Knowing the right time to plant is the first step to a successful food plot that attracts and holds deer on your property. If you’re wondering when to plant food plots for deer in Louisiana, the answer depends heavily on the season and your specific goals.
Louisiana’s long growing season and varied climate allow for both cool-season and warm-season plantings. Getting the timing right ensures your plants establish well before deer need them most, providing nutrition throughout the year. This guide will walk you through the optimal windows for different forages.
When to Plant Food Plots for Deer in Louisiana
The state can be broadly divided into two zones: North Louisiana and South Louisiana. North Louisiana experiences slightly colder winters and a shorter frost-free period, while South Louisiana’s warmer, longer seasons allow for more flexibility. Always adjust these timing recommendations by a week or two based on your local conditions and current weather forecasts.
Understanding Louisiana’s Two Main Planting Seasons
Your food plot strategy should revolve around two key planting periods. These align with the natural growth cycles of different plant groups and the nutritional needs of deer.
Warm-Season Planting (Spring)
These plots grow during the heat of summer and provide critical nutrition for antler growth and fawn rearing.
* Optimal Planting Window: Late March through early June.
* North LA: Aim for late April to early June, after the last frost risk has passed.
* South LA: You can often start as early as late March.
* Key Purpose: Provides high-protein forage for summer.
Cool-Season Planting (Fall)
These plots thrive in cooler weather and are crucial for providing energy during the hunting season and through winter.
* Optimal Planting Window: Late August through early October.
* North LA: Target late August to mid-September.
* South LA: You can plant from early September into early October.
* Key Purpose: Offers attractive forage during hunting season and winter sustenance.
Detailed Warm-Season Planting Guide
Warm-season plots are typically legumes or grasses that love heat. Soil temperature is a critical factor—wait until the soil is consistently above 65°F at planting depth.
Popular Warm-Season Forages:
* Cowpeas & Iron-Clay Peas: A deer favorite. Plant in late April through June.
* Soybeans: Excellent protein source. Plant May to early June.
* Lablab: Very drought-tolerant. Plant May to June.
* Alyce Clover: Performs well in South LA. Plant April to May.
* Grain Sorghum (Milo): Good for screening and seed heads. Plant April to June.
Step-by-Step Spring Planting:
1. Soil Test First: Always start with a soil test in late winter. This tells you exactly what lime and fertilizer you need.
2. Prepare the Seedbed: Kill existing vegetation with herbicide or tillage. Create a firm, clean seedbed.
3. Plant at the Right Depth: Small seeds like clover need shallow planting (1/4 inch deep). Larger seeds like peas and beans can go 1 to 1.5 inches deep.
4. Fertilize at Planting: Apply recommended fertilizer at or just before planting.
5. Consider a Rain Forecast: Planting right before a good rain greatly improves germination.
Detailed Cool-Season Planting Guide
Fall plots are perhaps the most important for hunters. Timing is crucial—you want plants established before cold weather slows growth, but not so early that they suffer from summer heat.
Popular Cool-Season Forages:
* Cereal Grains: Oats, wheat, and rye. Oats are highly preferred. Plant from September to early October.
* Clovers: White clover, crimson clover, and arrowleaf clover. Plant September to early October.
* Brassicas: Turnips, radishes, kale. Plant late August to early September in North LA, September in South LA.
* Austrian Winter Peas: A high-preference legume. Plant September to October.
Step-by-Step Fall Planting:
1. Finalize Soil Prep: If you didn’t lime from a spring test, do it now. Fertilize according to your soil report.
2. Time for Brassicas First: If including brassicas, plant them in late summer. They need more time to develop good bulbs.
3. Plant Cereal Grains & Clovers: The main planting for oats, wheat, and clover happens in September.
4. Use a Cover Crop: Consider mixing in a quick-germinating cereal rye to protect slower-growing clovers from heavy browse.
5. Don’t Plant to Late: Planting after mid-October in the north or late October in the south often results in poor growth before winter.
Monthly Planting Calendar for Louisiana
This calendar gives you a quick visual reference for the year.
* February – March: Finalize plans, order seed, conduct soil tests, and apply lime if needed (it takes months to react).
* April – May: Plant warm-season plots in South Louisiana. Begin soil prep in North Louisiana.
* June: Complete all warm-season planting. Mow or maintain spring plots as needed.
* July – August: Prepare seedbeds for fall. Plant brassicas in late August in northern regions.
* September – Early October: PRIMARY FALL PLANTING WINDOW. Plant cereal grains, clovers, and peas.
* November – January: Monitor plots, enjoy hunting over them, and plan for the next cycle.
Essential Tips for Success in Louisiana’s Climate
Beyond timing, these practicle tips will make a big difference.
* Mix It Up: Blends often outperform single species. A classic mix is oats, wheat, crimson clover, and a little brassica.
* Match Forage to Soil Type: Clovers do better on well-drained soils. Cowpeas and milo tolerate poorer, sandier soils.
* Size Matters: Don’t over-browse small plots. A half-acre plot can be wiped out quickly. Aim for plots of at least 1 acre if possible.
* Rainfall is Key: Louisiana’s weather can be dry in the fall. If possible, plant right before a forecasted rain event for best germination.
* Annual Maintenance: Perennial clovers need mowing and occasional fertilization to stay productive for several years.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even experienced planters can make these errors. Here’s what to watch out for.
* Planting to Deep: This is the #1 cause of failure. Follow seeding depth instructions on the bag.
* Skipping the Soil Test: Guessing on lime and fertilizer wastes money and yields poor results.
* Poor Seedbed Preparation: Seeds need good soil contact. A fluffy, loose seedbed dries out to fast.
* Using the Wrong Seed Rate: Too much seed causes competition; too little leaves bare ground. Read the label.
Ignoring Weed Pressure: Control weeds before you plant, not after. A pre-emergent herbicide can be very helpful for certain plots.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the easiest food plot to grow for deer in Louisiana?
A: Cereal grains like oats and wheat are very forgiving. They germinate quickly, grow in varied soils, and are highly attractive to deer.
Q: Can I plant food plots in the winter in Louisiana?
A: It’s generally to late for good establishment. However, you can overseed thin spots in December or January with more cereal rye or wheat, which may germinate during warm spells.
Q: How early can you plant fall food plots in Louisiana?
A: For most fall mixes, early September is ideal. Avoid planting to early (like late July) as heat and drought can stress young seedlings, and weeds will be a major problem.
Q: What is the best all-around deer food plot for Louisiana?
A: A simple mix of oats, winter peas, and crimson clover is excellent for most of the state. It provides immediate attraction (oats), high protein (peas), and lasting forage (clover).
Q: When should I apply fertilizer to my food plots?
A: The best time is at planting, incorporated into the seedbed. For perennial clover plots, also apply a maintenance fertilizer in early spring and early fall according to soil test recommendations.
By following these timing guidelines and practicle steps, you can establish productive food plots that support the local deer herd throughout the year. Remember, success starts with planning ahead and getting your seed in the ground during these optimal windows for Louisiana’s unique climate.