First time Microplotter? Try this
First Time Micro-Plotter?
Try this seed for success...
As many of you have learned - either from us, by reading Whitetail Gardening or through your own efforts - 100% success cannot be expected from a first time planting in the Northeast. Fortunately though, you can come close if you plant the correct seed and prepare the site and soil properly.
Toward the end of autumn and through the different deer seasons, we had countless inquiries regarding seed choices on particular plot sites. A fair share of these inquiring humans are first-time micro-plotters and are planning plot sites for the spring of '08. One could also probably surmise that these last few sudden dumps of snow will only increased the interest in creating plantings for deer and wildlife at the end of this rough-so-far winter.
When tilling/harrowing or otherwise exposing the soil of a plot site (that has never before seen the light of day), care needs to be given to 1) the "flavor" of seed you choose for the site and 2) the future of your site and its longevity. In most cases, the soil needs time to adjust before it will adequately accomodate a perennial, often the second or third season after breaking ground. Frost lifting, spring runoffs and rain/thunderstorms will help to dissolve/incorporate the amendments you applied and condition your soil. For this reason, we recommend a fast growing, sweet and soil-forgiving annual for a first-time planting. There is no better seed choice here than a leaf-only member of the Brassica species (Did you know that Brassicaceae is actually the Mustard family?). Our choice of Rape seed/Brassica Greens will accommodate your deer and wildlife and give them something tasty and nutritious (they also compliment our turnip regime). And like other "annuals", these greens do exhibit regrowth in their second year and throughout the second season after planting, and add excellent organic matter to your plot when tilled under.
Something most people don't consider is the human intrusion aspect of your food or micro-plots. Some wildlife species will shy away from regions of human activity while others might be drawn to the site(s). A first time planting IS YOUR FIRST - AND MAYBE ONLY - CHANCE TO MAKE A LASTING IMPRESSION. Do not underestimate your wildlifes' need for comfort and safety! Do your homework. Leave cover for your wildlife while preparing your site, note what type of soil you have and its characterisitcs, apply the correct quantities of the right amendments over the course of time and SELECT THE CORRECT TYPE OF SEED for your plantings - new or old. It should also be noted that rows of these greens have also been successful in whitetail garden style plantings.
We have a new stock of these greens; at this time it's first come, first serve. If you have any questions or comments then drop us a line at your convenience!
Happy Near-Spring,
-The Staff at WMP's
*** And yes, if you want to get your hands on some of these greens look toward the bottom of our Products Page...
