Why No-Till Forage Matters
Creating a successful deer food plot can feel overwhelming for many landowners, especially if you lack large farming equipment or tilling tools. That’s where throw and grow for deer blends come in. These no-till forage mixes allow hunters and wildlife enthusiasts to establish highly attractive food plots with minimal effort—perfect for small clearings, rugged terrain, or remote hunting spots.
This guide provides everything you need to know about Throw & Grow seed blends, including their composition, planting strategies, soil preparation, and how they support whitetail nutrition year-round. As both a hunter and wildlife biologist, I’ll share practical insights to ensure your next planting thrives.
What Is Throw and Grow For Deer?
The phrase throw and grow for deer refers to specialized no-till seed blends designed for easy establishment without plowing or discing. You simply clear existing vegetation, expose soil, broadcast seed, and let nature handle the rest.
Most throw-and-grow products, like Evolved’s Throw & Gro No-Till Forage®, include a carefully selected mix of annual ryegrass, clovers, and brassicas (forage rape). Together, these species provide quick germination, long-lasting nutrition, and consistent deer attraction throughout multiple seasons.
Why Choose Throw and Grow for Deer Plots?
1. Convenience and Accessibility
Unlike traditional plots requiring tractors or tillers, throw and grow for deer blends can be established with nothing more than a rake, hand spreader, or ATV. This makes them ideal for hard-to-reach areas where heavy machinery can’t go.
2. Season-Long Nutrition
The combination of ryegrass, clover, and brassica ensures food availability from early fall through winter and into spring. Ryegrass grows fast, clover offers high protein, and brassicas become even sweeter after frost, driving heavy whitetail deer usage.
3. Soil Flexibility
Throw & Grow is tolerant of moderately acidic soils (pH 5.5–7.5). While soil testing is always recommended, these blends can succeed in places where other crops fail.
Ingredients That Make Throw and Grow For Deer Effective
Tetraploid Annual Ryegrass
- Germinates quickly, establishing ground cover within days.
- Provides vital carbohydrates for energy during fall hunting season.
- Prevents soil erosion in newly opened plots.
Arrowleaf & Crimson Clover
- High protein (20–30%) supports muscle development, antler growth, and lactation.
- Fixes nitrogen naturally, enriching soil for future plantings.
- Remains palatable well into spring.
Forage Rape (Brassica)
- Produces lush green leaves packed with protein.
- After the first frost, starches convert to sugars, making it irresistible to deer.
- Extends the attractiveness of your plot deep into winter.
How to Plant Throw and Grow For Deer
Step 1: Soil Preparation
- Test your soil: Aim for pH between 6.0 and 7.0, but blends tolerate down to 5.5.
- Mow low and clear residue: Removing competing vegetation ensures seed-to-soil contact.
- Expose bare earth: Use a rake or drag behind an ATV.
Step 2: Seeding Rate
- Broadcast at 5 lbs per ¼ acre (≈11,000 sq. ft.).
- Ensure even coverage by spreading in two passes at right angles.
Step 3: Fertilization
- Apply a balanced fertilizer (e.g., 13-13-13) at planting.
- Add nitrogen when plants reach 3–4 inches to encourage rapid growth.
Step 4: Timing
- Fall planting: Late summer to early fall in northern regions.
- Spring planting: Early spring in southern zones for extended forage availability.
Best Locations for Throw and Grow For Deer
- Forest clearings with 3–6 hours of direct sunlight.
- Logging roads or trails deer already use.
- Remote hunting plots accessible only by foot or ATV.
- Edges of existing fields to enhance deer movement corridors.
Managing and Maintaining Your Plot
- Monitor rainfall—germination requires consistent moisture during the first 7–10 days.
- Weed management—throw-and-grow plots face minimal weed competition if properly prepped, but spot treatment may be needed.
- Reseeding—consider top-seeding lightly each season to maintain density.
The Nutritional Benefits of Throw and Grow For Deer
- Protein (20–30%): Critical for antler growth and fawn development.
- Carbohydrates: Support high energy needs during the rut.
- Sugars: Brassica leaves become more attractive post-frost, increasing late-season draw.
By offering a mix of protein, energy, and digestible fiber, these blends provide year-round attraction and keep deer herds on your property longer.
Comparing Throw and Grow For Deer to Other Food Plot Options
| Blend | Key Ingredients | Strengths | Best Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|
| Throw & Grow No-Till | Ryegrass, clover, forage rape | Fast growth, minimal equipment | Remote plots, quick attraction |
| Throw & Grow With Clover | Ryegrass, arrowleaf clover, forage rape | Extra protein from clover | Early to mid-season nutrition |
| Throw & Grow X-Treme w/ Radish | Ryegrass, rape, radish | Deep-rooted radish, soil aeration | Longer plot life, heavy browsing |