Written by: Pierce Young

As the summer ends, the anticipation grows for most hunters, as deer season approaches. One of the most common wildlife management practices is planting Fall food plots. Field preparation can start in August for soil testing, liming, and clearing or spraying the fields, but when should you actually start putting seed in the ground. The short answer is October, but why?

For most of Mississippi, planting before the last week of September often comes with some risks, that can ultimately cause the food plot to potentially fail. 

Historically, weather conditions are most favorable with temperatures and rain, starting in late September through October. The closer you can plant to more consistent Fall-Winter rain events, the better off your food plots will be. Otherwise, you may have plants germinate early, only to be terminated by droughty conditions. Additionally, ideal soil temperatures for germination for most seeds are going to be in the 65-80 degree range, which also fall within this timeframe. 

Graph by US Climate Data

Lastly, planting earlier than this will risk many bugs, like armyworms, chowing down on your food plots first, causing you to need to replant your fields. 

If you are wanting a food plot for the start of archery season, consider planting some perennial white clover plots this Fall and manage it over the next year for next season, and plant a Summer food plot in the Spring and leave it in areas you wish to bow hunt. 

For more wildlife management advice, visit our webpage at 

www.mdwfp.com/wildlife-management-info