchy bulbs are highly palatable to deer and other wildlife. The leafy greens also provide a valuable source of nutrition. Two common varieties of turnips are Purple Top Turnips, recognized by their distinctive purple upper bulb, and Seven Top Turnips, which primarily produce leafy greens with less bulb development.
Rape’s Nutritional Punch
Rape, sometimes called canola, is a leafy brassica packed with protein. It’s an excellent choice for grazing, providing a readily available food source for deer throughout the fall and winter. Rape is also known for its rapid growth and tolerance of grazing pressure. Popular varieties include Dwarf Essex Rape, which is a low-growing variety well-suited for heavy grazing, and Forage Rape, which offers higher yields of leafy forage.
Kale for Late-Season Grazing
Kale shines as a cold-hardy, long-lasting brassica. It remains palatable and nutritious well into winter. This makes it an ideal choice for providing a late-season food source when other options are scarce. Kale is particularly beneficial in regions with harsh winters where other forage may not survive. Red Russian Kale offers a slightly sweeter flavor than other kales. Siberian Kale stands out as one of the most cold-hardy and resilient kale varieties available.
Radishes: Soil Conditioners and Attractants
Radishes are characterized by their rapid growth and soil-conditioning properties. Their deep taproots help break up soil compaction, improve drainage, and release nutrients for other plants. While wildlife will consume the radish roots, their primary benefit is soil improvement. Daikon Radish, known for its long, thick roots, is a popular choice for breaking up hardpan. Tillage Radish is similar to daikon, bred to decompose faster after winter, releasing nutrients back into the soil.
Hybrid or Blended Brassicas
Hybrid or blended brassicas combine traits from different varieties to create a superior food plot option. These blends may contain a mix of turnips, rape, kale, and radishes, offering a balanced approach to wildlife attraction, nutrition, and soil improvement. Many blends are proprietary, meaning they are unique to a specific seed company. Some prioritize early grazing, while others focus on cold-hardiness or soil health. Look for blends that are well-suited for your local climate and soil conditions, and match your overall goals.
Considerations for Choosing the Best Brassica Seed
Selecting the right brassica seed involves careful consideration of several factors. Taking the time to assess these aspects will greatly increase your chances of success.
Climate Matters for Brassicas
Your climate and region play a significant role in determining which brassica varieties will thrive. Consider both the length of your growing season and the severity of winter temperatures. Choose varieties that have enough time to mature before the first frost. Cold hardiness is another crucial factor, especially if you’re aiming for a late-season food source. Kale and certain hybrid blends are well-suited for colder climates, while turnips may be more appropriate for milder regions.
Understanding Soil Conditions
Your soil type and condition are equally important. Brassicas prefer a slightly acidic to neutral soil pH, ideally between six and seven. Testing your soil is essential for determining its pH and nutrient levels. Amend the soil with lime or fertilizer as needed to create optimal growing conditions. Brassicas also need well-drained soil to prevent root rot. Avoid planting in areas where water tends to pool or stand.
Setting Wildlife Goals
Your specific wildlife goals should also influence your choice of brassica seed. If your primary goal is deer attraction, focus on varieties like turnips and rape, which are known for their palatability. If you’re looking to provide a late-season food source, choose cold-hardy varieties like kale. Also, consider the nutritional needs of your target species. Brassicas are generally high in protein and energy, but some varieties offer a more balanced nutrient profile than others.
Budget Matters When Planning
Budget is always a factor when planning a food plot. Seed costs can vary significantly depending on the variety and quantity. Fertilizer and soil amendments can add to the overall expense. Consider the long-term benefits of your investment. A well-planned and maintained brassica food plot can provide a sustainable food source for wildlife for years to come, making it a worthwhile investment.
Planting Timing
Correct planting time is crucial for the brassicas to mature fully before the first frost. Research the ideal planting window for your chosen varieties and plant as close to that window as possible. Planting too early can lead to bolting (premature flowering), while planting too late may result in underdeveloped plants.
Brassica Seed Recommendations
Okay, now let’s get to some specific seed recommendations. Remember, the “best” choice depends on your individual circumstances, but these are some popular and reliable options:
- Forage Feast Blend: This blend contains a mix of forage rape, turnips, and kale, offering a balanced approach to wildlife attraction, nutrition, and cold hardiness.
- Pros: Versatile, adaptable to a variety of conditions, provides a consistent food source.
- Cons: May not be as specialized as single-variety plantings.
- Best for: Landowners seeking a reliable and easy-to-manage food plot.
- Radish Max: A mix of different radishes that are able to break through hard soils.
- Pros: Improved soil condition, releases nutrients that can be used for future plantings.
- Cons: May not be as palatable as other brassica options.
- Best for: Landowners looking to improve their soil health and provide a secondary food source.
- Dwarf Essex Rape: A classic choice for grazing, Dwarf Essex Rape is a leafy brassica packed with protein.
- Pros: High protein content, excellent for grazing, relatively inexpensive.
- Cons: May not be as cold-hardy as other brassicas.
- Best for: Landowners seeking a high-quality grazing option in milder climates.
Planting and Maintaining Your Brassica Food Plot
Now that you’ve chosen your seed, it’s time to plant and maintain your food plot. Here’s a step-by-step guide to success:
Prepping the Soil
Start with a soil test to determine your soil’s pH and nutrient levels. Based on the results, amend the soil with lime and fertilizer to create optimal growing conditions for brassicas. Then, prepare the seedbed through tillage or no-till methods. Tillage involves plowing or disking the soil to create a loose, even surface. No-till planting involves directly seeding into existing vegetation without disturbing the soil.
Seeding Strategies
Follow the recommended seeding rates for your chosen brassica varieties. Planting depth is also important. Brassica seeds are relatively small, so plant them at a shallow depth (about one-quarter to one-half inch). You can either broadcast the seed over the prepared seedbed or use a seed drill for more precise placement. Broadcasting involves scattering the seed by hand or with a mechanical spreader. Drilling involves planting the seed in rows at a consistent depth.
Fertilizing After Planting
Brassicas need adequate nutrients to thrive. Apply fertilizer according to soil test recommendations. Nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium are particularly important for brassica growth. Apply fertilizer at planting and again as a side-dressing several weeks later.
Weeding Out the Competition
Weed control is essential for maximizing the yield and quality of your brassica food plot. Use pre-emergent herbicides to prevent weed growth before the brassicas emerge. After the brassicas emerge, use post-emergent herbicides to control any remaining weeds.
Pest Control
Monitor your brassica food plot for common pests such as aphids and cabbage loopers. Use organic or chemical pest control methods to prevent infestations. Organic options include insecticidal soap and neem oil. Chemical options include synthetic insecticides.
Troubleshooting Common Brassica Food Plot Problems
Even with the best planning, problems can sometimes arise. Here are some common issues and how to address them:
Overcoming Poor Germination
Poor germination can be caused by several factors, including poor seed-to-soil contact, incorrect planting depth, and dry soil conditions. Ensure good seed-to-soil contact by packing the soil after planting. Plant the seed at the recommended depth and water the soil if it’s dry.
Boosting Slow Growth
Slow growth can be caused by nutrient deficiencies, weed competition, or pest infestations. Fertilize the soil according to soil test recommendations. Control weeds and pests as needed.
Increasing Attraction
Lack of attraction can be caused by overgrazing, insufficient acreage, or alternative food sources. Reduce grazing pressure by fencing off a portion of the food plot. Increase the acreage of your food plot to provide more forage. Eliminate or reduce alternative food sources that may be competing with the brassicas.
Conclusion
Choosing the best brassica food plot seed is an essential step toward creating a thriving and sustainable wildlife habitat. By understanding the different brassica varieties, considering your specific goals and conditions, and following proven planting and maintenance practices, you can create a food plot that attracts and nourishes your local wildlife population. Remember to experiment with different varieties to find what works best for your land and your target species. So, get started planning your brassica food plot today, and reap the rewards of a healthy and abundant wildlife population for years to come!
