Preparing Your Wildlife Food Plot for Fall Planting in Louisiana

Fall is prime time for establishing wildlife food plots in Louisiana—especially if your goal is to attract and sustain deer, turkey, or other game throughout hunting season and beyond. But planting a productive food plot takes more than tossing out seed and hoping for rain. The most successful plots are planned, prepped, and planted with intentional timing, tested soil, and proper fertilizer.

At Highland Growers LLC in DeRidder, LA, we work with landowners, hunters, and habitat managers to build food plots that thrive in Louisiana’s unique soils and climate. Whether you’re prepping one acre or ten, we’re here to help you get the most out of your land this fall.

This guide walks you through every step to properly prepare your wildlife plot before the season hits—so you can attract more game and improve long-term habitat quality.

Why Fall Is the Best Time to Plant a Food Plot in Louisiana

In Louisiana, fall food plots offer several key benefits:

• Deer naturally shift toward high-carb forages (like brassicas and grains) in cooler months
  
  
• Fall planting takes advantage of early-season rains and cooler soil temps for better germination
  
  
• Establishing plots before peak hunting season increases game visibility and activity
  
  
• Many preferred forages (like clover, radishes, and oats) are designed for fall performance
  
  

Planting typically occurs between late September and mid-October, depending on rainfall and temperatures. Aim to plant just before a rain event to maximize seed-to-soil contact and minimize manual watering.

Step 1: Choose a Strategic Plot Location

Location determines how effective your food plot will be at attracting and holding wildlife.

Key Location Factors:

• Access: Choose a site you can reach easily with equipment but that doesn’t disturb bedding areas
  
  
• Sunlight: Your plot needs at least 4–6 hours of full sun per day
  
  
• Drainage: Avoid low-lying or flood-prone areas
  
  
• Cover: Ideal sites are near natural cover, edge habitat, or travel corridors
  
  

If possible, establish multiple small plots (¼–½ acre each) in different locations rather than a single large field. This reduces pressure and supports natural wildlife movement.

Step 2: Perform a Soil Test (Don’t Skip This Step)

Soil testing is the foundation of a successful food plot. Louisiana soils vary widely in pH and nutrient content—even on the same property. Many forested or previously unmanaged sites are too acidic or lacking in key nutrients to support healthy forage growth.

At Highland Growers, we offer fast, affordable soil testing with:

• pH analysis
  
  
• Macronutrient levels (Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium)
  
  
• Micronutrient readings (Sulfur, Zinc, etc.)
  
  
• Organic matter and lime recommendations
  
  

Once we get your results, we’ll create a custom fertilizer and lime plan to match your site and planting goals.

Step 3: Apply Lime and Fertilizer Before Planting

Lime Application:

Most food plot forages prefer a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. If your soil is more acidic (common in piney or wooded areas), lime is essential.

• Apply lime 4–6 weeks before planting for best results
  
  
• Use ag lime or pelletized lime, depending on your equipment and timing
  
  
• Spread evenly and incorporate lightly if possible
  
  

Fertilizer:

Apply fertilizer based on your soil test. If you haven’t tested, a general starter blend like 10-20-10 or 13-13-13 can work—but it won’t be as effective as a custom blend matched to your soil.

We offer:

• Bulk and bagged blends
  
  
• Pickup or delivery
  
  
• Spreaders and application tools
  
  

Step 4: Clear and Prep the Plot Site

Depending on your equipment and approach, you have two main prep options:

Conventional Prep:

• Mow existing vegetation as low as possible
  
  
• Spray herbicide (glyphosate or pre-mix) to kill off weeds
  
  
• Wait 7–10 days, then disk or till to expose clean seedbed
  
  
• Drag, level, and firm before planting
  
  

No-Till Method:

• Mow and spray vegetation
  
  
• Broadcast seed into dead thatch
  
  
• Roll or pack seed using a cultipacker, ATV tires, or drag chain
  
  
• Ideal for remote plots with minimal disturbance
  
  

Not sure which method is right for your property? Ask our team. We’ll recommend the best tools and timing based on your land and goals.

Step 5: Select the Right Fall Food Plot Seed

The best seed depends on your wildlife goals, soil conditions, and planting date. We stock seasonally blended seed mixes that perform well in Louisiana’s fall climate.

Mixing multiple crops can provide early, mid, and late-season forage—ensuring consistent attraction throughout the season.

Step 6: Broadcast and Cover Seed Properly

Proper planting ensures germination and strong growth. Follow these key tips:

• Don’t bury small seeds like clover or brassicas. Shallow coverage is key.
  
  
• Use a broadcast spreader for even seed distribution
  
  
• Pack or roll the seed after planting to ensure seed-to-soil contact
  
  
• Try to plant before a forecasted rain for best germination
  
  

If you’re planting multiple types (e.g., oats + clover), broadcast larger seed first, lightly cover or drag, then broadcast small seed on top.

Step 7: Maintain and Monitor Your Plot

Once planted, keep an eye on your plot and take steps to support early growth:

• Apply additional fertilizer 3–4 weeks after germination if needed
  
  
• Mow tall competition around the plot edge
  
  
• Use exclusion cages to measure grazing pressure
  
  
• Avoid unnecessary traffic during establishment phase
  
  

Fall plots may grow slower than spring ones but can still produce excellent forage and hunting opportunities by mid to late season.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

When should I plant a fall food plot in Louisiana?

Ideally between late September and mid-October, depending on rainfall and temperature. Monitor the forecast and soil moisture closely.

What’s the best fertilizer for food plots?

It depends on your soil test. A balanced starter blend like 13-13-13 can work in a pinch, but custom blends deliver better results and long-term soil health.

Do I need lime every year?

No. Lime effects can last 2–4 years depending on your soil type. Test annually to check pH and avoid overapplication.

Can I plant in an old logging road or clearing?

Yes, but test the soil and check for compaction. No-till methods are often best in these conditions.

Let Highland Growers Help You Plant the Perfect Fall Plot

Fall food plots offer one of the best returns on your time and investment when done right. Whether you're managing deer habitat, preparing for hunting season, or improving your land’s long-term forage capacity, Highland Growers has the tools, products, and local knowledge you need.

We offer:

• Fall food plot seed blends
  
  
• Custom fertilizer and lime
  
  
• Soil testing and pH correction
  
  
• Sprayers, spreaders, and planting equipment
  
  
• Seasonal advice from experienced Louisiana experts
  
  

Stop by our DeRidder location or visit https://highlandgrowers.com to plan your fall wildlife plot today. Serving Beauregard Parish and surrounding communities.