Sugar Beets & Bulbs Review

The Sugar Beets & Bulbs Made a Bold First Impression

The Sugar Beets & Bulbs blend from [Manufacturer Name – Not Specified] promises to be more than just another seed mix. It aims to be a complete food plot solution for attracting and maintaining a healthy deer herd throughout multiple seasons. I was intrigued by the combination of sugar beets and T-Raptor turnips/rape, promising both immediate attraction and late-season forage.

My property has seen a decline in deer activity in recent years. I attribute this to neighboring farms switching crops, impacting the available food sources. I needed a reliable, long-lasting food plot that could consistently draw deer in, even during the harsh winter months.

The bag felt substantial, filled with what appeared to be high-quality, coated seeds. The packaging was informative, clearly outlining the planting instructions and expected results. Compared to a generic turnip seed mix and a straight clover blend I’ve used in the past, the Sugar Beets & Bulbs offered a more comprehensive and potentially longer-lasting solution. I picked it over the clover due to its ability to provide food even under snow, and over the turnip mix because of the added attraction of the sugar beets.

My initial impression was positive and hopeful. The promise of a multi-season food source, specifically the inclusion of sugar beets, filled me with excitement, anticipating a significant increase in deer activity on my land.

Real-World Testing: Putting Sugar Beets & Bulbs to the Test

First Use Experience

I tested the Sugar Beets & Bulbs blend in a newly cleared half-acre plot on the back of my property. The soil was prepared according to the package instructions – tilled, fertilized, and limed based on a recent soil test. Planting occurred in late summer, just before a forecasted period of consistent rain.

Within a week, I observed germination, with small seedlings emerging across the plot. The initial growth was vigorous, even with a brief dry spell that followed the rain. I did observe some early weed competition, requiring a spot herbicide treatment to prevent them from choking out the seedlings.

The sugar beets seemed to establish a little slower than the T-Raptor mix. However, after the first month, both were thriving. I was initially surprised by how quickly the deer found the plot; within weeks, I noticed signs of browsing.

Extended Use & Reliability

Now, several months after planting, the Sugar Beets & Bulbs have proven their worth. The T-Raptor turnips grew rapidly, developing impressive bulbs that protruded from the soil. The sugar beets are sweetening up nicely, with the deer consistently targeting them.

There has been no significant wear and tear beyond normal grazing. The blend has held up well, even under moderate grazing pressure. I have had to apply a second round of fertilizer to boost growth, especially with the approaching winter.

Maintenance has been relatively easy. Occasional weed control is necessary, and I may need to reseed some areas in the spring due to heavy browsing. Compared to my previous experiences with single-crop food plots, the Sugar Beets & Bulbs offer a far more sustainable and attractive food source. It exceeded my expectations in terms of attracting deer and maintaining a consistent food supply throughout the fall and early winter.

Breaking Down the Features of Sugar Beets & Bulbs

Specifications

The Sugar Beets & Bulbs blend is an annual seed mix designed for deer attraction and herd health. It combines sugar beets and T-Raptor turnip/rape hybrid seeds. The inclusion of ProGro™ is noteworthy. It likely refers to a seed coating that enhances germination and seedling establishment.

This blend’s multi-season growing ability is a key selling point. It aims to provide food from early fall through the winter months. The sugar beets offer a sweet, palatable food source that deer find highly attractive. The T-Raptor bulbs offer a more robust, resilient option, especially during colder periods.

Performance & Functionality

The Sugar Beets & Bulbs perform exceptionally well in attracting deer and providing a consistent food source. The sugar beets draw deer in early, while the turnips and rape provide sustained nutrition throughout the fall and winter. The blend’s success hinges on proper soil preparation and timely planting.

A potential weakness could be its reliance on annual crops. Reseeding will be necessary each year to maintain the plot. However, the benefits of increased deer activity and herd health outweigh this drawback. It meets and exceeds my expectations, especially compared to relying on natural forage alone.

Design & Ergonomics

The design is straightforward: a balanced blend of seeds with enhanced germination potential. The build quality appears excellent, with consistent seed sizes and a uniform coating. The weight of the bag feels appropriate for the amount of seed provided.

It is user-friendly in terms of planting. Simply follow the instructions on the bag. There’s minimal learning curve involved.

Durability & Maintenance

The durability of the food plot depends on grazing pressure and environmental conditions. With proper management, the plot should provide a reliable food source for several months. The blend is relatively easy to maintain.

Occasional fertilization and weed control are required to maximize yield. Reseeding will be necessary each year to maintain the food plot.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Sugar Beets & Bulbs blend does not come with any additional accessories. Customization options are limited. You could potentially mix in other seed types. However, this could disrupt the carefully balanced blend.

The blend is compatible with common farming equipment such as tillers, seed spreaders, and sprayers. There aren’t any aftermarket accessories for this product.

Pros and Cons of Sugar Beets & Bulbs