When it comes to creating a productive, year-round food source for whitetails, few blends rival the Deadly Dozen food plot.
Designed to combine the benefits of cereal grains, brassicas, legumes, and root crops, this blend provides a diverse buffet that attracts deer in early fall, holds them through the rut, and sustains them into the harsh winter months. In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about Deadly Dozen — from what’s in it, to when and how to plant, and how to overcome common challenges in food plot management.
What is the Deadly Dozen Food Plot?
The Deadly Dozen food plot blend is a combination of twelve carefully selected plant species that complement each other and ensure season-long attraction. Unlike single-species plots that may peak in palatability for just a few weeks, Deadly Dozen is engineered to evolve as the season progresses, giving deer a reason to visit repeatedly.
This unique mix is essentially a marriage of two proven blends — Harvest Salad and Plot Topper — creating a powerhouse that supports early growth, mid-season attraction, and late-season nutrition.
Seed Components: Breaking Down the 12 Species
A major strength of the Deadly Dozen food plot is its diversity. Each plant serves a unique role, and together they create balance, resilience, and sustained attraction.
1. Cereal Grains
- Winter Oats, Wheat, and Barley: Provide fast germination, early deer attraction, and cold-hardy forage that deer eagerly consume during the fall.
2. Legumes
- Austrian Winter Peas and Crimson Clover: Fix nitrogen in the soil, improve fertility for future plantings, and deliver high protein to fuel antler growth and body condition.
3. Brassicas
- Turnips, Radishes, Forage Collards, and Rape Plus: Offer leafy greens early, then sweeten after frost, creating a highly palatable late-season draw. Their large leaves provide forage, while bulbs and tubers sustain deer deep into winter.
4. Root Crops
- Sugar Beets and Oilseed Radish: Supply high-energy carbohydrates in the form of bulbs, perfect for when food is scarce.
Together, these twelve species create an evolving buffet — from tender greens in September to sweetened brassicas and root crops in January.
Best Time to Plant a Deadly Dozen Food Plot
Timing is everything. Planting too early can lead to over-mature crops by peak hunting season, while planting too late can stunt growth before frost.
- Northern States: Late July to mid-August ensures that plants are established before the first frosts.
- Midwestern States: Early to late August is ideal.
- Southern States: Late August to early September works well due to longer growing seasons.
Pro Tip: Always account for local frost dates and moisture conditions when planning your planting window.
Site Preparation and Planting Guide
Establishing a Deadly Dozen food plot isn’t difficult, but attention to detail makes all the difference.
1. Kill Existing Vegetation
Spray the area with a glyphosate-based herbicide 10–14 days before planting to reduce weed competition.
2. Prepare the Seedbed
Disk or till the soil to create a loose but not powdery seedbed. Cereal grains and brassicas thrive in firm soil with good seed-to-soil contact.
3. Soil Testing and Fertility
Perform a soil test to identify pH and nutrient needs. Deadly Dozen species prefer a pH of 6.0–7.0. Apply lime and fertilizer according to test results. A balanced starter fertilizer (like 19-19-19) often works well if soil testing isn’t available.
4. Seeding Depth and Rate
- Spread seed evenly across the plot.
- Seed should be covered ½ to 1 inch deep — a cultipacker or light drag ensures ideal coverage.
- Avoid over-seeding; thick stands can stunt growth.
5. Moisture Management
Plant before forecasted rainfall when possible, as moisture is critical for germination.
Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them
Even the best blends face challenges. Here’s how to maximize your success:
- Weed Competition: Must be controlled before planting; post-emergent options are limited with mixed plots.
- Over-Browsing: In high-deer-density areas, larger plots or fencing may be needed to prevent premature grazing.
- Poor Soil Fertility: Regular soil testing and amendments (lime, fertilizer, organic matter) will improve plot longevity.
- Drought Conditions: Planting just ahead of rainfall and ensuring proper soil preparation improves moisture retention.
Scaling Up: Small vs. Large Food Plots
Deadly Dozen is sold in bags designed to cover ¼ acre, but the formula can be scaled:
- Small Plots (¼ acre): Perfect for bowhunting kill plots or test sites.
- Large Plots (1+ acre): Mix Harvest Salad (50 lbs) with Plot Topper (3 lbs) to replicate the Deadly Dozen ratio at scale.
Scaling ensures that even landowners managing dozens of acres can create consistent, attractive forage plots.
Seasonal Benefits for Deer Herds
One of the most overlooked advantages of the Deadly Dozen food plot is herd health. The blend offers:
- Early Fall: Tender cereal grains and peas supply protein and energy.
- Rut Period: Brassica leaves provide calories during the most physically demanding time for bucks.
- Winter: Root crops and clovers offer high-energy carbs and sustained protein when natural forage is scarce.
This nutritional diversity supports antler growth, fawn development, and overall herd health year-round.