Planting for Wildlife Success: Late Spring and Early Summer Food Plots

Planting for Wildlife Success: Late Spring and Early Summer Food Plots

As May unfolds, the woods, fields, and forests across the country are buzzing with life. For landowners passionate about managing their properties for wildlife — particularly deer, turkey, and upland game species — late spring and early summer are critical windows for establishing high-quality food plots. Whether you steward land in the South, the Northwoods of Maine, Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, or the misty valleys of the Pacific Northwest, smart planting decisions now can set the stage for healthier wildlife populations and better hunting seasons ahead.

Here’s a regional guide to maximize your food plot success this month:

U.S. South: Power Planting for Warm-Season Forage

In the South, May is prime time for planting warm-season annuals that can thrive through the heat and provide critical nutrition through the stressful summer months.
Top recommendations include:

• Soybeans (especially forage varieties): High-protein, ideal for deer through summer.
• Lablab: A favorite for deer, extremely drought tolerant.
• Peas and Cowpeas: Fast-growing and highly attractive to both deer and turkeys.
• Sunflowers and Sorghum: Excellent options for creating structure and feeding doves and other upland birds.

Tip: Blend these species into a diverse mix to promote staggered growth and resilience against heavy grazing pressure.

Maine: Short Season, Big Impact

In Maine, with a shorter growing season, choosing fast-maturing, cold-tolerant plants is key.
Recommended plantings:

• Buckwheat: Germinates quickly and creates an excellent early-season attractant.
• Brassicas (like turnips and radishes): For later summer planting, but you can begin prepping fields now.
• Clover Mixes: Frost-seeded clover should be well-established by now; overseed thin spots to maintain lush growth.

Tip: Soil temperatures may still be cooler in northern Maine in early May. Monitor before planting and target late May for best results with warm-season species.

Michigan’s Upper Peninsula: Cool-Season Focus

The Upper Peninsula’s growing season mirrors Maine's — cool, short, and sometimes unpredictable.
Best options this month:

• Clover and Chicory Blends: Perennials that establish well now and provide high-protein forage throughout summer.
• Oats: Plant in late May or early June for quick, lush plots attractive to deer and turkeys.
• Alfalfa: For a longer-term investment in highly nutritious forage.

Tip: Focus on soil pH and fertility this month. Lime and fertilize as needed to give food plots a strong foundation heading into the warmer months.

Pacific Northwest: Diverse Opportunities

The Pacific Northwest offers rich soils and a favorable climate for a wide range of food plot options — though elevation and local microclimates vary widely.
Ideal plantings include:

• Clover and Perennial Blends: Especially white clover mixed with chicory for durability and year-round attractiveness.
• Brassicas: Begin planning now for late summer planting to boost fall attraction.
• Spring Peas and Oats: Excellent early plantings for quick green-up and forage availability.

Tip: In lower elevations west of the Cascades, spring rains will promote strong establishment — but as the dry season approaches, choose drought-tolerant species and monitor moisture levels carefully.

Final Thought

May is a transition month — a bridge from spring’s renewal to summer’s abundance. By investing a little time and effort in thoughtful food plot planting now, you’ll lay the groundwork for thriving wildlife populations throughout the year.

At AFM Real Estate, we understand that successful land stewardship isn’t just about buying and selling property — it’s about helping you unlock the full potential of your land. Whether you're managing for deer, turkey, or a diverse array of game species, strategic food plots are one of the most effective tools you can use.

Need help with land management ideas or planning your next property investment? Contact your local AFM Real Estate land expert today!