Food plots have become a cornerstone of modern whitetail deer management, offering supplemental nutrition, improved herd health, and increased hunting opportunities. Among the many options available, beets and greens whitetail institute blends stand out as one of the most effective.

By combining leafy brassicas with energy-rich root crops, this mix delivers season-long attraction and high-quality nutrition.

In this guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about planting, managing, and maximizing beets and greens plots, inspired by the Beets and Greens Whitetail Institute, so you can attract more deer and improve the long-term health of your herd.

Why Choose Beets and Greens Whitetail Institute Blends?

Beets and greens whitetail institute products are carefully formulated to offer a balance of palatability, nutrition, and cold-weather resilience. Unlike single-species food plots, this mix ensures deer have access to multiple forage types throughout the fall and winter.

Key Benefits

  • Immediate Attraction: Leafy brassicas draw deer within weeks of planting.
  • Long-Term Nutrition: Sugar beets, turnips, and radishes provide energy-dense forage deep into winter.
  • Cold-Weather Durability: Designed to withstand frost and snow, keeping deer feeding when natural browse is scarce.
  • Soil Improvement: Deep-rooted radishes and turnips help aerate compacted soils and add organic matter.

Understanding Beets and Greens for Whitetail Deer

Nutritional Value of Beets and Greens Whitetail Institute Mixes

  • Protein Content: Brassica greens can exceed 25% crude protein in early growth stages.
  • Energy Reserve: Tubers like beets and turnips provide high carbohydrate energy for rut and winter survival.
  • Mineral Content: Supplies calcium, phosphorus, and potassium—essential for antler development and lactating does.

Seasonal Usage

  • Early Fall: Deer graze heavily on leafy greens.
  • Post-Frost: Cold converts starches in tubers into sugars, making roots highly palatable.
  • Late Winter: Buried tubers provide a vital energy source when other food disappears.

How to Plant Beets and Greens Whitetail Institute Food Plots

Soil Preparation

  1. Conduct a soil test (pH should be 6.0–7.0).
  2. Apply lime months ahead if soil is acidic.
  3. Fertilize with balanced NPK; nitrogen drives leafy growth, while potassium and phosphorus strengthen root systems.

Planting Guidelines

  • Timing: Plant in late summer, 6–8 weeks before the first frost.
  • Seeding Rate: 6–10 lbs per acre for blends.
  • Depth: ⅛–¼ inch for brassicas, slightly deeper (~½ inch) for beets.
  • Method: Broadcast and cultipack for firm soil-to-seed contact.

Managing Beets and Greens Plots Throughout the Season

Fertilization & Maintenance

  • Apply nitrogen top-dress 30 days after emergence.
  • Monitor for weeds and pests; rotate crops every 3 years to reduce disease pressure.
  • If deer pressure is high, consider fencing during establishment.

Winter Survival

  • Deer will paw through snow to reach tubers.
  • Kale and brassica greens remain edible after multiple frosts.
  • Tubers continue feeding deer into late February or March in many regions.

Common Problems with Beets and Greens Whitetail Institute Mixes

Overbrowsing

Weed Competition

  • Early weed growth can choke seedlings. Consider pre-emergent control or a clean seedbed.

Poor Soil Conditions

  • Compacted or highly acidic soils reduce root development. Use deep tillage and lime as needed.

Case Studies: Success with Beets and Greens Whitetail Institute

Midwest Hunting Property

A 3-acre beets and greens plot in Illinois attracted consistent deer activity from September through February. Hunters reported mature bucks visiting regularly after the first frost, when tubers became sweeter.

Southern Whitetail Habitat

In Georgia, a smaller half-acre food plot supported steady doe and fawn usage during early fall. By January, tubers kept the herd on site even as natural browse declined.