Consider These 2 DeerGro Products when Frost Seeding Your Next Food Plot

Most hunters and outdoor enthusiasts are trying to find more ways to get outside and stay occupied after a cold winter. Even though this winter has been one of the warmest on record for many states, there’s still nothing like seeing the calendars turn to warmer months. 

Thoughts of shed hunting and late winter or early spring scouting start to excite many deer hunters at this time of the year, and, while those help us prepare for the upcoming season, there are also other things you can be doing to help prepare for your success. And, despite many hunters thinking that the traditional food plot season is a few months away, there are currently opportunities to plant small, “hidey-hole" plots using a method known as frost seeding.

What is Frost Seeding for Food Plots?

Frost seeding has been used by farmers for hundreds of years and allows you to take advantage of the natural freeze thaw cycle that occurs in late winter and early spring.

Each time the ground thaws and freezes, it increases the moisture content of the soil causing it to move upwards, a process known as heaving. This heaving process helps initiate the soil to seed contact needed for seeds to germinate, and, because you’re taking advantage of the natural freeze-thaw cycle to initiate the seed to soil contact, minimal equipment is needed for this process.

The site still needs to be cleared of vegetation, which can be accomplished through applying the correct herbicide application in the fall prior to planting. And, although frost seeding requires minimal equipment, there are limitations to the types of forage you can plant. Generally, using forage with small seeds such as clover and alfalfa works best with this method, which is great because these plants provide the high-quality protein content desired by deer.

In terms of timing, this freeze-thaw cycle can occur in late February and early March for many northern states. For the most accurate time, you can check with one of your local county extension agents to determine when it's best to frost seed in your area.

Identifying Food Plot Planting Sites for Frost Seeding

Now knowing that the frost seeding technique to establish food plots is perfect for small micro-plots or hidey-holes due to minimal equipment needs, the next question is, how do you choose where you want to plant these food plots?

Essentially, the same basics apply when choosing a location as you normally would. Identifying areas along known travel corridors or close to known bedding areas will always be high-priority areas for a small food plot. Having small food plots in these locations allows deer to use your food plot without having to meander too far away from their comfort zones. This means you should see increased use of these plots and have the potential to encounter an animal you want to harvest.

The only true consideration is the amount of vegetation you will need to clear. Finding an area with an open tree canopy so sunlight can reach your plot is vital, so that will need to be a consideration if you are unable to clear a small area of trees and/or shrubs. However, clearing vegetation from the forest floor can be easily accomplished using herbicide.

Further, picking the specific site to place one of these plots allows you the freedom to create the perfect setup — most important, you can establish the plot in a location that allows you to take advantage of dominant winds. Choosing your food plot’s location also allows you the opportunity to pick the best tree to hang your stand. Ultimately, being able to control all these factors puts the odds of encountering your target animal in your favor.

Maximizing Your Frost Seeding Growth with DeerGro’s PlotStart and PlotBoost

Frost seeding doesn’t require much equipment, which makes it the perfect method to plant food plots in remote locations. The challenge that can arise with remote plots, however, is getting said equipment to the area to apply lime and fertilizer to make sure the soil and subsequent forage has the nutrients they need for maximum growth.

Using DeerGro’s PlotStart and PlotBoost products are perfect solutions for this situation and will help your frost-seeded foods plot succeed. Simply, PlotStart applies calcium to the soil without having to haul in bags of lime and PlotBoost ensures the forage has everything it needs for full growth.

BUY: PlotStart & PlotBoost 1-Acre Combo Pack

Also, both can be applied with a backpack sprayer, making them even more ideal for remote plots. Just apply PlotStart before planting and PlotBoost after the forage begins to grow.

Frost Seeding is an Enjoyable Experience

Conclusively, as hunters, we often get caught up in the details and subtle nuances of food plot management and deer management in general, but it’s important to remember why we do this in the first place: our love and passion for the outdoors.

That affection is what drives many of us to obsess over deer hunting, but having fun doing things like planting food plots and caring for the land is something we shouldn’t lose sight of. The moment we stop having fun is the moment we start to get burnt out, and burnout isn’t something that should be associated with planting food plots or deer hunting.

Keep it fun — take out your family, your kids, or a friend and share the experience. Using the frost seeding method to plant food plots is a great way to do this and can help extend the amount of time you get outside.