Calculate exact seed quantities, fertilizer, lime, and total planting cost for any deer food plot size and seed mix.
A well-planned deer food plot is one of the highest-return investments you can make for consistent deer sightings and a healthier herd. Getting the seed rate and soil amendments right from the start prevents the most common failure mode — thin stands from under-seeding or nutrient-deficient soil. This calculator covers the five most popular deer attractant and nutrition seed types and accounts for fertilizer and lime on new plots.
The most effective deer food plots match plant selection to your region, soil type, and hunting objectives. A single-species plot can excel for one goal while underperforming for another. Many land managers plant a blend of two or three species to extend the season and provide both attraction and nutrition.
New Plot Soil Prep: Always lime to raise pH before planting. Most food plot species prefer pH 6.0-7.0. Apply 2 tons of agricultural lime per acre on new plots and allow 60-90 days before planting when possible. Follow with 300 lbs of 10-10-10 fertilizer per acre, or use a soil test for precision.
A common guideline is 1-3% of your total property in food plots. For a 100-acre property, that is 1-3 acres. If hunting pressure is high or natural food sources are limited, push toward 3-5%. Multiple small plots (0.25-0.5 acres) scattered through timber are often more effective than one large plot.
Plant brassicas 90-100 days before you want deer to start using the plot heavily. In most of the whitetail range, that means a planting window of late July through mid-August. Brassicas typically become attractive after the first hard frost (28°F or colder) converts their starches to sugars.
A soil test is the single most cost-effective step you can take. A test costs $15-20 at most county extension offices and tells you exactly how much lime and fertilizer your specific ground needs — saving you from over-applying amendments or watching a plot fail due to pH problems. Test every 2-3 years.
Yes. Small plots under 0.5 acres can be hand-broadcast after loosening the soil with a hand rake or garden tiller. Brassicas, clover, and cereal rye are the easiest hand-broadcast options. For larger plots, a 4-wheeler with an ATV spreader and drag works well without a full-size tractor.
Deer will eat soybean seedlings to the ground before plants can establish if pressure is high. Protect small plots with temporary electric fencing until plants reach 18-24 inches tall. Remove the fence in late July to allow deer access through fall and winter when pods are mature.