With the wet spring and summer, I missed the June planting so this year I will be planting in August. Which got me thinking:
What IS the best time to plant a food plot?
Most seed mixes list two options for planting May-June or August-mid-September. When planting in the August, should I also be planting a cover crop in spring? The weeds (canary reed, thistles, etc.) this year have taken over the foot plot
Also got me thinking about soil testing and fertilizing.
What is the best time of year to take soil samples for testing?
How soon should I be fertilizing before planting?
I like to plant in Fall as you will have less weed competition because the weeds are usually on there last leg of living before winter. Also the air temps are cooler and the ground temps are warmer which are great for germination. Spring planting is my second choice which I and most people choose to plant. I try to get my soil samples once the ground isn't frozen anymore, usually for me around march or early April. I always fertilize at planting time.