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Introduction
Food plots are widely used by landowners to improve wildlife habitat. Food plots can be used to attract animals for harvest or viewing. Annual food plots are expensive to establish and maintain but perennial food plots may be less costly. In general, food plots are an expensive attempt to improve wildlife habitat. Food plots have little or no wildlife value if food plots are established at the expense of maintaining cover. Wildlife needs both adequate food and cover within a reasonable distance of each other.

In general, food plots should be linear and 1 to 2 acres in size. In order to have a significant impact on wildlife habitat, 10 % of the land area should be maintained in food plots. Rarely can a landowner afford to dedicate this much land to food plots. Remember that even a few properly placed and properly maintained food plots can improve wildlife habitat. Food plots should be integrated into a broad plan to improve and maintain suitable wildlife habitat.

General Tips for Food Plot Establishment

1 - Most woodland soils in our area are low in phosphorus and tend to be acidic. Always get a soil test and follow the recommendations for applying lime and fertilizer. Your local County Extension Office can provide information on taking a soil sample.

2 - Prepare the soil by plowing or disking and smoothing the seedbed.

3 - Seeding can be done by hand or with broadcast equipment. Seed should be covered lightly (1/4 to ½ inch in most cases).

4 - Food plots should be long and narrow with some curves or bends to give wildlife a sense of security. A rule of thumb is 1 acre of food plot for every 10 acres of habitat. Plot width should be between 75 and 150 feet. A rule of thumb is 2-3 times wider than the height of the adjacent trees.

5 - Avoid dry ridges or rocky soil. Avoid dry southern or southwestern exposures. Northern exposure is good but too much shade will not allow your food plants of grow and will tend to be too cool in winter. A minimum of 50% sunshine is recommended. Locate the food plot near adequate escape or roosting cover or construct cover if it is lacking. Seek advice from the extension office or a consultant.

6 - Insure that the food plots are producing a crop year round. Several varieties - planted in strips or sections of the plot - will help. Perennial food plots are less expensive to maintain than annual plots.

7 - Consider providing water in inexpensive troughs near the food plot if it is not available from natural sources.

8 - Keep records of planting dates, seeding rates, lime and fertilizer applications and wildlife production. This will help locate productive areas and eliminate spending effort on unproductive areas. Also, these records will help determine causes of food plot failure and direct recommendations for improvement.

General Plant Recommendations

These plants are commonly grown in food plots in Georgia and the southeast. Check with your Wildlife Specialist or County Extension Agent for additional information on uses of these plants in wildlife food plots.