First Thoughts on the Whitetail Institute Beets and Greens Seed 3 lb.
The Whitetail Institute Beets and Greens Seed 3 lb. promises a fast-growing, attractive food plot for deer, blending kale, turnip, radish, and sugar beets. As an outdoor gear specialist with over a decade of experience, I’m always on the lookout for products that deliver on their promises, especially when it comes to wildlife management and enhancing hunting opportunities. My initial curiosity stemmed from a recurring problem: maintaining a consistent and attractive food source for deer throughout the early and late seasons.
I’ve struggled in the past with single-crop food plots that either get wiped out too quickly or lose their appeal as the season progresses. This seed blend piqued my interest due to its variety of annuals, theoretically providing both above-ground forage and below-ground root crops for sustained attraction. My first impression was positive, seeing the mix of different seed types within the package.
Compared to other seed blends I’ve used, such as the BioLogic Maximum blend and the Evolved Harvest Throw & Grow, the Whitetail Institute blend seemed to offer a more balanced approach. While the BioLogic emphasizes legumes, and the Evolved Harvest focuses on ease of planting, the Whitetail Institute Beets and Greens Seed 3 lb. appeared to prioritize both early attraction and late-season sustainability. Honestly, I was excited to see if it could live up to the hype and create a truly irresistible deer magnet.
Real-World Testing: Putting Whitetail Institute Beets and Greens Seed 3 lb. to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Whitetail Institute Beets and Greens Seed 3 lb. on a half-acre plot in central Pennsylvania, planting in late July after a thorough soil preparation. Conditions were relatively dry, but I had access to irrigation, which I utilized to ensure good germination. Within a week, I started to see the first signs of growth, with the kale and radish emerging quickly.
The turnips followed shortly after, and the sugar beets were the last to sprout. Deer started browsing the plot within two weeks of planting, primarily targeting the radish and turnip foliage. I was impressed with how quickly the plot established, especially considering the initial dry conditions.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of use, the Whitetail Institute Beets and Greens Seed 3 lb. held up remarkably well, providing a consistent food source throughout the fall. The kale continued to provide green foliage, while the turnips and beets developed substantial root systems. Deer activity remained high, even after the first frost, indicating the cold-hardiness of the plants.
There were minimal signs of wear and tear, with the plants demonstrating good resistance to disease and grazing pressure. Maintaining the plot was relatively easy, requiring only occasional weeding and supplemental irrigation during dry spells. Comparing it to my previous experiences with single-crop food plots, the Whitetail Institute Beets and Greens Seed 3 lb. significantly outperformed them in terms of longevity, attractiveness, and overall deer usage.
Breaking Down the Features of Whitetail Institute Beets and Greens Seed 3 lb.
Specifications
The Whitetail Institute Beets and Greens Seed 3 lb. is an annual seed blend designed to attract deer in the early season and sustain them through the fall. It consists of a mix of kale, turnip, radish, and sugar beets. The 3 lb bag covers approximately half an acre, while the larger 12 lb bag covers two acres.
The seed varieties are specifically selected for their rapid growth, palatability to deer, and resistance to cold and drought. Planting can occur as early as July in northern climates and as late as mid-October in southern regions. This flexibility allows for strategic planting based on regional weather patterns.
Performance & Functionality
The Whitetail Institute Beets and Greens Seed 3 lb. excels at attracting and holding deer. The variety of plant types ensures that deer have a consistent food source throughout the fall and winter. The fast-growing nature of the blend allows for quick establishment, providing immediate attraction.
A key strength is its ability to provide both above-ground foliage and below-ground root crops. Areas for improvement might include better seed coating for improved germination rates in less-than-ideal soil conditions. It mostly meets expectations based on Whitetail Institute’s reputation for producing high-quality deer attractants.
Design & Ergonomics
The design of the seed blend is simple yet effective, combining different plant types with complementary growth habits and nutritional profiles. The mix of seeds provides a balanced food source, catering to different deer preferences. There is no real learning curve involved, as the planting process is straightforward and well-documented.
Durability & Maintenance
With proper care, a Whitetail Institute Beets and Greens plot can last throughout the entire hunting season and even into the early winter. The cold-hardiness of the plants ensures that they can withstand frost and light snow. Maintenance primarily involves occasional weeding and supplemental irrigation during dry periods.
Accessories and Customization Options
No specific accessories are required for planting the Whitetail Institute Beets and Greens Seed 3 lb., although fertilizer and lime can be beneficial for improving soil conditions. There are no direct customization options for the seed blend itself. However, you can adjust the planting density and timing to tailor the plot to your specific hunting goals and local conditions.
Pros and Cons of Whitetail Institute Beets and Greens Seed 3 lb.
Pros
- Provides a diverse and attractive food source for deer.
- Fast-growing and establishes quickly.
- Cold and drought-resistant.
- Relatively easy to plant and maintain.
- Offers both above-ground and below-ground forage.
Cons
- May require supplemental irrigation in dry climates.
- Can be susceptible to heavy grazing pressure in areas with high deer populations.
Who Should Buy Whitetail Institute Beets and Greens Seed 3 lb.?
Perfect for hunters looking to establish a reliable and attractive food plot for deer. It’s especially beneficial for those who hunt in areas with varying weather conditions, thanks to its cold and drought resistance. This seed blend is also well-suited for landowners who want to improve the habitat on their property and support a healthy deer population.
Those who should skip this product are individuals with very poor soil conditions and no access to irrigation, as it might not establish properly without some level of soil amendment and moisture. Must-have additions would be soil testing kits, fertilizer, and potentially a no-till drill for efficient planting.
Conclusion on Whitetail Institute Beets and Greens Seed 3 lb.
The Whitetail Institute Beets and Greens Seed 3 lb. is a solid choice for creating a successful deer food plot. Its blend of kale, turnip, radish, and sugar beets offers a diverse and attractive food source that can sustain deer throughout the hunting season. At $34.49, the price is justified considering the quality of the seed and the potential for attracting deer.
I would personally recommend this product to any hunter or landowner looking to improve their deer habitat and increase their hunting success. If you’re serious about attracting and holding deer on your property, give the Whitetail Institute Beets and Greens Seed 3 lb. a try – you won’t be disappointed.