First Thoughts on the Evolved Countdown Seed 3 lb.
Every year, as summer fades and the crisp air of autumn begins to roll in, the same thought crosses my mind: How can I give the local deer population a little extra help and, hopefully, improve my chances of a successful hunt? That’s when I started researching different food plot options, ultimately leading me to the Evolved Countdown Seed 3 lb. This blend promises a robust mix of forage, quick germination, and season-long attraction.
I needed a reliable seed blend that could establish quickly, even with limited rainfall, and provide a continuous food source throughout the hunting season. I had previously used pure turnip plots, but they often became feast or famine – great early, then depleted. My initial search narrowed down to blends from Evolved Harvest, Whitetail Institute, and a local seed supplier. I chose the Evolved Countdown Seed 3 lb. primarily for its blend of rape, turnip, and radish, as it seemed to offer a more balanced and sustainable food source.
Upon receiving the bag, I immediately noticed the weight and the size. It felt like a substantial amount of seed for the price. The Yellow Jacket Enhanced Coating was visible, giving the seeds a distinct appearance. I was excited to see if the coating would truly deliver on its promise of improved germination, especially considering the unpredictable weather patterns we’ve been experiencing.
My first impression was cautiously optimistic. The blend composition seemed well thought out, and the Yellow Jacket Enhanced Coating hinted at a technologically advanced approach to improving germination. Only time and a little dirt would tell if it lived up to the hype.
Real-World Testing: Putting Evolved Countdown Seed 3 lb. to the Test
First Use Experience
My initial test plot was a half-acre clearing in a wooded area with moderately well-drained soil. I prepped the area by disking the ground and then broadcasting the Evolved Countdown Seed 3 lb. using a hand spreader. It was late August, and the weather was warm and relatively dry.
Despite the less-than-ideal moisture conditions, I was pleasantly surprised to see germination begin within about five days. The Yellow Jacket Enhanced Coating seemed to do its job, holding moisture around the seeds and encouraging sprouting. The rape emerged first, followed closely by the turnips and radishes. After about two weeks, the plot was showing a good stand of forage.
The initial ease of use was impressive. The seeds spread easily, and the rapid germination was a welcome surprise. However, I did notice that some areas had a denser stand than others, likely due to my somewhat inconsistent hand-spreading technique.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks, the Evolved Countdown Seed 3 lb. plot was thriving. The rape provided a lush green carpet, while the turnips and radishes developed sizable bulbs and greens. Deer were actively feeding in the plot, and I regularly observed multiple animals during evening hunts.
The plot held up remarkably well throughout the fall and early winter. Even after several frosts, the forage remained palatable and attractive to deer. There were some signs of wear and tear, particularly in areas with heavy browsing pressure, but overall, the plot maintained a good stand of food. Maintenance was minimal. I did spread a small amount of fertilizer a few weeks after germination to give the plants a boost.
In comparison to previous experiences with single-species plots, the Evolved Countdown Seed 3 lb. offered a much more consistent and reliable food source. The blend provided a variety of forage options, ensuring that the deer had something to eat throughout the season. This product definitely outperformed my expectations.
Breaking Down the Features of Evolved Countdown Seed 3 lb.
Specifications
The Evolved Countdown Seed 3 lb. is a blend of forage rape, turnip, and radish, designed to cover approximately half an acre. The seeds are coated with a Yellow Jacket Enhanced Coating to improve germination rates, especially in dry conditions. The blend is formulated for an annual growth cycle, providing a food source for wildlife throughout the fall and winter.
- Forage Rape: Provides early-season attraction and a high-protein food source. The fast growth is a key component.
- Turnip: Offers both leafy greens and a bulb that deer will utilize as the season progresses. It is a resilient cool-season crop.
- Radish: A soil builder and deer attractant, providing both greens and a root that deer will dig up in the late season. It enhances the soil.
- Yellow Jacket Enhanced Coating: Retains moisture around the seed, promoting germination even with limited rainfall. This coating is a game-changer.
These specifications matter because they contribute to the blend’s overall effectiveness. The rape provides early attraction, while the turnips and radishes offer a sustained food source throughout the season. The Yellow Jacket Enhanced Coating ensures that the seeds germinate even in less-than-ideal conditions, increasing the chances of a successful plot.
Performance & Functionality
The Evolved Countdown Seed 3 lb. performed exceptionally well in attracting and feeding deer. The blend provided a variety of forage options, ensuring that the deer had something to eat throughout the season. It created a hunting hotspot.
The main strength of this blend is its ability to establish quickly and provide a sustained food source. The Yellow Jacket Enhanced Coating is a game-changer, ensuring germination even in dry conditions. One potential area for improvement would be to include a more precise seeding rate recommendation, as my hand-spreading technique resulted in some unevenness.
The product definitely exceeded my expectations. It delivered on its promise of quick germination, sustained food, and improved hunting opportunities. I’ll be using it again.
Design & Ergonomics
The Evolved Countdown Seed 3 lb. is designed with simplicity in mind. The blend is easy to spread, and the Yellow Jacket Enhanced Coating eliminates the need for pre-soaking or other complicated preparation steps. The bag is easy to handle.
The build quality of the seed blend is excellent. The seeds are uniform in size and shape, and the Yellow Jacket Enhanced Coating is evenly applied. There is no learning curve associated with using this product.
Durability & Maintenance
With proper maintenance, the Evolved Countdown Seed 3 lb. plot should last throughout the fall and winter. The turnips and radishes are particularly resilient, providing food even after several frosts. Ongoing deer browsing keeps it trimmed.
Maintenance is minimal. A single application of fertilizer a few weeks after germination can help to boost growth. I had no maintenance issues.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Evolved Countdown Seed 3 lb. does not come with any accessories. However, it can be easily customized by adding fertilizer or soil amendments to improve soil conditions. It performs well with fertilizers.
The product is compatible with most standard agricultural equipment, such as spreaders and disks. You can tailor it to your situation.
Pros and Cons of Evolved Countdown Seed 3 lb.
Pros
- Rapid Germination: The Yellow Jacket Enhanced Coating promotes quick sprouting, even in dry conditions.
- Sustained Food Source: The blend of rape, turnip, and radish provides a variety of forage options throughout the season.
- Easy to Use: The seeds are easy to spread, and no pre-soaking is required.
- Attracts Deer: Deer actively feed on the plot, improving hunting opportunities.
- Affordable: At $12.49 for a 3 lb bag, it offers great value for the money.
Cons
- Uneven Spreading: Hand-spreading can result in uneven stands. Consider using a calibrated spreader for best results.
- Annual Growth Cycle: The plot needs to be re-seeded each year. Consider the effort required.
Who Should Buy Evolved Countdown Seed 3 lb.?
The Evolved Countdown Seed 3 lb. is perfect for hunters looking to attract and feed deer on their property. It’s also well-suited for landowners interested in improving wildlife habitat. Any hunter would find this blend effective.
This product may not be the best choice for individuals with very small plots or those who are unwilling to perform basic soil preparation. Those needing a perennial solution should look elsewhere.
Must-have accessories include a hand spreader or ATV spreader for even seed distribution, and fertilizer to boost growth. Soil testing is also advisable.
Conclusion on Evolved Countdown Seed 3 lb.
The Evolved Countdown Seed 3 lb. is an excellent food plot blend that delivers on its promises of quick germination, sustained food, and improved hunting opportunities. The Yellow Jacket Enhanced Coating is a standout feature, ensuring that the seeds sprout even in dry conditions. It works as advertised.
At $12.49 for a 3 lb bag, the price is more than justified by the product’s performance. It offers great value for the money.
I would definitely recommend the Evolved Countdown Seed 3 lb. to anyone looking to create a successful food plot. It’s a reliable and effective way to attract and feed deer, improving your chances of a successful hunt. Get yours today and watch your hunting grounds transform!