Can you mix food plot seeds?

Mixing Seeds for Success – Creating Your Own Fall Food Plot Blend

When it comes to planting fall food plots, the right seed mix can make all the difference in attracting and holding deer on your property. While there are plenty of premixed options on the market, like Tecomate's Max Attract or Greenfield, that work in a multitude of different regions and climates, it can also be beneficial to add to these blends or create your own food plot seed concoction that works best for your specific property.  Here are some things to think about when mixing your own seed blend.   

Common Fall Food Plot Seeds & What They Do

1. Cereal Grains - Winter Wheat, Cereal Rye, Forage Oats
   • Fast germination/early growth
   • Easy to grow
   • Well adapted to many different soil types and pH levels
2. Brassicas - Turnips, radishes, rape, kale, collards, sugar beets
   • Late Season attraction
   • Soil aeration (especially radishes)
   • Tonnage (lots of food for high deer densities)
3. Legumes - Clover, Alfalfa, Winter Peas, Hairy Vetch
   • Creates nitrogen in the soil
   • High protein
   • Highly attractive
4. Perennials - Ladino Clover, Alfalfa, Chicory
   • Long-lasting – multi-season food plot lasting for years
   • Weed and grass suppression
   • Highly attractive

Any of the species listed above or a combination of these can make for a good fall plot. One key component to mixing your blend is mixing at the correct ratio. For example, cereal grains usually need to be planted at about 75-100 pounds per acre. However, brassicas typically need to be planted at a maximum of about 5 pounds per acre. If you plant at the correct ratio, you can have a diverse plot that can be attractive from the early season through the winter months and even into spring/summer with the right plant choices.   

Fall Mix Examples and Seed Ratios 

Here’s a sample mix that I like to use every fall on my property (per acre): 

• 100lbs forage oats (Forage Oats) 
• You could substitute cereal rye or winter wheat for your cereal grains, or a mixture of these as well 
• 3lbs brassicas (Turbo Turnip, Root King Radish, or Brassica Banquet) 
• 10lbs red clover (Rackup Red Clover) 
• Depending on the type of soil and how I plan to maintain the plot, I may substitute or add crimson clover, ladino clover, or chicory (Champion Chicory or Monster Mix) to the plot, also. 

Another component to keep in mind when mixing your own blend would be to consider the seed sizes. Cereal grains and winter peas are generally larger seeds that can be planted at a deeper depth. However, brassicas and clovers are tiny seeds that only need soil contact to grow well. My preferred method of planting these seeds together is to broadcast my cereal grains and harrow drag to cover them at around ½ inch to 1 inch deep. Then, cultipack the ground. Next, I will broadcast my clovers, chicory, and/or brassicas on top of the packed soil, so they don’t get covered too deeply. Then, cultipack one more time. 

Final Thoughts on Mixing Food Plot Seeds For Success

Mixing your own fall food plot blend isn’t just effective — it’s rewarding. You’re not just tossing out seed; you’re creating a tailored buffet that works for your property, your deer herd, and your hunting style.   Start simple, keep track of what works, and adjust as you go. You’ll not only grow better plots — you’ll grow as a land manager, too.