Plant Right.
Grow Lasting Forage.
A good seed still fails in a poorly prepared plot. This guide covers what you need to know to get the most out of Buck Forage Oats, Clover, and Chicory so the forage you grow actually holds up and keeps deer returning to your land.
When to Plant Buck Forage Seed.
Timing depends on your region and the seed you are planting. As a general rule, cool‑season oats perform best when planted ahead of your area's first hard frost; the exact window varies by region. Clover and chicory can be established in fall or frost‑seeded in late winter in northern regions.
Always check local frost dates before planting. For oats, northern climates should plant between late August and mid-September. Southern climates should plant mid-September through mid-October. Extreme southern climates can plant mid-October through January. Avoid planting oats during summertime conditions.
Buck Forage Oats
or Frost Seed
Buck Forage Clover
South: Fall / North: Fall or Spring
Buck Forage Chicory
South: Fall / North: Fall or Spring
How to Prepare Your Plot.
Soil preparation is where most food plots are won or lost before a single seed hits the ground.
Test Your Soil
A soil test tells you what your plot actually needs. Most county extension services offer affordable testing. Aim for a soil pH of 7 for oats, clover, and chicory.
Control Existing Vegetation
Clear existing grass, weeds, and competing vegetation before planting. This can be done through disking, herbicide application, or a combination of both. Giving your seed a clean seedbed improves germination rates and early growth significantly.
DISK YOUR SOIL
For oats, a light disking to a depth of four to six inches, if possible, is usually sufficient. This loosens the seedbed and improves seed-to-soil contact.
Apply Lime and Fertilizer
Based on your soil test results, apply lime to correct pH and fertilizer to provide the nutrients your plot needs. Crushed lime reacts more slowly but lasts longer in your soil. Apply it months before planting. Pelletized lime reacts more quickly but won't remain as effective in the long term as crushed lime.
For oats alone, apply 200 lbs of 13-13-13 (or an equivalent rate of another blend) per acre. When combining oats with Buck Forage Chicory and Buck Forage Clover, apply 100 lbs of 6-26-26 per acre.
How to Plant Buck Forage Seed.
Buck Forage Oats
Oats can be drilled to a depth of two inches or broadcast and then lightly disked to incorporate the seed to a proper depth. When disking, follow up with a roller to firm the seedbed and ensure good seed-to-soil contact for best results. In northern climates, frost seeding oats is also a viable option.
Planting Rates: Drilling — 100 lbs/acre. Broadcast — 100–120 lbs/acre.
Buck Forage Clover
Clover should be drilled to a depth of one-quarter inch or broadcast into a well-prepared seedbed, then lightly dragged or rolled to establish seed-to-soil contact. In northern climates, frost seeding into snowpack is also a viable option in late winter/early spring, where the freeze-thaw cycle can naturally work the seed into the soil.
Seeding Rate: Stand-alone — 8 lbs/acre. In combination with Buck Forage Oats and Chicory — 4 lbs/acre.
Buck Forage Chicory
Drill to a max depth of one-quarter inch, or broadcast into a well-prepared seedbed, then lightly drag or roll to establish seed-to-soil contact. Chicory is also a very good option for frost seeding in northern climates.
Planting Rate: Stand-alone — 6–8 lbs/acre. In combination with Buck Forage Oats and Clover — 3 lbs/acre.
Building a Stronger
Plot with Multiple
Seed Types.
Buck Forage Oats, Clover, and Chicory are designed to work together. A combination plot gives deer a food source that transitions across seasons rather than fading out when one plant finishes.
For fall combination planting: disk or drill your oats first, then broadcast spread and roll your clover and chicory over the top. The larger oat seed needs to go in at depth while the smaller clover and chicory seed need to stay near the surface. This two‑step approach gives each seed type the best planting environment.
Keeping Your Plot Producing.
Once your plot is established, a few simple maintenance steps help keep forage production strong from season to season.
Mow chicory and clover periodically during the growing season to encourage new growth and prevent plants from going to seed too early.
Spot-spray weeds that compete with your established forage plants. Early control is easier and more effective than trying to manage heavy weed pressure later.
Fertilize clover and chicory annually based on soil test recommendations to maintain strong forage production.
Replant oats each fall as part of your annual food plot rotation.
Planting Guide FAQs.
Yes. Plant oats first using your primary tillage method, then broadcast clover and chicory over the top and roll or drag to improve seed-to-soil contact.