When To Plant Alfalfa For Deer

Planting alfalfa for deer in late summer provides nutritious forage through hunting season. Understanding when to plant alfalfa for deer is the first step to creating a food plot that attracts and holds deer on your property. The timing of your planting directly impacts germination, growth, and how much forage is available when deer need it most.

Alfalfa is a high-protein legume that deer love, but it can be tricky to establish. Get the timing wrong, and you might end up with weeds or weak plants. Get it right, and you will have a lush, green food plot that deer visit daily.

This guide covers everything you need to know about planting alfalfa for deer. We will look at the best times for different regions, soil preparation, and how to keep your plot healthy. Let us get started.

The best time to plant alfalfa for deer depends on your climate zone. In general, you have two main windows: late summer to early fall, or early spring. Each season has its own advantages and challenges.

For most hunters, late summer planting is the top choice. This timing allows the alfalfa to establish before winter, then come back strong in the spring. It also means the plants are mature and highly palatable during the fall hunting season.

Spring planting works too, but it requires more management. Weeds are more aggressive in spring, and the alfalfa may not be as productive in its first year. Let us break down the details.

Late Summer Planting Window

Late summer planting is ideal for most of the United States. The goal is to get the alfalfa in the ground about 6 to 8 weeks before the first expected frost. This gives the plants enough time to develop a strong root system.

Here are the general planting dates by region:

Northern states (Zone 4-5): Plant from early August to mid-August.
Mid-Atlantic and Midwest (Zone 6): Plant from mid-August to early September.
Southeastern states (Zone 7-8): Plant from early September to late September.
Deep South (Zone 8-9): Plant from late September to mid-October.

These dates are guidelines. Always check your local frost dates and adjust accordingly. The key is to plant early enough so the alfalfa has at least 6 weeks of good growing weather before the first hard freeze.

Late summer planting has several benefits. The soil is warm, which speeds up germination. There are fewer weed seeds germinating at this time, so competition is lower. And the cooler fall temperatures are perfect for alfalfa growth.

One risk of late summer planting is drought. If your area is experiencing a dry spell, you may need to irrigate or wait for rain. Dry soil can prevent germination or kill young seedlings.

Spring Planting Window

Spring planting is a backup option if you miss the late summer window. It can also work well in very cold regions where winter comes early. The goal is to plant as soon as the soil is workable and the danger of a hard frost has passed.

Here are general spring planting dates:

Northern states: Plant from mid-April to mid-May.
Mid-Atlantic and Midwest: Plant from early April to early May.
Southeastern states: Plant from mid-March to mid-April.
Deep South: Plant from late February to late March.

Spring planting has its own challenges. Weeds are much more aggressive in spring. You will need to control them with herbicides or tillage before planting. Also, the alfalfa may not produce much forage in its first summer, as it focuses on root development.

However, spring-planted alfalfa can be very productive by its second year. If you are patient, it can become a long-term food plot that lasts 3 to 5 years or more.

Soil Preparation For Alfalfa

Alfalfa is picky about soil. It needs a pH between 6.5 and 7.5, good drainage, and plenty of nutrients. Do not skip soil testing. It is the most important step for success.

Here is how to prepare your soil:

Test your soil. Send a sample to your local extension office or use a home test kit. You need to know the pH and nutrient levels.
Adjust pH. If your soil is too acidic, add lime. This takes time to work, so apply it 6 to 12 months before planting if possible. For a fall planting, apply lime in the spring.
Add fertilizer. Alfalfa needs phosphorus and potassium. Follow the recommendations from your soil test. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers, as alfalfa makes its own nitrogen.
Control weeds. Use a non-selective herbicide like glyphosate 2 to 3 weeks before planting. This kills existing weeds and gives your alfalfa a clean start.
Till or no-till. You can till the soil to create a smooth seedbed, or use a no-till drill. No-till is better for preventing erosion and preserving soil moisture.

Good soil preparation is worth the effort. It prevents many problems down the road and ensures your alfalfa establishes quickly.

Choosing The Right Alfalfa Variety

Not all alfalfa varieties are the same. Some are bred for grazing tolerance, others for high yield, and others for cold hardiness. For deer food plots, you want a variety that is persistent and palatable.

Look for these traits:

Winter hardiness: Choose a variety rated for your zone. This ensures it survives cold winters.
Disease resistance: Look for resistance to common diseases like phytophthora root rot and anthracnose.
Grazing tolerance: Some varieties are bred to handle heavy grazing pressure. This is important if deer will be eating it regularly.
High yield: A productive variety gives you more forage per acre.

Your local extension office or seed dealer can recommend varieties that work well in your area. Do not just buy the cheapest seed. Invest in quality.

Planting Techniques For Success

Once you have the timing and soil ready, it is time to plant. Proper planting depth and seeding rate are critical for good germination.

Here are the key steps:

Seed depth: Plant alfalfa seeds 1/4 to 1/2 inch deep. Deeper than that, and they may not emerge. Use a drill or broadcast spreader and then lightly rake or cultipack to cover the seeds.
Seeding rate: For pure alfalfa stands, plant 15 to 20 pounds per acre. If you are mixing with a grass like orchardgrass, reduce the alfalfa rate to 10 to 12 pounds per acre.
Inoculate the seed: Alfalfa needs a specific bacteria to fix nitrogen. Buy pre-inoculated seed or treat it yourself with the right inoculant. This is cheap insurance for better growth.
Roll or cultipack: After seeding, roll the soil to ensure good seed-to-soil contact. This helps the seeds absorb moisture and germinate.
Water if needed: If rain is not in the forecast, water the plot lightly. Keep the soil moist for the first 10 to 14 days until the seedlings are established.

One common mistake is planting too deep. Alfalfa seeds are small and need light to germinate. Shallow planting is better than deep planting.

Managing Weeds In Alfalfa

Weeds are the biggest enemy of young alfalfa. They compete for light, water, and nutrients. If you do not control them, they can choke out your plot.

Here are strategies for weed control:

Pre-plant herbicide: Use glyphosate or another non-selective herbicide 2 to 3 weeks before planting. This kills existing weeds.
Mowing: Once the alfalfa is 6 to 8 inches tall, mow it to about 4 inches. This helps the alfalfa outcompete weeds. Do not mow too low, or you may damage the plants.
Post-emergent herbicides: If weeds become a problem, you can use selective herbicides labeled for alfalfa. Products like 2,4-DB or clethodim can control broadleaf weeds and grasses without harming the alfalfa. Always read the label.
Competition: A thick, healthy stand of alfalfa will naturally suppress weeds. Focus on good soil preparation and proper seeding rates to get a dense stand.

Do not let weeds get out of control. Check your plot weekly during the first few months and take action if needed.

Maintaining Your Alfalfa Food Plot

Once your alfalfa is established, it needs some care to stay productive. Proper management can keep your plot going for 3 to 5 years or longer.

Here are maintenance tips:

Fertilize annually: Apply phosphorus and potassium based on soil tests. Do not over-fertilize with nitrogen.
Mow after grazing: If deer have heavily grazed the plot, mow it to about 4 inches. This encourages new growth and prevents the plants from becoming woody.
Control weeds: Continue to monitor for weeds and use herbicides as needed. A healthy stand will resist weeds, but occasional spot treatment may be necessary.
Rest periods: Allow the alfalfa to recover after heavy grazing. If possible, rotate between multiple food plots to give each one a break.
Watch for pests: Alfalfa can be attacked by insects like alfalfa weevil or aphids. If you see damage, treat with an appropriate insecticide.

With good care, your alfalfa plot will provide years of high-quality forage for deer.

Benefits Of Alfalfa For Deer

Why go to all this trouble? Because alfalfa is one of the best food plot options for deer. Here is what it offers:

High protein: Alfalfa contains 18 to 22 percent protein, which helps deer grow antlers and produce milk for fawns.
Palatability: Deer love the taste of alfalfa. They will choose it over many other forages.
Long season: Alfalfa grows from spring through fall, providing food for most of the year.
Perennial: Once established, alfalfa comes back year after year with minimal replanting.
Soil improvement: Alfalfa fixes nitrogen in the soil, improving fertility for future crops.

These benefits make alfalfa a top choice for serious deer managers.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

Even experienced food plotters make mistakes with alfalfa. Here are the most common ones and how to avoid them:

Planting too deep: Seeds planted deeper than 1/2 inch often fail to emerge. Keep it shallow.
Skipping soil test: Without a soil test, you may add the wrong fertilizer or miss a pH problem. Always test first.
Planting in wet soil: Wet soil can cause seed rot and poor germination. Wait until the soil is workable.
Ignoring weeds: Weeds can take over a young alfalfa plot quickly. Control them early.
Overgrazing: Deer can eat alfalfa down to the ground if you let them. Protect young plants with fencing or by planting a larger area.
Using old seed: Alfalfa seed loses viability over time. Use fresh seed for best results.

Avoid these mistakes, and your chances of success go up dramatically.

Regional Considerations

Your location affects not just when to plant, but also how to manage your alfalfa. Here are some regional tips:

Northern Regions

In cold climates, winter hardiness is critical. Choose varieties rated for your zone. Plant in late summer to give the alfalfa time to establish before the ground freezes. Snow cover helps protect the plants.

Southern Regions

In the South, heat and humidity can stress alfalfa. Plant in early fall to avoid summer heat. Choose varieties with good disease resistance. Irrigation may be needed during dry spells.

Dry Regions

In arid areas, alfalfa needs irrigation to establish. Plant in early spring or late summer when moisture is more reliable. Use no-till methods to conserve soil moisture.

Humid Regions

In humid areas, disease pressure is higher. Choose resistant varieties and ensure good drainage. Avoid planting in low spots where water collects.

Tailor your approach to your local conditions for the best results.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I plant alfalfa in the spring for deer?

Yes, you can plant alfalfa in the spring. The best time is after the last frost, when soil temperatures reach 50°F. Spring planting requires more weed control, but it can work well if you manage it carefully.

How long does it take for alfalfa to grow after planting?

Alfalfa seeds germinate in 7 to 10 days under good conditions. The plants will be 6 to 8 inches tall in about 4 to 6 weeks. They are ready for light grazing after about 8 weeks.

What is the best companion plant for alfalfa in a deer food plot?

A good companion is a cool-season grass like orchardgrass or tall fescue. The grass helps support the alfalfa and reduces weed pressure. Mix at a rate of 4 to 6 pounds of grass per acre with 10 to 12 pounds of alfalfa.

Will deer eat alfalfa in the winter?

Yes, deer will eat alfalfa in winter if it is still green. In cold climates, alfalfa goes dormant and turns brown, but deer will still browse the stems. The protein content drops in winter, but it is still a valuable food source.

How often should I mow my alfalfa food plot?

Mow your alfalfa plot 2 to 3 times per year, or after heavy grazing. Mowing to 4 inches encourages new growth and keeps the plants from becoming woody. Do not mow during drought or extreme heat.

Final Thoughts On Planting Alfalfa For Deer

Planting alfalfa for deer is a rewarding project that can transform your hunting property. The key is getting the timing right. Late summer planting is your best bet for most areas, but spring planting can work too.

Remember to test your soil, prepare the seedbed, and control weeds. Choose a quality variety suited to your region. With proper care, your alfalfa plot will provide high-protein forage that attracts deer year after year.

Start planning now. Check your local frost dates, order your seed, and get ready to plant. Your deer herd will thank you.