When it comes to planting turnips for deer, the timing is crucial. The best time to plant turnips for deer hunting season is either late summer in the north or early fall in the south. This timing ensures that the turnips have enough time to grow and mature before the hunting season begins.
In the northern regions, late summer planting is recommended. This allows the turnips to establish themselves before the cooler temperatures of fall and the first frost. By planting in late summer, you give the turnips enough time to grow and develop their root systems, which will support their growth during the hunting season.
On the other hand, in the southern regions, early fall planting is preferred. This timing takes advantage of the milder temperatures and longer growing season in the south. By planting in early fall, the turnips have ample time to establish and grow before the hunting season arrives.
To ensure successful planting, it is important to follow the recommended seeding rate for turnips. The recommended broadcast seeding rate is 10 lbs/acre. However, if you are planting turnips in a mixture with other species, you may need to reduce the seeding rate to allow space for other plants to grow.
When seeding turnips precisely, it is important to consider their growth characteristics. Turnips can grow quite large if given the right conditions and can potentially shade out other species in a mix. If you are planting a mixture of species, it is advisable to adjust the seeding rate of turnips accordingly to avoid overcrowding and competition.
Personal Experience: I have planted turnips for deer hunting season in my own garden for several years now. I usually plant them in late summer, around mid-August, as I am located in a northern region. I have found that this timing allows the turnips to grow to their full potential before the hunting season begins in early October.
To prepare the soil for turnip planting, I start by clearing any weeds or debris from the area. I then till the soil to loosen it and create a favorable environment for the turnip seeds to germinate. After tilling, I evenly spread the turnip seeds using a broadcast spreader, following the recommended seeding rate of 10 lbs/acre.
Once the seeds are spread, I lightly rake the soil to ensure good seed-to-soil contact. This helps the seeds to establish themselves and encourages germination. I water the area thoroughly to provide moisture for the seeds to start growing.
The best time to plant turnips for deer is late summer in the north or early fall in the south. By following the recommended seeding rate and considering the growth characteristics of turnips, you can ensure successful turnip planting for hunting season. Happy hunting!
