Knowing when to plant deer food plots in Kentucky is the single most important factor for your success. Get the timing right, and you give your plants the best chance to thrive and attract deer all season long.
This guide cuts through the confusion. We’ll break down the optimal windows for Kentucky’s unique climate, soil types, and common forage choices. You’ll learn how to plan your planting calendar for maximum impact.
When To Plant Deer Food Plots In Kentucky
Kentucky’s climate splits the state into two main planting zones. Western Kentucky is in Zone 6b, while central and eastern regions fall into Zone 6a. This means fall frosts arrive a bit earlier in the east. Your specific location matters, but general statewide patterns provide a reliable roadmap.
The year is divided into two primary planting seasons: spring and fall. Each serves a different purpose for deer health and hunting strategy.
Spring Planting Season (Late March – Early June)
Spring plots are designed for nutrition and herd health. They provide high-protein forage for does raising fawns and for bucks regrowing antlers. The goal is to establish a plot that lasts through the summer stress period.
Optimal timing depends on soil temperature, not just the calendar. You want the soil to be consistently warm enough for good seed germination.
- Late March to Mid-April: This is the earliest window for cold-tolerant species. Soil temps should be at least 45°F. It’s often wet, so wait for good soil conditions.
- Mid-April to Early June: This is the prime spring planting period. Soil temperatures are ideal (55°F+). Aim to have seed in the ground before the summer heat and dry spells hit.
Best Spring Plot Choices
- Clovers (Ladino, Crimson, Alsike)
- Alfalfa
- Chicory
- Cowpeas
- Soybeans
Fall Planting Season (Late August – Early October)
Fall plots are crucial for hunting season attraction and winter energy. They provide a lush, green food source when natural vegetation is drying up. Timing here is about balancing growth with hunting pressure.
You need enough growing season left for plants to establish before the first hard frost.
- Late August to Mid-September: This is the absolute best time for most fall plots. Ample moisture and warm soil promote quick growth. Plants become highly attractive by early bow season.
- Mid-September to Early October: A secondary window for quick-germinating cereals and brassicas. If you plant to late, a early frost can stunt young plants.
Best Fall Plot Choices
- Brassicas (turnips, radishes, rape)
- Cereal Grains (wheat, oats, rye)
- Winter Peas
- Clover (as a companion or perennial base)
Step-by-Step Seasonal Calendar
Early Spring (March)
- Take soil samples as soon as the ground thaws.
- Apply lime as recommended; it takes months to fully react.
- Service your equipment and order seed.
Late Spring (April – May)
- Final soil preparation (till or spray herbicide).
- Plant warm-season annuals and perennials.
- Apply starter fertilizer at planting.
Late Summer (August)
- Mow or terminate spring plots if needed.
- Lightly till or no-till drill fall seed into prepared soil.
- Plant brassicas and cereal grains by Labor Day for best results.
Early Fall (September – October)
- Overseat clover into existing plots if thin.
- Plant quick-turnaround plots like wheat if earlier plantings failed.
- Apply fall fertilizer based on a soil test.
Critical Factors That Affect Your Timing
Beyond the calendar, several local factors will fine-tune your planting date.
Soil Type and Moisture
Heavy clay soils hold water longer. You must wait for them to dry out in spring to avoid compaction. In fall, they offer good moisture. Sandy soils drain fast and may require planting closer to a rain forecast.
Rain Forecast
Always check the 7-day forecast. Planting just before a steady, gentle rain is ideal. Avoid planting if a heavy downpour is expected, which can wash away seed or crust the soil.
Seed Type and Size
Small seeds (like clover and brassica) need a fine, firm seedbed and shallow planting. Large seeds (beans, peas) can be planted deeper and can handle a rougher seedbed. Follow depth recommendations on the bag closely for best germination.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Planting Too Early in Spring: Cold, wet soil leads to seed rot or slow, weak growth. Patience is key.
- Planting Too Late in Fall: Plants won’t establish enough root system to survive winter or provide good tonnage.
- Ignoring Soil Prep: Skipping soil testing or proper seedbed preparation is the main reason for poor results.
- Wrong Seed for the Season: Don’t plant warm-season beans in fall or cold-season brassicas in June. It’s a waste of time and money.
FAQs: Kentucky Food Plot Timing
What is the best all-around food plot for Kentucky?
A combination plot is often best. Try a mix of cereal rye (for easy growth), winter peas (for protein), and a brassica like radish (for late-season draw). This provides something attractive through the entire season.
Can I plant clover in the fall in Kentucky?
Yes. Fall is an excellent time to establish perennial clover. Soil moisture is good, and weed competition is lessening. It will establish roots in the fall, go dormant in winter, and explode in growth the following spring.
How late can you plant winter wheat in Kentucky?
You can plant winter wheat into late October, but it’s not ideal. For a strong, attractive plot, aim for September. Late-planted wheat will be small and less productive, offering minimal forage.
Should I plant before or after a rain?
Planting right before a steady, soaking rain is perfect. Avoid planting immediately after a heavy rain when soil is muddy, as this damages soil structure. If the forcast is dry for over a week, you may need to plant and then hope for rain or use irrigation if possible.
Is August too early for fall food plots?
Late August is actually prime time. The soil is warm, which speeds germination, and you typically have good moisture. This gives plants like brassicas and cereals plenty of time to grow large, lush leaves before frost, which actually improves their taste and attraction.
Successful food plots in Kentucky hinge on matching your planting date to the specific forage you choose and your local conditions. By focusing on the spring and fall windows outlined here, preparing your soil properly, and watching the weather, you’ll create a valuable nutritional resource for the deer herd on your property. Remember, consistent timing year after year leads to the most reliable results.