Choosing the right plants is key when preparing for your food plot strategy, whether for deer viewing or hunting. You’ll want to consider what time of year the animals will be in your area, what their food preferences are, and how you can best attract them to your plot. In terms of deer-attracting plants, radishes top the list for many reasons.
While it’s true that deer may eat just about any food you have in your plot, particularly when hungry, radishes are a deer favorite for several reasons.
In this article, we’ll explore why deer like radishes so much and how you can use this to attract them to your food plot.
Radishes: A Deer’s Favorite Snack
Radishes are a type of brassica, a family of leafy vegetables that includes cabbage, kale, and broccoli. While deers are known to eat over 600 different types of plants, radishes are one of their favorites.
There are several reasons why radishes are such a hit with deer, and these are:
Radishes Are Easy to Find and Easy to Eat
Radishes are one of the first vegetables to sprout in the spring. This means that they are one of the first food sources for deer after a long winter. In addition, they are also easy to find and easy to eat. The leaves, stems, and flowers of radishes are all edible, making it easier for deers to munch on them.
Radishes Are Nutritious
Being not only easy to find and easy to eat, but they are also nutritious. Radishes are a good source of vitamin C, fiber, and potassium. Since these vegetables are low in sugar and high in water content, radishes provide deers with the hydration they need.
Radishes Taste Good
There’s something about its taste that makes it irresistible for deers. Maybe it’s the sweetness or the spiciness, but whatever it is, deer can’t get enough of radishes.
Radishes Attract Other Wildlife
In addition to deer, radishes also attract other wildlife such as turkeys, quail, rabbits, and squirrels. So, if you’re looking to attract a variety of animals to your food plot, planting radishes is a good way to do it.
How to Plant Radishes to Attract Deer
If this is your first time planting radishes, here are a few tips to get you started:
- Choose a suitable location. Radishes need full sun and well-drained soil to grow properly.
- Plant at the right time. The best time to plant radishes for deer is in the spring.
- Prepare the soil. Loosen the soil with a shovel or tiller to a depth of about 8 inches. Be sure to remove any rocks, roots, or debris that might be in the way.
- Fertilize the soil. Radishes are heavy feeders, so you’ll need to fertilize the soil before planting. You can either use commercial fertilizer or compost.
- Plant the seeds. Plant the seeds about half an inch deep and space them out about 2 inches apart. In about a week, the seeds will germinate and the seedlings will start to appear.
- Water regularly. Radishes need to be kept moist to grow properly. Water the soil, being careful not to overwater or let it dry out completely.
Other Plants That Attract Deers
While radishes may be one of the deer’s favorite foods, they are not the only plant that attracts them. Here are a few other plants that deers love to eat:
Turnips
Turnips are another root vegetable that is a favorite of deer. Like radishes, they are easy to find and easy to eat. Additionally, turnips crops last long into the fall, making them a valuable food source for deer as the weather gets colder. One of the common issues with radishes is that they tend to rot earlier in the season. Turnips will provide a longer-lasting food source for deer.
Beets
Considering that beets are another root vegetable, it’s not surprising that deer like them. Beets are high in sugar and are a good source of carbohydrates, which is perfect for deer during the fall and winter when they need extra energy to stay warm.
Clover
Clover is a type of legume high in protein, making it a valuable food source for deer. Clover is also easy to grow and is often used as a cover crop or ground cover.
Do Deer Eat Radishes: Final Thoughts
As you can see, there are a few reasons why deer love to eat radishes. They have lots of nutritional value and are easy to find and eat. Additionally, radishes can actually help deer with their health.
Other plants that are attractive to deer include turnips, beets, beans, peas, spinach, and lettuce. So if you’re looking for a way to attract deer to your food plot, consider planting some of these foods.