First Thoughts on the Evolved Harvest Hail Mary Food Plot Seed 20 lb
The Evolved Harvest Hail Mary Food Plot Seed 20 lb promises a quick and easy way to establish a food plot, targeting deer with a blend of winter wheat, cereal rye, and turnip. Evolved Harvest markets this as a simple solution for attracting deer, and at a price point hovering around $18.49, it’s definitely an attractive option for hunters looking to improve their land without breaking the bank. This annual mix aims to provide a palatable and nutritious food source during critical periods.
My own interest in this product stems from a frustrating string of failed food plot attempts. I’ve tried various single-seed plantings with limited success, battling poor soil conditions and inconsistent germination. I needed a blend that could tolerate some less-than-ideal soil and provide a reliable source of forage, and the “Hail Mary” name certainly resonated with my desperation.
Unboxing (or rather, opening the bag) revealed a seemingly standard mix of seeds. The blend appeared to be well-proportioned, with noticeable differences in seed size and color corresponding to the listed ingredients. My initial thought was that this felt like a no-nonsense product, avoiding overly flashy packaging in favor of a straightforward approach to attracting deer.
Compared to other similar products I’ve used, such as the Whitetail Institute Imperial Whitetail Clover or the Biologic Maximum, the Evolved Harvest Hail Mary Food Plot Seed 20 lb stands out due to its simplicity and lower price. Clover blends offer long-term perennial solutions, but require more intensive soil preparation. The Biologic mixes are more complex and costly. I chose the Hail Mary for its apparent ease of use and quick growth cycle, hoping for a faster return on investment.
My first impression was cautiously optimistic. The blend seemed appropriate for my needs, and the price was certainly right. However, the real test would be seeing how it performs in the field.
Real-World Testing: Putting Evolved Harvest Hail Mary Food Plot Seed 20 lb to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Evolved Harvest Hail Mary Food Plot Seed 20 lb on a quarter-acre plot in a moderately shaded area of my property in central Texas. The soil is a mix of clay and sand, not ideal, but representative of many hunting properties in the region. I lightly disked the area, broadcast the seed according to the bag’s instructions (20 lbs for approximately 1/4 acre), and then lightly dragged the area to ensure good seed-to-soil contact. A light rain followed a few days later, which was perfect.
The seeds germinated surprisingly quickly, with sprouts visible within a week. The winter wheat and cereal rye seemed to establish themselves first, providing a quick ground cover. The turnips took a bit longer to emerge, but eventually filled in nicely. The growth was impressive, even considering the less-than-ideal soil conditions.
The ease of use was a major selling point. No complex soil amendments or specialized equipment were required. I simply disked, spread, and dragged, making this a very accessible option for hunters with limited resources or time. No significant issues arose during the initial planting and growth phase.
Extended Use & Reliability
After three months of use, the Evolved Harvest Hail Mary Food Plot Seed 20 lb held up remarkably well. The plot provided a consistent source of forage for the local deer population. We consistently observed deer feeding in the plot, indicating its effectiveness in attracting wildlife.
Durability-wise, the wheat and rye provided a sturdy base, while the turnips offered a palatable alternative food source. While there was some wear and tear from grazing, the plot remained productive throughout the fall and winter. Minimal maintenance was required aside from occasional observation for weed encroachment. The blend effectively suppressed weed growth.
Compared to my previous attempts with single-seed plots, the Evolved Harvest Hail Mary Food Plot Seed 20 lb significantly outperformed them. The blend provided a more resilient and attractive food source, resulting in increased deer activity on my property. I was very impressed.
Breaking Down the Features of Evolved Harvest Hail Mary Food Plot Seed 20 lb
Specifications
The Evolved Harvest Hail Mary Food Plot Seed 20 lb is an annual food plot seed mix designed specifically for attracting deer. It contains the following key components:
- Winter Wheat: Provides early-season forage and contributes to overall biomass.
- Cereal Rye: Offers excellent cold tolerance and rapid growth, establishing quickly and providing a dense cover.
- Turnip: Supplies a late-season food source, offering a palatable and nutritious option during colder months.
- Coverage: A 20 lb bag is intended to cover approximately 1/4 acre (11,000 sq. ft).
- Growth Cycle: The mix is designed for annual planting, meaning it will need to be replanted each year.
These specifications are important because they dictate the plot’s overall performance. The combination of quick-growing grains and palatable turnips provides a balanced and attractive food source throughout the hunting season. The coverage area is also crucial for planning the size of your plot.
Performance & Functionality
The Evolved Harvest Hail Mary Food Plot Seed 20 lb performs admirably in its intended role of attracting deer. The quick germination and robust growth of the wheat and rye provide a consistent and reliable food source, while the turnips add a late-season draw. The mix is relatively tolerant of less-than-ideal soil conditions.
The primary strength of this product is its simplicity and ease of use. It requires minimal soil preparation and is relatively forgiving, making it a great option for beginner food plotters. However, it is an annual mix, requiring yearly replanting, which can be seen as a weakness compared to perennial options. The performance definitely met my expectations.
Design & Ergonomics
The design of the Evolved Harvest Hail Mary Food Plot Seed 20 lb is straightforward and functional. The seed blend is well-proportioned. It provides a balanced mix of early- and late-season forage.
The product is easy to handle and distribute. There is no complex mixing or pre-treatment required. The primary learning curve involves understanding the correct seeding rate and ensuring good seed-to-soil contact, which is minimal.
Durability & Maintenance
As an annual mix, the Evolved Harvest Hail Mary Food Plot Seed 20 lb is not designed for long-term durability in the same way as perennial options. However, the wheat and rye provide a resilient base that can withstand moderate grazing pressure.
Maintenance is minimal, typically involving occasional observation for weed encroachment. However, the quick growth of the blend tends to suppress weed growth effectively.
Accessories and Customization Options
No specific accessories come with the Evolved Harvest Hail Mary Food Plot Seed 20 lb. However, its effectiveness can be enhanced with the addition of soil amendments, such as lime or fertilizer, depending on your soil conditions.
Customization options are limited since it’s a pre-mixed blend. However, you could potentially overseed with additional turnips or clover to further enhance the plot’s attractiveness or longevity. Be sure to use products that are compatible with the existing blend.
Pros and Cons of Evolved Harvest Hail Mary Food Plot Seed 20 lb
Pros
- Easy to establish: Requires minimal soil preparation and is very straightforward to plant.
- Quick germination: Sprouts emerge rapidly, providing a fast return on investment.
- Attracts deer effectively: Provides a palatable and nutritious food source that deer readily consume.
- Tolerant of poor soil: Performs well even in less-than-ideal soil conditions.
- Affordable: Represents excellent value for the money compared to other food plot seed mixes.
Cons
- Annual mix: Requires replanting each year, which can be a drawback compared to perennial options.
- Limited customization: Cannot be easily modified to suit specific soil conditions or regional preferences.
Who Should Buy Evolved Harvest Hail Mary Food Plot Seed 20 lb?
The Evolved Harvest Hail Mary Food Plot Seed 20 lb is perfect for hunters who are new to food plotting or who have limited time and resources. It’s also a great option for those with less-than-ideal soil conditions who need a forgiving and reliable seed mix. Land managers looking for a quick and easy way to attract deer to their property will also find this product beneficial.
Those seeking a long-term, perennial food plot solution should skip this product. Individuals with highly specific soil requirements or regional planting preferences may also want to consider alternative options.
A must-have accessory would be a basic soil testing kit to determine if any soil amendments are needed.
Conclusion on Evolved Harvest Hail Mary Food Plot Seed 20 lb
The Evolved Harvest Hail Mary Food Plot Seed 20 lb offers a compelling solution for hunters seeking a simple and effective way to attract deer to their property. Its ease of use, quick germination, and tolerance of poor soil conditions make it a standout choice, especially for beginners. While the annual nature of the mix requires yearly replanting, the affordable price and reliable performance more than justify the effort.
The value proposition is excellent. For around $18.49, you get a proven blend that can significantly enhance your hunting success. I would personally recommend this product to anyone looking for a hassle-free food plot solution.
Give the Evolved Harvest Hail Mary Food Plot Seed 20 lb a try and experience the difference it can make on your hunting grounds. You might just say a little “Hail Mary” when you see the results!