The Whitetail Institute Beets and Greens Seed 3 lb. Made a Bold First Impression
For any serious deer hunter, the name Whitetail Institute is synonymous with quality food plot products. I was eagerly anticipating trying their Beets and Greens Seed 3 lb. blend, hoping it would be the magic bullet to attract deer and keep them coming back all season long. Having struggled in the past with plots that either didn’t germinate well or were quickly depleted by hungry deer, I was looking for a hardy, long-lasting, and attractive food source to give me the edge this hunting season.
My land in Northern Wisconsin had been particularly challenging – acidic soil, unpredictable rainfall, and a heavy deer population made establishing a consistent food plot a real headache. Past failures with clover and brassica mixes left me searching for a more robust solution. The promise of a blend combining both above-ground foliage and below-ground roots intrigued me.
The bag itself was a standard, heavy-duty seed bag, but the Whitetail Institute logo and bold lettering conveyed a sense of quality. I noted the planting instructions were clear and concise. Compared to some of the generic seed blends I’d used in the past, this felt like a premium product.
I considered using a cheaper turnip seed I had leftover from the previous year. But, the mixed varieties in this product promised sustained attraction. Also, I thought about a pure sugar beet plot. But I realized that this blend of beets, turnips, radishes, and kale offered greater nutritional diversity and attraction potential.
My initial feeling was definitely excitement. The promise of a fast-growing, cold- and drought-resistant plot that provides both foliage and root forage felt like the answer to my food plot prayers.
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 early August, following Whitetail Institute’s recommendations for soil preparation and fertilization. The area had been previously cleared and limed to correct the soil pH. I used a broadcast spreader for even seed distribution, then lightly disked the area to ensure good soil contact.
The weather cooperated with some initial rainfall, followed by a period of warm days and cool nights. Germination was impressive, with seedlings emerging within a week. The mix of greens and beet leaves provided a vibrant tapestry of forage.
The plants thrived in a variety of conditions, showing surprising resilience to a brief dry spell. Deer began browsing the plot within a few weeks, initially targeting the kale and turnip foliage. It was easy to use, following the directions on the package. I just had to ensure I tilled the ground well.
My initial surprise was how quickly the deer found the plot. Within days, I was seeing tracks and evidence of browsing.
Extended Use & Reliability
After three months of use, the Whitetail Institute Beets and Greens Seed 3 lb. plot remained a consistent draw for deer. The beets developed sizable roots, offering a valuable food source as temperatures dropped. The kale and turnip foliage remained green and palatable, even after several light frosts.
The plot showed minimal signs of wear and tear, despite heavy browsing pressure. The robust nature of the beet and turnip roots helped to anchor the plants and prevent them from being completely devoured. Maintenance was minimal; I did a light mowing to control some weed growth.
Compared to my previous clover plot that died out quickly, this food plot blew it out of the water. The Whitetail Institute blend proved far more resilient and attractive.
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 specifically designed to attract and sustain deer populations. It contains a mix of kale, turnip, radish, and sugar beet seeds.
The 3 lb bag plants half an acre. The plants are both cold and drought resistant.
The combination of these seed varieties provides both above-ground foliage and below-ground root forage. This diverse offering is key to maintaining attraction throughout the fall and winter months.
The varying maturation rates of the different plants ensure a continuous food source. This helps to extend the plot’s usefulness over a longer period.
Performance & Functionality
The Whitetail Institute Beets and Greens Seed 3 lb. performed exceptionally well in attracting deer and providing a sustained food source. The deer browsed consistently on the kale, turnip, and radish foliage early in the season, then transitioned to the sugar beets as the roots developed.
The blend’s strength lies in its ability to offer a variety of palatable and nutritious forage options. The only weakness was the radishes that were gone very quickly. Overall, the product far exceeded my expectations.
Design & Ergonomics
The blend’s design is well thought out, considering the different nutritional needs and preferences of deer at various stages of the season. The seed size is consistent, allowing for even distribution with a broadcast spreader.
There is minimal learning curve, just follow the instructions on the bag. The blend offers a user-friendly planting experience.
Durability & Maintenance
The Whitetail Institute Beets and Greens Seed 3 lb. offers exceptional durability compared to other food plot options. The cold and drought resistance contributes to its long-lasting performance.
Maintenance is minimal, primarily involving occasional mowing to control weeds. The overall hardiness of the plants translates to a longer lifespan and reduced maintenance requirements.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Whitetail Institute Beets and Greens Seed 3 lb. is a self-contained product, meaning it doesn’t require any specific accessories to function. However, proper soil preparation and fertilization are critical for optimal results.
The blend can be enhanced with soil amendments such as lime and fertilizer based on soil test recommendations. The blend is also highly adaptable and can be combined with other Whitetail Institute products. Using a combination of products can create a more comprehensive and attractive food plot.
Pros and Cons of Whitetail Institute Beets and Greens Seed 3 lb.
Pros
- Exceptional Deer Attraction: The blend of kale, turnip, radish, and sugar beets creates a highly palatable and desirable food source for deer, ensuring consistent browsing.
- Extended Season Use: The combination of above-ground foliage and below-ground roots provides a sustained food source throughout the fall and winter months, even after frosts.
- Cold and Drought Resistance: The hardy nature of the plants ensures reliable performance in a variety of weather conditions, reducing the risk of plot failure.
- Easy to Plant and Maintain: The simple planting process and minimal maintenance requirements make it an accessible option for both experienced and novice food plotters.
- Nutritional Diversity: The variety of plants provides a balanced diet for deer, promoting overall health and antler growth.
Cons
- Price: Compared to some generic seed blends, the Whitetail Institute product is more expensive.
- Radishes Are Eaten Quickly: The radishes are great for initial attraction, but deer quickly devour them, reducing their long-term contribution to the plot.
Who Should Buy Whitetail Institute Beets and Greens Seed 3 lb.?
Perfect for: Hunters looking to attract and sustain deer populations on their property, landowners seeking to improve the nutritional health of their deer herd, and anyone wanting a reliable and easy-to-manage food plot solution.
Who should skip this product? Those on a very tight budget or landowners with extremely poor soil conditions that cannot be adequately amended.
Must-have accessories or modifications? A soil test kit to determine nutrient deficiencies, lime and fertilizer to correct soil pH and provide essential nutrients, and a broadcast spreader for even seed distribution.
Conclusion on Whitetail Institute Beets and Greens Seed 3 lb.
The Whitetail Institute Beets and Greens Seed 3 lb. proved to be a game-changer for my food plot efforts. Its exceptional deer attraction, extended season use, and cold and drought resistance make it a top-tier product.
The price is justified by the superior performance and long-lasting value it provides. The nutritional diversity will give the deer everything they need.
I would wholeheartedly recommend the Whitetail Institute Beets and Greens Seed 3 lb. to any serious deer hunter or landowner looking to establish a reliable and attractive food plot. This is more than just a seed blend; it’s an investment in the health of your deer herd and the success of your hunting season. Give it a try, and you will see the difference for yourself.