Is it a good idea to plant turnips and radishes during the spring?

By Grant Woods, 01/14/2016

← Grant's Answers — Food Plots

Question

Dr. Grant;

I have tried planting Eagle Seed soybeans the past two years on my property; I have not obtained the success I was hoping for but I am not able to drill the beans; I have had to broadcast them which I’m sure is the reason for this. I need or would like food year round and I am lacking a summer food source.

I have had a lot of luck with Maximum and Deer Radish for my fall plots. What is your thought on planting turnips and radishes in the spring? My deer herd will start eating the turnips well before the first frost of the year. I would assume that I would need to cut down and replant these plots for my fall/winter food plots late summer to early fall. I would also like to add wheat to my plots. Have you had any luck with Eagle Seed Monster Buck Wheat?

Thanks for the help again

Aaron Olson

Aaron,

Both turnips and radishes tend to mature much quicker when planted during the spring. This results in these crops becoming non palatable to deer rapidly. You might try buckwheat as the seed is relatively small and often grows well when broadcast into a good seedbed. Many folks have great success broadcasting soybeans into a well-prepared seedbed just before or during a rain. The rain serves to help bury the seed and the soil moisture ensure rapid germination. If lack of germination is causing the poor performance you might give this technique a try.

I have used Eagle’s Monster Buck Wheat and have been very pleased with the results.

Enjoy creation,

grant

January 14, 2016