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10 Best Food Plots For Deer 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Whitetail Institute Imperial Clover Deer Food Plot Seed for Spring or Fall Planting, Promotes Antler Growth and Attracts Deer, Heat, Cold and Drought Tolerant, 2 lbs (.25 Acres), White

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,484
Soil Type
Plant Species
Sunlight Exposure

Most important from
2965 reviews

Soil Type
This seed does an excellent job at growing, even in rough, rocky soil and during the dead of summertime.
Plant Species
Over-seeding with this clover transformed a dying yard into a bright shade of green in about two weeks.
Sunlight Exposure
Grows fast and looks great, handling shade better than grass.
Maintenance Requirements
Aeration and lightly covering with straw following recommended planting times ensures you won't be disappointed.

The Whitetail Institute Imperial Clover Deer Food Plot Seed is designed to attract deer and promote antler growth, making it a great choice for hunters and wildlife enthusiasts. This product is highly adaptable, as it can be planted in both spring and fall. It's packed with protein, which is beneficial for antler development and helps does produce healthier fawns. The seeds are coated with RainBond to improve their survivability, ensuring better growth.

One of its standout features is its tolerance to harsh weather conditions, including extreme cold, heat, and drought, making it suitable for various climates. This clover blend can last up to five years from a single planting, which reduces the need for frequent replanting and overall maintenance. The product covers about 0.25 acres per 2-pound bag, which is ideal for small to medium-sized plots.

Potential users should note that it may require well-drained soil and adequate sunlight to thrive. Additionally, while it claims low maintenance, regular monitoring for optimal growth is recommended. This product is noted for its effectiveness in attracting deer and supporting antler growth.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,484
Soil Type
Plant Species
Sunlight Exposure

Most important from
2965 reviews

Soil Type
This seed does an excellent job at growing, even in rough, rocky soil and during the dead of summertime.
Plant Species
Over-seeding with this clover transformed a dying yard into a bright shade of green in about two weeks.
Sunlight Exposure
Grows fast and looks great, handling shade better than grass.
Maintenance Requirements
Aeration and lightly covering with straw following recommended planting times ensures you won't be disappointed.
#2

Hit List Seed No-Till Deer Food Plot Blend, 5 lbs (1/2 Acre) - Clover, Turnip, Forage Brassica, Rye, Oats, Whitetail, Blacktail, Deer, Elk, Hunting, Pure, Natural, High in Protein, Highly Attractive

Rating
9.7
Soil Type
Plot Size
Water Availability

Most important from
437 reviews

Soil Type
Pleasantly surprised by rapid germination and growth with minimal soil preparation.
Plot Size
Great for small plots, though coverage for larger areas might be limited.
Water Availability
Seed sprouted within 4 days after light rain, showing impressive quick establishment.

The Hit List Seed® No Till Food Plot Seeds for Deer is a great choice for both beginners and experienced hunters looking to attract deer with minimal effort. This annual mix includes a variety of plant species such as crimson clover, purple top turnips, forage brassica, forage oats, and rye, ensuring diverse nutrition that is appealing to deer throughout the hunting season.

The no-till blend means you won't need heavy machinery to plant, making it easy to establish a plot with basic equipment. The seeds are designed to germinate quickly, so you can expect rapid establishment after planting. This product is available in different sizes suitable for various plot sizes, making it versatile for small to larger plots.

For optimal results, the soil should be tested and possibly adjusted for pH over 6.0. Additionally, if there are heavy weeds or grass, site preparation might be needed to maximize seed-to-soil contact. Access to sunlight and water is crucial, so the plot location should be chosen carefully to ensure these conditions are met. Maintenance requirements are moderate, as you may need to monitor and manage weed competition.

Rating
9.7
Soil Type
Plot Size
Water Availability

Most important from
437 reviews

Soil Type
Pleasantly surprised by rapid germination and growth with minimal soil preparation.
Plot Size
Great for small plots, though coverage for larger areas might be limited.
Water Availability
Seed sprouted within 4 days after light rain, showing impressive quick establishment.
#3

EVOLVED HARVEST Throw & Gro No-Till Forage for Deer - Easy-to-Plant Fast-Growing Food Plot Seeds, 5 Lbs

Rating
9.1
Soil Type
Plant Species
Plot Size

Most important from
1616 reviews

Soil Type
Always germinates with proper fertilization, producing abundant forage that deer eagerly consume.
Plant Species
Easy to sow and demonstrates rapid growth, making it ideal for quick food plot establishment.
Plot Size
Performs well in smaller, less open areas, fitting plots near hunting stands without large clearings.

The EVOLVED HARVEST Throw & Gro No-Till Forage offers an easy and fast-growing seed mixture designed specifically for deer food plots. It includes tetraploid ryegrass, forage clovers, and brassica, providing a nutritious mix rich in protein and minerals that deer find appealing. One of its standout features is the no-till formula, meaning you don’t need heavy equipment to prepare the soil. This makes planting simpler and opens up more areas for creating food plots, especially if you have limited access to traditional farming tools.

This product thrives best in full sun and moderate watering conditions, fitting well in USDA hardiness zones down to zone 5, which covers many temperate regions. The seeds are intended to be spread at 5 lbs per quarter-acre and have a high germination rate, which helps ensure a good stand of forage. The expected plant height is around 65 cm, providing a decent amount of browse for deer.

Since it requires full sun, this mix may not perform as well in shaded or heavily wooded areas. Also, moderate watering means it might not be ideal for very dry locations unless you can supplement water. While the no-till approach reduces labor, you should still help seeds contact the soil, especially on unprepared ground. For anyone looking to establish a quick, healthy, and relatively low-maintenance deer food plot, especially in sunny spots with decent soil, this seed mix is a solid option. It’s particularly good for small personal plots where ease of planting and fast growth are priorities. If your plot has heavy shade or very dry conditions, you might need to consider other seed blends more suited to those environments.

Rating
9.1
Soil Type
Plant Species
Plot Size

Most important from
1616 reviews

Soil Type
Always germinates with proper fertilization, producing abundant forage that deer eagerly consume.
Plant Species
Easy to sow and demonstrates rapid growth, making it ideal for quick food plot establishment.
Plot Size
Performs well in smaller, less open areas, fitting plots near hunting stands without large clearings.

Buying Guide for the Best Food Plots For Deer

When it comes to creating food plots for deer, the goal is to provide a reliable and nutritious food source that will attract and sustain deer populations. The right food plot can improve deer health, increase hunting success, and enhance wildlife observation opportunities. To choose the best food plot for your needs, consider several key specifications that will help you make an informed decision.
Soil TypeSoil type refers to the composition and texture of the soil in your plot area. It is important because different plants thrive in different soil conditions. Common soil types include sandy, loamy, and clay. Sandy soil drains quickly but may lack nutrients, loamy soil is well-balanced and fertile, and clay soil retains water but can be dense. To pick the right one, test your soil and choose plants that are well-suited to your soil type. If your soil is not ideal, consider soil amendments to improve its quality.
Plant SpeciesPlant species are the types of plants you choose to grow in your food plot. This is crucial because different plants offer varying levels of nutrition and attraction to deer. Common choices include clover, alfalfa, chicory, and various grains. Perennial plants provide long-term food sources, while annuals may offer quick but temporary nutrition. Select plant species based on the nutritional needs of deer in your area and the growing conditions of your plot.
Plot SizePlot size refers to the area of land you dedicate to your food plot. This is important because larger plots can support more deer and provide more consistent food sources. Small plots (less than an acre) are easier to manage but may not sustain large deer populations. Medium plots (1-5 acres) offer a balance between manageability and food supply. Large plots (over 5 acres) can support significant deer populations but require more maintenance. Choose a plot size based on the number of deer you aim to attract and the resources you have for plot management.
Sunlight ExposureSunlight exposure refers to the amount of sunlight your food plot receives daily. This is important because plants need sunlight for photosynthesis and growth. Full sun plots receive 6-8 hours of direct sunlight, partial sun plots get 3-6 hours, and shaded plots receive less than 3 hours. Choose plants that match the sunlight conditions of your plot. For example, clover and chicory thrive in full sun, while some grains and brassicas can tolerate partial shade.
Water AvailabilityWater availability refers to the access to water for your food plot. This is crucial because plants need water to grow and thrive. Plots near natural water sources or with irrigation systems have higher water availability, while those in dry areas may require drought-tolerant plants. Assess the water availability in your plot area and choose plants that can thrive with the available water. Consider installing irrigation if natural water sources are insufficient.
Maintenance RequirementsMaintenance requirements refer to the level of care and upkeep needed for your food plot. This includes tasks like planting, fertilizing, weeding, and mowing. Low-maintenance plots with perennial plants require less frequent care, while high-maintenance plots with annuals need regular attention. Choose a maintenance level that matches your time and resources. If you have limited time, opt for low-maintenance plants. If you can dedicate more effort, high-maintenance plots may offer better results.

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