First Thoughts on the Whitetail Institute Beets and Greens Seed 12 lb.
The Whitetail Institute Beets and Greens Seed 12 lb. promises to be a game-changer for deer hunters looking to establish reliable food plots. From the Whitetail Institute, a name synonymous with quality deer attractants, this blend of kale, turnip, radish, and sugar beets aims to provide both early-season attraction and sustained forage through the fall. It’s designed to give deer a combination of above-ground foliage and below-ground roots, ensuring a consistent food source.
My quest for the perfect food plot solution led me to this product. I was specifically looking for a blend that could withstand both the early-season heat and the late-season frosts of the Midwest. Unboxing the Whitetail Institute Beets and Greens Seed 12 lb. bag, I was impressed by the clean, uniform appearance of the seed, suggesting a well-mixed and high-quality blend.
I had previously considered other options like a simple brassica mix or a clover blend. However, the promised cold and drought resistance of the Whitetail Institute blend, along with the variety of plant types, swayed my decision. The potential to provide forage through a longer timeframe was a significant factor.
Initial excitement is high. The blend promises a lot, and I’m eager to see how it performs in the field. I am hoping it will outperform my previous attempts at establishing a consistent and appealing food plot.
Real-World Testing: Putting Whitetail Institute Beets and Greens Seed 12 lb. to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Whitetail Institute Beets and Greens Seed 12 lb. on a two-acre plot in central Missouri. Planting occurred in late August, following a soil test and amendment with fertilizer according to recommendations. The plot was disked and cultipacked before broadcasting the seed, followed by a light dragging to ensure good seed-to-soil contact.
Despite a slightly drier than average September, the seeds germinated quickly. Within two weeks, I observed significant growth of the kale and turnip varieties. Deer began browsing the plot lightly within a month, primarily targeting the leafy greens.
No major issues arose during the initial planting and growth phase. The ease of establishment was a pleasant surprise, especially given the relatively dry conditions.
Extended Use & Reliability
After three months, the plot showed significant growth and utilization by deer. The kale and turnip provided consistent forage throughout the fall, and the sugar beets began to develop their root systems. Despite a few hard frosts, the plot remained green and attractive to deer.
Minimal wear and tear were observed beyond normal grazing. The plants showed good resilience to cold weather and moderate browsing pressure. Periodic mowing to control weeds helped maintain the plot’s overall health.
Compared to past attempts with single-species plantings, the Whitetail Institute Beets and Greens Seed 12 lb. blend has significantly outperformed expectations. The diversity of plant types provides a more consistent and palatable food source throughout the hunting season.
Breaking Down the Features of Whitetail Institute Beets and Greens Seed 12 lb.
Specifications
The Whitetail Institute Beets and Greens Seed 12 lb. contains a blend of annual seed varieties specifically chosen for their attractiveness to deer. The blend includes kale, turnip, radish, and sugar beets. This combination provides both above-ground foliage and below-ground root crops.
- Kale: Offers highly palatable and nutritious foliage. Kale also provides a high level of cold tolerance.
- Turnip: Provides fast-growing foliage attractive to deer in the early season. Turnip also offers carbohydrate-rich bulbs for late-season forage.
- Radish: Functions as a soil builder and provides early-season attraction. Radish is a source of quick growth and easily digestible nutrients.
- Sugar Beets: Offer sweet, energy-rich roots that deer relish in the late season. Sugar beets are especially appealing when other food sources are scarce.
This blend’s composition matters because it ensures a consistent food source throughout the fall and winter months. Different plant types mature at different rates. They provide a variety of nutrients to support deer health and antler growth.
Performance & Functionality
The Whitetail Institute Beets and Greens Seed 12 lb. performs exceptionally well in attracting and holding deer on a property. The variety of plant types ensures that there is always something palatable and nutritious available. It also increases the chances of success in varying weather conditions.
A significant strength is the blend’s ability to provide both early-season attraction and late-season forage. One potential area for improvement would be more detailed guidance on optimal planting times for different regions. The current instructions are somewhat broad.
The blend significantly exceeds expectations for overall performance and attractiveness to deer. It is a top-tier product within its category.
Design & Ergonomics
The seed blend is designed for ease of planting and establishment. The seeds are relatively uniform in size and shape, facilitating even distribution during broadcasting.
The blend is user-friendly, requiring minimal specialized equipment or knowledge to establish. A basic understanding of soil preparation and planting techniques is beneficial, but the process is generally straightforward.
Durability & Maintenance
The plants within the blend are relatively durable, with good resistance to cold and moderate drought. The overall lifespan of the plot is approximately one year, as the blend consists of annual species.
Maintenance is minimal, primarily involving periodic mowing to control weeds. Soil testing and fertilization are recommended to maintain optimal soil health and plant vigor.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Whitetail Institute Beets and Greens Seed 12 lb. does not require specific accessories for planting or maintenance. However, soil amendments such as fertilizer and lime can significantly enhance its performance.
The blend is highly compatible with common planting and maintenance equipment, such as seed spreaders, disks, and mowers. There are no specific customization options beyond adjusting planting density based on soil conditions and deer population.
Pros and Cons of Whitetail Institute Beets and Greens Seed 12 lb.
Pros
- Excellent Deer Attractant: The variety of plants makes it incredibly appealing to deer throughout the hunting season. Deer are naturally drawn to the sweet taste and nutritional value.
- Cold and Drought Resistance: The blend is formulated to withstand harsh weather conditions, ensuring consistent forage even during dry spells or cold snaps. This is a critical advantage in unpredictable climates.
- Easy to Establish: The blend requires minimal specialized equipment or knowledge to plant and maintain, making it accessible to hunters of all skill levels. A well-prepared seedbed is essential for success.
- Provides Year-Round Forage: Offers both above-ground and below-ground food sources. The product gives deer something to browse on throughout the fall and winter.
- Improves Soil Health: The radish component acts as a soil builder, improving soil structure and nutrient availability for future plantings. This improves overall soil fertility.
Cons
- Seed cost is a bit higher than single-species options. This is important for hunters on a tight budget.
- Requires adequate sunlight for optimal growth. Planting in heavily shaded areas may result in poor performance.
Who Should Buy Whitetail Institute Beets and Greens Seed 12 lb.?
The Whitetail Institute Beets and Greens Seed 12 lb. is perfect for deer hunters and land managers seeking to establish reliable and attractive food plots. It is also ideal for those looking for a blend that can withstand varying weather conditions. This will improve their overall success rate.
This product is not ideal for individuals with heavily shaded properties or those unwilling to invest in soil preparation and maintenance. In such cases, alternative food plot strategies may be more suitable.
Must-have accessories include a soil testing kit, fertilizer, and a seed spreader. Periodic mowing and weed control are also recommended for optimal results.
Conclusion on Whitetail Institute Beets and Greens Seed 12 lb.
The Whitetail Institute Beets and Greens Seed 12 lb. is a top-tier food plot solution that delivers on its promises. It offers excellent deer attraction, cold and drought resistance, and ease of establishment.
The price is justified by the product’s superior performance and ability to provide consistent forage throughout the hunting season.
I would highly recommend this product to any serious deer hunter or land manager looking to improve their property’s attractiveness to deer. Invest in the Whitetail Institute Beets and Greens Seed 12 lb. and watch your deer population thrive!