'Plant it, And They Will Come'
A few quick and dirty tips for food plot success.
By Andrew Giesken — Sept 3rd, 2026
Food plots aren’t just about planting seeds and hoping for the best. They’re about improving habitat, attracting deer consistently, and creating huntable patterns. Whether you’re managing a small property or a big piece of ground the fundamentals stay the same.
Over the years, I’ve had my fair share of struggles with food plots, and some seasons felt like nothing went the way I planned. I’ve battled everything from poor soil and stubborn weeds to droughts, bad seed choices, and equipment that broke down. There were times I put in weeks of work only to watch a plot fail because I missed one small detail or trusted the wrong advice. But every setback taught me how to read the land better.
The plots I’ve built over the years have produced healthier does, stronger fawns, and bucks that show up looking noticeably better than seasons before. At the same time, these plots have created predictable movement and given me some of the most consistent, low‑pressure hunts I’ve ever had.
What I have learned is a good food plot starts with choosing the right location, and sunlight is the first thing I look for. 4–6 hours a day is a must so your seed can thrive. Avoid low, soggy spots that stay wet because those areas drown seed and turn into weed patches instead of deer groceries.
You also want to think ahead about how you’ll get in and out without blowing deer off the plot, because access can make or break your hunts. Consider how deer naturally travel through the area and pick a spot that lets you slip in quietly and stay undetected. And finally, keep prevailing winds in mind now, so your future blind placement works with you, not against you.
Testing and prepping your soil is one of the most important steps in creating a successful food plot because it tells you exactly what your ground needs. Start by pulling soil samples 3–6 inches deep so you’re getting a true reading of where your plants will grow. Send those samples to a local ag extension or co‑op, as they give you accurate recommendations.
Most plots need lime to correct the pH and getting that number right is what allows your plants to use the nutrients you put down. Once the pH is corrected, you can add fertilizer based on the report’s recommendations instead of guessing and wasting money. Taking the time to do this step right sets the foundation for a healthier, more productive food plot all season long.
Clearing and breaking the ground is where your food plot really starts to take shape, and it begins with spraying existing vegetation 10–14 days ahead of time so the roots die off completely.
Once the vegetation is dead, use a brush hog or mower to knock down tall growth and create a clean surface to work with. From there, you can till, disc, or run a no‑till drill depending on what equipment you have available. Taking the time to properly clear and prep the ground sets the stage for strong germination and a healthier plot overall.
Planting the seed correctly is what ultimately determines how well your food plot performs, so it’s important to follow the recommended seeding rates for each species. Small seeds like clover and brassicas should be broadcast on top of the soil and then cultipacked to ensure good seed to soil contact without burying them too deep.
Larger seeds such as beans and peas need to be drilled or lightly covered so they can establish strong roots. Always plant according to the seasonal timing for your specific region to give each crop the conditions it needs to thrive. After seeding, cultipack again to firm the seedbed and lock in moisture for better germination. Use a cultipacker, roller, or even ATV tires
Maintaining and monitoring your food plot is just as important as the initial planting, and it starts with spraying weeds early before they have a chance to take over. Clethodim and crop oil is my go-to because grass pressure is the #1 enemy of young food plots. This combo is safe on almost everything you plant. Mid‑season, you may need to fertilize again depending on rainfall, soil conditions, and how heavily the deer are feeding. Also trail cameras are a powerful tool for tracking deer usage and understanding how your plot is performing throughout the season. By watching how deer respond, you can adjust your strategy and make each year’s plot better than the last.
Food plots are one of the few habitat improvements that benefit both the deer herd and the hunter in a meaningful way. They provide consistent, high nutrition that supports healthier does, stronger fawns, and bucks that can reach their full potential.
At the same time, they create predictable movement patterns that make hunting more strategic and less intrusive. A great food plot becomes a resource that keeps deer on your property and reduces pressure from neighboring land. In the end, food plots strengthen the herd, improve the land, and give hunters a more rewarding and sustainable experience season after season.
Over the years of planting food plots, I’ve seen first-hand how much they can transform a property and the deer that live on it. Watching deer rely on something you have built from the ground up adds a whole new level of satisfaction to the season.
