Food plot preparation questions

I am planning some work for the new hunting land this spring, which includes a couple of 1/2 acre food plots. I don't have an ATV, but I have a 15.5 hp garden tractor with a 42" mowing deck that was given to me. I plan on using this to prepare the plots. I am thinking about either building or purchasing a pull behind tiller (an independent unit that hooks up via. the hitch). That way all I would really need to purchase (or make) besides the tiller is a drag.

Does this sound like the best way to go, or is there something better that I can use?

Didn't you mention before that the area is pretty brushy? How are you going to clear it? Will there be lots of little stumps left behind or will they be gone? Also, how rocky is the soil? Rocks and stumps (even small ones) raise heck with tiller tines. I generally don't till virgin soil unless I have a good idea of what's under the surface. Usually I plow it under first and then work it.

Another option is a disc harrow. The kind made for ATV's would probably work well with your tractor and I'd make sure it's the kind with smooth discs. The discs with teeth look like they'd be great but are better for loose, clear soil. If you try to cut sod or packed earth the teeth catch, turn and the disc walks over it without cutting.

Hire it done and then it will be done right. I think you will spend more time trying to make it work then doing work.

Yes, the land is covered in brush, but there are several areas that are clear with just tall grass. This is where I would put the food plots. I do have someone lined up to do some brush cutting pretty reasonably ($50) hour with a 7' brushhog. I should be able to get everything cut in 3-4 hours.

Maybe I can talk to them about working the soil also, at least for the first time. It is the guy that manages the vegatable farm that this land is next to. He definately has all the equipment.

Need to check the Ph level of the soil...may need lime.

Spend the money to get it plowed, especially since its never been plowed before. You'll be glad you did! It will save you a ton of time and agrivation. Then get a disc to pull behind your tractor. I pull mine with a Polaris Ranger and it does pretty good.

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by LashCat &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Spend the money to get it plowed, especially since its never been plowed before. You'll be glad you did! It will save you a ton of time and agrivation. Then get a disc to pull behind your tractor. I pull mine with a Polaris Ranger and it does pretty good. </TD></TR></TABLE>


+1 This would be the way to go for the first time. We had some food plots cut this year and hired a dozer to clean the areas after the tree cutters left. We then chopped, limed, fertilized and planted. To cover the seeds, we simply drug a large piece of grating over the whole area.

I would definitely do what Basshuntr said, and check the PH of the soil before planting to determine if you will need to put down some lime.

Good luck! http://www.bassboatcentral.com/boardstuff2/beers.gif

Round up then fire. Then plant it. HAHA