Why Turnip Food Plots Are a Game-Changer
Turnips have earned a top spot in wildlife management for good reason. These fast-growing brassicas provide high-protein leafy greens in early fall and energy-packed bulbs in the colder months. When planted correctly, turnip food plot seed can produce high-tonnage, digestible forage that draws deer from early bow season through the heart of winter.
In this complete guide, we’ll walk through every step of the process—selection, timing, soil prep, planting, and maintenance—so you can create a reliable, long-lasting food source that keeps deer on your property.
Understanding Turnip Food Plot Seed
Turnips (Brassica rapa) belong to the brassica family, alongside rape, kale, and radishes. They’re favored in food plots because they:
- Grow quickly—reaching maturity in 60–90 days.
- Provide both top growth and underground bulbs for extended forage availability.
- Thrive in cool-season planting windows.
- Offer high protein (15–20%) and digestible energy content.
Pro Tip: While single-species turnip food plot seed works well, blending with other brassicas or clovers can extend forage life and diversify nutrition.
Best Turnip Varieties for Food Plots
Not all turnip varieties perform equally for wildlife. Consider these popular options:
- Purple Top Turnips: The most common choice, known for large, sweet bulbs and tender tops.
- Barkant Turnips: Higher leaf production, excellent for early fall grazing.
- Appin Turnips: Exceptional regrowth potential, making them ideal for rotational browsing.
- Seven Top Turnips: Grown mainly for leafy forage; bulbs are small but tops are abundant.
For maximum attraction, choose varieties bred for forage, not just table use.
When to Plant Turnip Food Plot Seed
Timing is critical for success. You want plants mature enough to survive frost but not so early they become woody before peak deer activity.
Northern U.S. & Midwest
- Planting Window: Late July to mid-August
- Reasoning: Allows enough time for growth before cold weather, with sugar levels peaking after frost.
Southern U.S.
- Planting Window: Early September to early October
- Reasoning: Later planting avoids heat stress and still provides enough growth before first frost.
Frost Consideration:
First frost enhances flavor by converting starches to sugars—making deer even more eager to browse.
Soil Preparation & Testing
Turnips thrive in fertile, well-drained soil with a pH of 6.5–6.8.
Steps:
- Soil Test: Identify nutrient needs before planting.
- Lime Application: If pH is low, apply agricultural lime months before planting.
- Tillage or No-Till: Both methods work; aim for a firm, smooth seedbed.
- Fertilization: Brassicas respond well to nitrogen. Apply 300–350 lbs of 19-19-19 fertilizer per acre at planting, followed by a nitrogen boost 30 days later.
How to Plant Turnip Food Plot Seed
Seeding Rate:
- Pure Stand: 2–5 lbs per acre
- In Mixes: 1–2 lbs per acre with other species
Seeding Depth:
- ¼ to ½ inch
- Avoid burying seeds too deep; light soil contact ensures even germination.
Planting Methods:
- Broadcast & Cultipack: Spread seed evenly and firm soil with a cultipacker.
- Drill Seeding: Precision planting ensures correct depth and spacing.
- Frost Seeding (late winter): Works in northern climates when soil freezes and thaws.
Maintenance & Management
Turnip plots are low-maintenance but benefit from:
- Weed Control: Dense turnip canopy helps suppress weeds naturally.
- Fertilizer Boost: Apply 50–60 lbs of nitrogen per acre about 30 days after emergence.
- Moisture Management: While drought-tolerant, turnips perform best with steady rainfall.
Wildlife Benefits of Turnip Food Plots
- Deer: High-protein leaves in early season; energy-rich bulbs during winter scarcity.
- Turkeys & Other Game Birds: Benefit from seed heads and insects attracted to plots.
- Soil Improvement: Turnip roots aerate soil and improve organic matter content.
Common Problems & Solutions
| Problem | Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Poor Germination | Seed too deep, dry soil | Adjust depth, plant before rain |
| Woody Bulbs | Planted too early | Stick to correct planting window |
| Overbrowsing Early | High deer density | Increase plot size or plant in blends |
| Yellowing Leaves | Nitrogen deficiency | Apply mid-season fertilizer |
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