Northeast Connecticut Plot help.

[codman]

This is the year i would like to plant a good size plot in the field i hunt , I have been saying this every year and something always gets in the way or i never plan it out in time and seem to be cramming it down to the wire. What i would like to plant is something benifical to all wildlife . Ive been leaning more towards corn or a soybean but have no idea how soybeans would do in New England. The field is about 3.5 acres or so so it can hold quite a bit. I really just have no clue as far as the soybean what to do or what to get. Also where can i buy enough corn to plant 1 or 2 acres? Any online Dealers?

Thank you

[joeaveragehunter]

Make sure you get a soil sample before you do anything! This will tell you what you are working with. Skipping this will reduce your chances of growing a successful food plot.

There should be a soybean that would have no problem growing in new england. A place to start for the soybean questions is eagleseed.com. Look them up and find a dealer nearest to you. Call them and tell them your situation. They will tell you if it will work, and if it won't, they should be able to tell you a brand that will.

You should be able to buy corn at a local feed mill, but you need fairly decent soil and a healthy amount of fertilizer to get a good crop and it will only attract deer later in the year.

One suggestion is to split up your field into three sections. Plant one in a clover since its easier to establish and it will come back year after year. The second section can be planted in beans or corn, whichever your soil is better suited for. The third section could be planted in a brassica to help attract the deer after the first few frosts. If you had that half acre left over, you could look into a sorghum or winter wheat if you wanted, or just plant something that has been recommended to you, but you are skeptical if it will work (test plot).

This is just a starting point. You need to put in some phone time with several people on each issue. Never take any one person's opinion as gospel, make sure you double check with a different dealer or company on each issue. Ga Luck!

[dogdoc]

I have become a big fan of spring planted soybeans. They provide high protein green forage all spring and summer and then when they mature the deer eat the bean pods all winter. It has become a year round plot for me. I've planted several varieties and by far the Eagle brand soybeans are the best.

Just google eagle brand soybeans and you'll find there site. I believe they have developed a variety for you northern guys also.

Todd