Best Food Plot For Shady Areas

Planting a food plot in a shady area presents unique challenges, but with the right planning and seed selection, you can create a thriving habitat for deer and other wildlife. Success hinges on understanding the specific conditions of your site, including the amount of sunlight, soil type, and drainage. By carefully matching the best shade-tolerant seed mixes with these conditions, you'll be well on your way to attracting and holding deer, even in those hard-to-reach, wooded locations.

Understanding the Challenges of Shady Food Plots

Creating a successful food plot in a shady area isn't as straightforward as planting in full sun. Before diving into seed selection and planting techniques, it’s important to understand the unique hurdles these areas present:

• Reduced Sunlight: The most obvious challenge is the limited amount of sunlight that reaches the ground. Most traditional food plot crops, like corn and soybeans, require a minimum of 6 hours of direct sunlight per day to thrive. Shady areas receive significantly less, which impacts plant growth, nutrient production, and overall yield.

• Soil Moisture: Shady areas often retain more moisture than sunny locations. This can lead to waterlogged soils, which can be detrimental to many plant species. Poor drainage can result in root rot and other fungal diseases. Conversely, areas under dense tree canopies can experience drier conditions due to the trees absorbing most of the rainfall.

• Competition from Trees: Trees compete with food plot crops for essential resources like water, nutrients, and sunlight. Their extensive root systems can quickly deplete the soil, leaving little for your desired plants. Leaf litter buildup can also smother seedlings and inhibit germination.

• Soil Acidity: Areas under coniferous trees (pines, spruces, etc.) tend to have more acidic soils. This can limit the availability of certain nutrients, such as phosphorus and calcium, which are vital for plant growth.

Assessing Your Shady Site

Before you even think about planting, take the time to thoroughly assess your chosen location. This will give you a better understanding of its limitations and opportunities, allowing you to make informed decisions about seed selection and management practices.

1. Sunlight Assessment:

   • Observe Sunlight Patterns: Over the course of a day, note how much direct sunlight the area receives. Even small patches of sunlight can make a big difference.
   • Seasonal Changes: Keep in mind that the amount of sunlight will change throughout the year as the sun's angle shifts and trees leaf out. Spring and fall often offer more sunlight than summer when the canopy is at its fullest.
   • Use a Light Meter: For a more precise measurement, use a light meter to quantify the amount of light reaching the ground.

2. Soil Analysis:

   • Soil Texture: Determine the soil's texture (sandy, silty, clayey, or loamy). This will affect drainage, nutrient retention, and root penetration.
   • Soil pH: Test the soil's pH using a soil testing kit or send a sample to a local agricultural extension office. Most shade-tolerant food plot crops prefer a slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0-7.0).
   • Nutrient Levels: A soil test will also reveal the levels of essential nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. This will help you determine if any soil amendments are necessary.

3. Drainage Evaluation:

   • Observe After Rainfall: Pay attention to how quickly the soil drains after a heavy rain. Standing water indicates poor drainage.
   • Percolation Test: Dig a small hole and fill it with water. Measure how long it takes for the water to drain away. Slow drainage suggests compaction or a high clay content.

4. Vegetation Survey:

   • Identify Existing Plants: Note the types of plants already growing in the area. This can provide clues about the soil's characteristics and the amount of shade.
   • Weed Pressure: Assess the presence of weeds, as they will compete with your food plot crops.

Top Seed Choices for Shady Food Plots

Once you understand the conditions of your site, you can select the best seed mixes for your shady food plot. Here are some of the top contenders:

1. Clovers:

   • White Clover (Trifolium repens): A classic choice for food plots, white clover is highly palatable to deer and tolerates moderate shade. It's also a nitrogen fixer, which means it can improve soil fertility.
     • Pros: Palatable, nitrogen-fixing, perennial, tolerates moderate shade.
     • Cons: Requires well-drained soil, can be slow to establish.
   • Red Clover (Trifolium pratense): Red clover is another excellent option for deer food plots. It's more productive than white clover and tolerates slightly more shade.
     • Pros: Productive, palatable, perennial, tolerates moderate shade.
     • Cons: Less shade-tolerant than some other options, requires good soil fertility.
   • Alsike Clover (Trifolium hybridum): Alsike clover is a good choice for wetter soils and tolerates more acidic conditions than other clovers. It's also relatively shade-tolerant.
     • Pros: Tolerates wet soils and acidic conditions, shade-tolerant.
     • Cons: Less palatable than white or red clover, shorter-lived perennial.

2. Grasses:

   • Creeping Red Fescue (Festuca rubra): Creeping red fescue is a fine-leaved grass that tolerates shade and poor soils. It's often used in mixes with clovers.
     • Pros: Shade-tolerant, tolerates poor soils, perennial.
     • Cons: Less palatable than other grasses, can be slow to establish.
   • Orchardgrass (Dactylis glomerata): Orchardgrass is a bunchgrass that tolerates moderate shade and provides good forage for deer. It's also relatively easy to establish.
     • Pros: Tolerates moderate shade, easy to establish, perennial.
     • Cons: Can become stemmy if not managed properly, less palatable than some other grasses.

3. Brassicas:

   • Turnips (Brassica rapa): Turnips are a fast-growing brassica that provides both leafy forage and root bulbs for deer. They can tolerate some shade, especially if planted early in the season.
     • Pros: Fast-growing, provides both forage and bulbs, relatively shade-tolerant.
     • Cons: Annual, requires good soil fertility, can become unpalatable if overgrazed.
   • Radishes (Raphanus sativus): Radishes are another fast-growing brassica that can be used as a cover crop or forage crop. They are more shade-tolerant than turnips.
     • Pros: Fast-growing, shade-tolerant, improves soil health.
     • Cons: Annual, less palatable than turnips, roots can become woody.

4. Other Options:

   • Chicory (Cichorium intybus): Chicory is a perennial herb that tolerates moderate shade and provides highly palatable forage for deer.
     • Pros: Palatable, perennial, tolerates moderate shade.
     • Cons: Requires well-drained soil, can be slow to establish.
   • Winter Rye (Secale cereale): Winter rye is a cereal grain that can be used as a cover crop or forage crop. It's very shade-tolerant and can grow in poor soils.
     • Pros: Shade-tolerant, grows in poor soils, annual, provides good ground cover.
     • Cons: Less palatable than other options, can become stemmy if not managed properly.
   • Austrian Winter Peas (Pisum sativum arvense): These peas are a legume that can thrive in partial shade, offering a good source of protein for deer. They also help fix nitrogen in the soil, improving its overall health.
     • Pros: Shade-tolerant, nitrogen-fixing, high in protein.
     • Cons: Annual, can be susceptible to grazing pressure.

Planting and Management Techniques for Shady Food Plots

Even with the right seed selection, success in shady food plots requires careful planting and management. Here are some key strategies:

1. Site Preparation:

   • Clear Debris: Remove leaf litter, branches, and other debris from the planting area to ensure good seed-to-soil contact.
   • Control Weeds: Eliminate existing weeds before planting, either by hand-pulling, using herbicides, or tilling.
   • Improve Soil: Amend the soil with lime to adjust the pH and add fertilizer based on soil test results.
   • Consider No-Till Planting: In some cases, no-till planting can be a good option for shady areas, as it minimizes soil disturbance and helps retain moisture.

2. Planting Strategies:

   • Timing: Plant in early spring or late summer to take advantage of available sunlight and moisture.
   • Seeding Rate: Follow the recommended seeding rates for the chosen seed mix.
   • Broadcasting vs. Drilling: Broadcasting is a common method for small food plots, while drilling provides better seed-to-soil contact and can improve germination rates.
   • Seed Depth: Plant seeds at the correct depth, as specified on the seed packet.

3. Maintenance:

   • Weed Control: Regularly monitor the food plot for weeds and take action to control them.
   • Fertilization: Apply fertilizer as needed, based on soil test results.
   • Mowing: Mow the food plot periodically to encourage new growth and prevent plants from becoming too stemmy.
   • Over-Seeding: Over-seed the food plot annually or biannually to maintain a healthy stand of plants.
   • Protect from Overgrazing: If deer pressure is heavy, consider using fencing or other methods to protect the food plot from overgrazing.

The Science Behind Shade Tolerance

Understanding why some plants thrive in shade while others struggle can help you make more informed decisions about seed selection. Here's a glimpse into the science behind shade tolerance:

• Photosynthesis: Plants need sunlight to perform photosynthesis, the process by which they convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose (sugar) for energy. Shade-tolerant plants have adaptations that allow them to capture and utilize sunlight more efficiently in low-light conditions.

• Chlorophyll: Shade-tolerant plants often have higher concentrations of chlorophyll, the pigment that absorbs sunlight. This allows them to capture more of the available light.

• Leaf Structure: Shade-tolerant plants may have larger, thinner leaves that maximize light capture. They may also have specialized pigments that help them absorb different wavelengths of light.

• Respiration: Plants also respire, using oxygen to break down glucose and release energy. Shade-tolerant plants often have lower respiration rates, which means they require less energy to survive.

• Acclimation: Some plants can acclimate to shade by altering their physiology. For example, they may increase their chlorophyll content or change the shape and size of their leaves.

Addressing Common Concerns About Shady Food Plots

• "Will anything really grow in full shade?" While "full shade" presents a significant challenge, many plants can tolerate partial shade (2-4 hours of direct sunlight per day) or dappled sunlight. Focus on selecting the most shade-tolerant species and providing them with optimal soil conditions.
• "My soil is always wet in the shady area. What can I do?" Improve drainage by adding organic matter to the soil or creating drainage channels. Choose plants that tolerate wet soils, such as alsike clover or creeping red fescue.
• "I'm worried about deer overgrazing my shady food plot." Protect the food plot with fencing or use a larger planting area to distribute grazing pressure. Consider planting a mix of species to provide a variety of forage options.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• What's the best fertilizer for a shady food plot? Use a balanced fertilizer based on soil test results. A 10-10-10 or 12-12-12 fertilizer is often a good choice.
• How often should I mow my shady food plot? Mow as needed to control weeds and encourage new growth. Aim to mow at least once or twice per year.
• Can I use herbicides in a shady food plot? Yes, but be careful to select herbicides that are safe for the chosen plant species. Follow label instructions carefully.
• How can I attract deer to my shady food plot? In addition to providing palatable forage, consider adding mineral licks or attractant scents. Create trails leading to the food plot to make it easier for deer to find.
• What are some other plants that tolerate shade? Besides the ones mentioned above, consider wild ginger, ferns, hostas, and various woodland wildflowers, depending on your specific goals.

Conclusion

Creating a successful food plot in a shady area requires careful planning, the right seed selection, and diligent management. While it may not be as productive as a food plot in full sun, a well-designed shady food plot can provide valuable forage for deer and other wildlife. By understanding the challenges of shady environments and implementing the strategies outlined in this guide, you can create a thriving habitat that attracts and holds deer, even in those hard-to-reach, wooded locations. The key lies in adapting your approach to the specific conditions of your site and choosing plants that are well-suited to the available light, soil type, and moisture levels. With persistence and a little bit of experimentation, you can transform a shady area into a productive and valuable asset for your hunting or wildlife management program.