Whitetail Institute Beets and Greens Seed 12 lb. Review

The Whitetail Institute Beets and Greens Seed 12 lb. Made a Bold First Impression

I’ve spent over a decade tweaking food plots, chasing that elusive buck, and learning what works and what doesn’t. So, when I stumbled upon the Whitetail Institute Beets and Greens Seed 12 lb., I was cautiously optimistic, another food plot seed, or a game-changer?

My primary challenge was finding a food plot blend that offered both early-season attraction and sustained appeal through the late fall. I needed something that could handle a range of weather conditions and provide a diverse food source.

The Whitetail Institute Beets and Greens Seed 12 lb. arrived in a sturdy, no-frills bag. The packaging was straightforward, focusing on the product rather than flashy marketing. Picking up the bag, it felt substantial, indicating a good seed density. Initially, the mix of seeds appeared consistent and clean.

I considered using a standard brassica blend or a clover mix, but these often lacked the early-season drawing power I wanted. Compared to other blends, the Whitetail Institute seed promised a wider range of forage, with both above-ground foliage and below-ground root crops. I chose this blend because Whitetail Institute has a reputation for quality, and the combination of beets and greens sounded like a winning strategy to keep deer interested for an extended period.

My first impression was positive, and I was intrigued by the blend of kale, turnip, radish, and sugar beets. There was an air of anticipation mixed with the hope that this would be the food plot solution I’d been searching for.

Real-World Testing: Putting Whitetail Institute Beets and Greens Seed 12 lb. to the Test

First Use Experience

I tested the Whitetail Institute Beets and Greens Seed 12 lb. on a two-acre plot in central Wisconsin during late July. The area was lightly disked, fertilized according to soil test recommendations, and then seeded with a broadcast spreader, followed by a light dragging to ensure good seed-to-soil contact. Initial weather conditions were favorable, with warm temperatures and consistent rainfall.

The seeds germinated quickly, with the greens showing within a week. The blend performed admirably even with a few days of unseasonably dry weather shortly after planting. Deer began browsing the kale and turnip foliage within a month, a positive sign of early attraction.

I didn’t anticipate how attractive the radish foliage would be so early. The initial browsing pressure was higher than expected, indicating the blend’s appeal to deer right from the start.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months, the Whitetail Institute Beets and Greens Seed 12 lb. held up exceptionally well. The kale and turnips continued to provide a consistent food source, while the sugar beets developed substantial roots that became increasingly attractive as temperatures dropped. The radishes were heavily browsed early, but the remaining root mass provided a late-season food source.

There were minimal signs of wear and tear, aside from the expected browsing pressure. The plants showed remarkable cold tolerance, remaining palatable well into December, even after multiple frosts and light snowfalls. Maintenance was simple: a single application of nitrogen fertilizer mid-season boosted growth.

Compared to past experiences with other food plot blends, the Whitetail Institute Beets and Greens significantly outperformed them in terms of both early attraction and late-season availability. I have previously used straight turnip plots, and while they attract deer late, they lack the early draw that this blend provides.

Breaking Down the Features of Whitetail Institute Beets and Greens Seed 12 lb.

Specifications

The Whitetail Institute Beets and Greens Seed 12 lb. blend includes annual seed varieties such as kale, turnip, radish, and sugar beets. This combination provides both above-ground foliage and below-ground root crops for year-round attraction. The 12 lb bag covers two acres.

The blend is designed to be fast-growing, allowing for planting as early as July in the North and as late as mid-October in the South. It boasts exceptional resistance to cold and drought, ensuring a reliable food source even under challenging conditions. These specifications matter because they offer a diverse and resilient food plot that caters to deer throughout the hunting season.

Performance & Functionality

The Whitetail Institute Beets and Greens Seed 12 lb. performs exceptionally well in attracting and holding deer. The diverse mix of plants offers a balanced diet, drawing deer in early with the palatable greens and sustaining them through the late season with the energy-rich roots. The drought and cold resistance ensures consistent performance, even when weather conditions are less than ideal.

The blend’s strength lies in its versatility and resilience, while a potential weakness is the initial high browsing pressure on the radish foliage. Overall, it exceeds expectations by providing a reliable and attractive food source for an extended period.

Design & Ergonomics

The blend’s design is well-thought-out, with a focus on providing a diverse and appealing food source for deer. The seeds are of high quality, resulting in consistent germination and vigorous growth. There is no learning curve involved; it is easy to plant.

The bag is easy to handle and store. The blend’s design and ergonomics are geared towards ease of use and effectiveness in attracting deer.

Durability & Maintenance

The Whitetail Institute Beets and Greens Seed 12 lb. is designed for single-season use, providing a high-quality food source for the fall and winter months. The plants exhibit good durability, withstanding heavy browsing pressure and harsh weather conditions. Minimal maintenance is required, typically involving a single fertilizer application.

Re-seeding is necessary each year to maintain the food plot. It is relatively easy to maintain and suitable for annual planting.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Whitetail Institute Beets and Greens Seed 12 lb. doesn’t come with accessories, as it’s a standalone seed blend. Customization options are limited to adjusting seeding rates and fertilizer applications based on soil conditions and local deer populations. The blend is compatible with standard agricultural equipment, such as broadcast spreaders and disc harrows.

You may consider adding lime or specific soil amendments based on soil test results. This compatibility allows for integrating this seed blend into existing food plot management practices.

Pros and Cons of Whitetail Institute Beets and Greens Seed 12 lb.

Pros

  • Offers a diverse food source with both greens and root crops.
  • Fast-growing, providing early-season attraction.
  • Exceptional cold and drought resistance, ensuring reliable performance.
  • Simple to plant and maintain, suitable for all experience levels.
  • Attracts and holds deer throughout the hunting season.

Cons

  • Requires annual re-seeding, as it is an annual blend.
  • Radish foliage can experience high browsing pressure early in the season.


Who Should Buy Whitetail Institute Beets and Greens Seed 12 lb.?

The Whitetail Institute Beets and Greens Seed 12 lb. is perfect for hunters looking to establish highly attractive and sustainable food plots. Land managers aiming to improve wildlife habitat and deer nutrition will find this blend incredibly useful. This seed is ideal for anyone wanting to maximize deer attraction during hunting season.

Those who should skip this product are individuals seeking a perennial food plot solution or those with extremely poor soil conditions that cannot be amended. Must-have accessories include a soil testing kit, fertilizer, a broadcast spreader, and equipment for light tilling.

Conclusion on Whitetail Institute Beets and Greens Seed 12 lb.

The Whitetail Institute Beets and Greens Seed 12 lb. is a standout food plot blend that delivers on its promise of attracting and holding deer. The diverse mix of plants, combined with its resilience to cold and drought, makes it a reliable choice for hunters and land managers. At $86.99, the price is justified by the consistent performance and extended season of attraction it provides.

I would wholeheartedly recommend the Whitetail Institute Beets and Greens Seed 12 lb. to anyone looking to enhance their deer hunting experience. Take the leap and transform your hunting grounds into a deer magnet with this exceptional seed blend.


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