Thayer Posted June 25, 2006 Report Share Posted June 25, 2006 I thought a couple of my alfalfa, wheat, oats, and austrian peas would be good to see...ps the oats were planted last fall...some winter huh?? [image][/image] [image][/image] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tominator Posted June 25, 2006 Report Share Posted June 25, 2006 Re: Since we\'re posting plot pics Looks good! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dogdoc Posted June 25, 2006 Report Share Posted June 25, 2006 Re: Since we\'re posting plot pics When are you planning on cutting the plot? I either cut very early or wait until the first week of July so not to disturb any nesting birds or bedded fawns. looks good todd Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wtnhunt Posted June 25, 2006 Report Share Posted June 25, 2006 Re: Since we\'re posting plot pics Looks good. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SuperMn106 Posted June 25, 2006 Report Share Posted June 25, 2006 Re: Since we\'re posting plot pics Looking good. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TreeWalker Posted June 25, 2006 Report Share Posted June 25, 2006 Re: Since we\'re posting plot pics [ QUOTE ] When are you planning on cutting the plot? I either cut very early or wait until the first week of July so not to disturb any nesting birds or bedded fawns. looks good todd [/ QUOTE ] OK...dumb question......why would you cut it, unless you needed the hay ?? Remember, I'm pretty green to this whole food plot thing...... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tominator Posted June 25, 2006 Report Share Posted June 25, 2006 Re: Since we\'re posting plot pics [ QUOTE ] [ QUOTE ] When are you planning on cutting the plot? I either cut very early or wait until the first week of July so not to disturb any nesting birds or bedded fawns. looks good todd [/ QUOTE ] OK...dumb question......why would you cut it, unless you needed the hay ?? Remember, I'm pretty green to this whole food plot thing...... [/ QUOTE ] Old growth on top tends to get tough and unpalatable for the deer I believe Clay. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thayer Posted June 25, 2006 Author Report Share Posted June 25, 2006 Re: Since we\'re posting plot pics As far as cutting it...it is not high enuf to produce a bale of hay yet, I am thinking of cutting it in late August to spread out the wheat seed heads. I think the boys are going up in july to do some discing, but I really think I will let the alfalfa plot go. On the other hand, I have a plot that was frost seeded in alfalfa in March and it didn't take so well, the wheat, oats, and peas came back strong, and I think a good spraying on the plot in July, followed by a mowing and discing in August will set the remaining seed firmly into the plot. I have some leftover clover that I have been itching to get into the ground and that spot looks like it would be a great spot for the clover, along with the leftover wheat and oats... I am hoping that this first year of alfalfa will produce some strong plants...how tall does the alf get normally...these were only about 12" tall in June. It should slow down now that summer is pounding on the turf... Dogdoc, you got any good info on how to deal with alf in the early years? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dogdoc Posted June 25, 2006 Report Share Posted June 25, 2006 Re: Since we\'re posting plot pics Clay--mowing serves several purposes. One when the cereal grains mature mowing scatters the seeds so the birds can have access to them. When planting a cereal grain as a nurse crop with perennials like Thayer did mowing opens up the canopy to allow more sunlight to your perennials. Like Chris stated mowing also keeps young tender regrowth on the perennials which are more palatable and higher in nutrition. Mowing is also the easiest way to control weeds in your plots. Timing mowing will knock back your weeds--which decreases competition and prevents them from flowering out and producing more weed seeds. Thayer--12" is about as tall as my alfalfa gets also. I try to fertilize it early spring and again late summer. If you have some bare spots you might overseed the alfalfa plot with some chicory or clover this fall. As you know alfalfa is much more pickier than clover so keep a close eye on your pH and reapply lime as needed. todd Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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