Understand the Challenge of Shade
Determining the best food plot for shaded woods can be challenging. Shaded food plots typically lack the sunlight required for many traditional forages. Success hinges on selecting shade‑tolerant species, improving light penetration where possible, and optimizing soil conditions. Some forum users bluntly warn: “The only plants that will consistently grow in shady areas are weeds and a small select few plants that are shade‑tolerant…”
Improving Sunlight Access: Canopy Management
Even modest increases in sunlight can dramatically improve growth and help nurture the optimal and best food plot for shaded woods:
- Remove or thin a few southern-facing tree limbs or understory to open the canopy. As noted: “If possible open the canopy to let in more light … it’s very doable.”
- If removal isn’t feasible, focus on filtered light and strategic gap creation.
Select Shade-Tolerant Seeds
Based on real-world feedback and best agronomic practices:
a. Clover & Chicory Blends
- Ladino clover, medium red clover, and chicory perform notably well in limited-light environments when combined with cereals like cereal rye. Forum input: “I’ve had good success … planting ladino clover, medium red clover, chicory, and cereal rye.”
- Blends—mixing multiple species—offer resilience: “Blends with different types of clover and other plants…at least 1–2 types do well in that location.”
b. Brassica & Rape Varieties
- Brassica blends may thrive in low‑pH, shaded spots and deliver late‑season appeal: “Brassica blend … effective hunting plot during the late fall.”
- Rape (e.g., dwarf Essex, Bonar) is inexpensive and nutritious: “Throw‑and‑go … next best … is rape … cheap, nutritious …”
c. Winter Rye & Oats (Cereal Grain Mixes)
- Quick to germinate in moist, shaded spots. “Winter Rye and Oats … shady spots normally hold a little more moisture … good green patch in just 1–2 weeks … keeps up with browse pressure.”
- Distinguish between rye grass (low palatability, more ornamental) and cereal/winter rye (valuable grain forage): “Rye grass … cereal rye/winter rye/grain rye … big difference.”
Soil Testing, pH, & Nutrient Management
- Always test soil—especially for pH—to ensure proper growth. Forum users stress: “Soil sample … pH is very important.”
- Use lime if acidic conditions prevail (common under pine or hardwood canopies): “Clover is pretty sensitive to pH. Chances are you will need lime….”
- Fertilizer—like 10‑10‑10—supplements nutrient-deficient soils post-testing: “Add lime and fertilizer.”
Site Preparation & Planting Methods
- For no‑till or minimal‑till approaches:
- Spray existing vegetation then broadcast seed (“throw‑and‑go”).
- Allow natural moisture and shadows to aid germination, as one hunter recommended: “Sprayed everything … broadcast that seed … good green patch … in just 1–2 weeks.”
- For prepared plots:
- Use ATV-mounted harrows, discs, or hand tools to open seedbeds, especially when working with small openings. Forum advice: invest time in preparing—for example, raking, harrowing, or disking—rather than expecting seed to catch without ground contact.
Species Performance and Deer Attraction
- Grasses (e.g., rye grass) are low in palatability and seldom deer-preferred unless little else is available: “Grasses are very low on the palatability scale… should only be used … as weed suppressors.”
- Buckwheat offers excellent early-season results: “Buckwheat … cheap, grows like crazy and the deer pound it.”
- Ultimately, the best approach may combine early-season grains (oats, rye, buckwheat) and late-season brassicas or clovers.
Seasonal Planning & Long-Term Management
- Early Season (pre-fall):
- Use quick-establishing grains or buckwheat to draw deer early.
- Late Season:
- Brassicas or rape maintain attractiveness after frost ― sugar conversion boosts palatability.
- Perennials:
- Establish clover or chicory for multi-year use in shaded areas—provided sunlight and soil are adequate.
- Maintain by controlling weeds—natural competition often overwhelms young food plots under a forest canopy. Plan to sweep or spray regrowth in midsummer.
Quick Reference Table
| Objective | Recommended Strategy |
|---|---|
| Improve light | Remove southern branches or open compressed canopy |
| Early-season success | Broadcast grains/oats/buckwheat (no-till) |
| Sustained growth | Establish clover/chicory or brassica blends in spring after soil prep |
| Low cost/start-up | Use cheap rape or throw-and-go mixes in moderate shade |
| Soil health | Test soil, apply lime if needed, use balanced fertilizer |
| Long-term food plot | Favor perennial blends; maintain with occasional weed control and fertilization |