If you’re a land manager or hunter in the Show-Me State, knowing when to plant turnips for deer in Missouri is the first step to a successful food plot. Getting the timing right ensures your plot provides maximum attraction during hunting season and vital nutrition through the winter.
Turnips are a fantastic cool-season crop for deer. They offer both lush greens and energy-rich bulbs. In Missouri’s climate, planting at the correct time is crucial for a strong establishment before the first hard freeze.
When to Plant Turnips for Deer in Missouri
The optimal window for planting turnips across most of Missouri is from late August to mid-September. This timing is not arbitrary; it’s based on soil temperature, rainfall patterns, and the crop’s growth cycle.
Planting during this late summer to early fall period allows the seeds to germinate in warm soil. The young plants then grow rapidly during the cooler, moist days of autumn. Your goal is to have the turnips reach a good size—with plenty of leafy growth—before a killing frost, which typically sweetens the greens and bulbs, making them even more attractive to deer.
Why This Timing Works Best
Missouri’s weather can be variable, but this planting window hits the sweet spot. Here’s why it’s so effective:
- Soil Moisture: Late summer rains (historically) help with germination, reducing the need for irrigation.
- Weed Competition: Many aggressive summer annual weeds begin to decline, giving your turnip seedlings a better chance.
- Pest Pressure: Insect pests like flea beetles are often less severe in the fall than in the spring.
- Deer Usage Pattern: The greens become palatable in early bow season, while the bulbs become a crucial food source later, after other groceries are gone.
Regional Adjustments for Missouri
Missouri’s diverse geography means you might need to adjust your schedule slightly. Use this as a general guide:
- Northern Missouri: Aim for the earlier part of the window, from late August to early September. Frosts arrive earlier here.
- Central Missouri: The core window of early to mid-September is usually perfect.
- Southern Missouri: You can often plant successfully from mid-September into very early October, thanks to a later first frost.
Always check a long-range weather forcast for your specific county to fine-tune your date.
Step-by-Step Planting Guide
Once you’ve got your date, follow these steps for a thriving plot.
1. Site Selection and Soil Prep
Choose a sunny location with well-drained soil. Start by taking a soil test. It’s the most important step many folks skip. Turnips prefer a soil pH between 6.0 and 7.0.
Based on your test results, lime and fertilize accordingly. Till the soil to create a fine, firm seedbed. Remove as many rocks and clods as you can.
2. Seed Selection and Planting Method
Choose a turnip variety bred for deer, like Purple Top or Appin. You can often find them in pre-mixed blends with other brassicas like rape or kale.
Broadcast the tiny seeds at a rate of about 5 to 7 pounds per acre. For smaller plots, a hand spreader works fine. Lightly drag or rake the area to cover the seeds no more than 1/4 to 1/2 inch deep. Follow this with a light rolling or packing to ensure good seed-to-soil contact.
3. Post-Planting Care
If rain isn’t in the immediate forecast, a light watering can help germination. Once established, turnips are relatively low-maintenance. A follow-up application of nitrogen fertilizer about 4 weeks after planting can boost leafy growth significantly.
What to Expect as the Season Progresses
Your turnips will germinate quickly. Deer may begin browsing the tender greens as soon as they appear, especially in areas with high deer density. Don’t worry—this light grazing won’t hurt the plants.
After the first few frosts, the starches in the leaves and bulbs convert to sugars. This is when they become incredibly attractive. Deer will dig through snow to get to the nutritious bulbs in late winter, providing a critical food source.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Planting Too Late: This is the biggest error. Late-planted turnips won’t have time to develop substantial bulbs before growth halts for the winter.
- Poor Soil Prep: Neglecting lime or fertilizer leads to weak plants that don’t produce well.
- Seeding Too Deep: Turnip seeds are tiny. Planting them deeper than 1/2 inch can prevent them from sprouting altogether.
- Forgetting to Consider Pressure: In small plots, a high deer population can over-browse and destroy the plot before it matures. You may need a larger plot or temporary fencing.
Enhancing Your Turnip Plot
For a longer-lasting and more diverse food source, consider mixing your turnips with other species. Cereal grains like winter wheat or rye provide great early season attraction and help protect the turnip seedlings. Clover can also be added as a perennial component.
This strategy ensures something in your plot is always palatable, no matter the weather or deer preference on a given day.
FAQ Section
Can you plant turnips for deer in the spring in Missouri?
You can, but it’s not ideal. Spring-planted turnips will bolt (go to seed) in the summer heat, becoming bitter and less attractive. They also won’t last into the hunting season like a fall planting will.
What is the best fertilizer for turnip food plots?
Always start with a soil test. Generally, a balanced fertilizer like 19-19-19 at planting, followed by a nitrogen boost (34-0-0) later, works well. The soil test tells you exactly what your dirt needs.
How long does it take for turnips to grow for deer?
Turnips grow rapidly. You’ll see greens within weeks, and bulbs will begin to form in about 45-60 days. They continue to size up until the ground freezes solid.
Will deer eat turnip greens immediately?
They might, especially if other food is scarce. Some deer need to “acquire a taste” for them, but after a frost, consumption typically increases dramatically.
What’s the difference between turnips and radishes for deer?
Both are great. Daikon-type radishes often have a faster, larger taproot that decays in spring, aerating the soil. Turnips provide more leafy mass and a sturdy bulb that persists longer into winter. Many hunters plant a mix of both.
By following this guidance and hitting that late summer planting window, you can establish a highly effective turnip plot. It will serve as a powerful hunting draw and a valuable nutritional resource for Missouri’s deer herd throughout the challenging winter months. Remember, consistent soil preparation and accurate timing are the two most critical factors for your sucess.