First Impressions of 4S Plantler Forager Plus Seed Plants
The 4S Plantler Forager Plus Seed Plants promises a convenient way to boost the nutritional value and attractiveness of cool-season food plots. 4S, the manufacturer, intends for this mix of clover, forage brassica, and chicory to be added to cereal grains, turning a simple planting into a more robust and appealing food source for wildlife. Having spent countless hours planning, planting, and maintaining food plots over the last decade, I was keen to see if this product could truly simplify the process of creating a more effective and appealing food plot.
I was tired of the inconsistent results from planting straight cereal grains. They certainly attract deer, but I suspected they weren’t providing the full range of nutrients needed for optimal health, especially during the critical antler-growing and pre-winter phases. So, when I saw that 4S Plantler Forager Plus Seed Plants claimed to address this deficiency with its clover, brassica, and chicory mix, I had to investigate further.
The package itself is compact, weighing a mere 7 ounces. It’s difficult to gauge the quality of the seed mix visually without planting, but the packaging is informative. Compared to buying clover, brassica, and chicory seeds individually, which can be costly and require precise measuring, the 4S Plantler Forager Plus Seed Plants offers a seemingly convenient pre-mixed solution. I also considered a few other pre-mixed food plot blends, but this one specifically called out its compatibility with cereal grains, which is the base of my existing planting strategy.
Initial impressions are cautiously optimistic. The blend promises convenience and nutritional enhancement, but the proof will be in its performance in the field. I was excited to see if it delivers on its claims and helps me create a healthier, more attractive food plot.
Real-World Testing: Putting 4S Plantler Forager Plus Seed Plants to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the 4S Plantler Forager Plus Seed Plants on a one-acre plot in central Pennsylvania. The plot was primarily wheat, which I supplemented as instructed with the 4S blend. Planting occurred in late August, just before the typical cool-season planting window for my region.
The weather cooperated, with consistent rainfall following planting, which is critical for seed germination. The initial growth was promising; the cereal grains emerged quickly, followed by the clover, brassica, and chicory. After the initial planting and waiting for the seeds to grow, I observed the plot for animal attraction and growth.
Extended Use & Reliability
After three months of growth, the food plot has proven itself quite reliable. The clover established a dense undergrowth, providing a continuous source of forage. The brassica and chicory also grew well, adding diversity to the plot. This addition was a significant improvement over previous years when I relied solely on cereal grains.
There has been no noticeable wear and tear, as it is a seed blend. The plants continue to thrive. Since it is a plant based plot, there isn’t any maintenance, other than potentially mowing or refertilizing, as needed. Compared to previous years’ plantings of solely cereal grains, the 4S Plantler Forager Plus Seed Plants blend has resulted in noticeably healthier and more active animal traffic.
Breaking Down the Features of 4S Plantler Forager Plus Seed Plants
Specifications
- The 4S Plantler Forager Plus Seed Plants is a cool-season seed mix containing clover, forage brassica, and chicory. This combination provides a diverse nutritional profile for wildlife.
- The intended use is to supplement up to 50lbs of cool-season cereal grains (wheat, oats, or triticale) per acre. This is meant to enhance the nutritional value of the food plot.
- The package weight is 7 oz, and the dimensions are 13 mm (length) x 13 in (height) x 4 in (width). These compact dimensions make it easy to handle and store.
These specifications matter because they dictate the application rate and nutritional content of the food plot. A diverse mix of clover, brassica, and chicory provides a range of essential vitamins and minerals that cereal grains alone cannot offer.
Performance & Functionality
The 4S Plantler Forager Plus Seed Plants performed admirably in enhancing the nutritional value and attractiveness of my food plot. It significantly increased the diversity of forage available to wildlife.
The primary strength of the blend is its ease of use and the enhanced nutritional profile it provides compared to planting cereal grains alone. However, like all seed blends, the specific germination rates and growth success will depend heavily on soil conditions and weather. The blend meets expectations, offering a convenient way to create a more attractive food plot.
Design & Ergonomics
The product’s design is straightforward: a pre-mixed blend of seeds designed for easy application. The compact size makes it convenient to handle. There is no learning curve; simply mix the seeds with your chosen cereal grain and plant as usual.
Durability & Maintenance
As a seed blend, the 4S Plantler Forager Plus Seed Plants is not subject to physical wear and tear in the traditional sense. The durability of the food plot it creates depends on factors like soil quality, weather conditions, and grazing pressure. Maintaining the food plot may involve mowing, fertilizing, or overseeding as needed.
Accessories and Customization Options
The 4S Plantler Forager Plus Seed Plants is primarily a seed blend, so it doesn’t have accessories in the traditional sense. However, the user has control over the cereal grain used in combination with the blend. Users can select wheat, oats, or triticale based on their regional suitability and wildlife preferences. The product is also compatible with standard agricultural equipment used for planting food plots.
Pros and Cons of 4S Plantler Forager Plus Seed Plants
Pros
- Provides a diverse and nutritious food source for wildlife.
- Convenient pre-mixed blend simplifies food plot planting.
- Enhances the attractiveness of cereal grain food plots.
- Easy to use with no specialized equipment required.
- Relatively inexpensive compared to buying individual seed varieties.
Cons
- Dependence on weather and soil conditions for germination and growth.
- Limited customization compared to creating a custom seed mix.
Who Should Buy 4S Plantler Forager Plus Seed Plants?
The 4S Plantler Forager Plus Seed Plants is perfect for hunters and wildlife enthusiasts looking to improve the nutritional value and attractiveness of their cool-season food plots. This product is well-suited for those who already plant cereal grains but want to provide a more balanced diet for deer and other wildlife.
Those who prefer complete control over their seed mix or have very specific soil and climate requirements might want to consider creating a custom blend. A soil test is recommended before planting to ensure optimal growth conditions.
Conclusion on 4S Plantler Forager Plus Seed Plants
The 4S Plantler Forager Plus Seed Plants offers a convenient and effective way to enhance the nutritional value and attractiveness of cool-season food plots. It’s easy to use, relatively inexpensive, and can significantly improve the quality of forage available to wildlife.
Considering the time and effort saved compared to creating a custom seed mix, the price of $47.99 is justified. I would definitely recommend the 4S Plantler Forager Plus Seed Plants to anyone looking to create a healthier, more attractive food plot with minimal effort. Improve your food plot today with 4S!