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Pasture Seed
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Shade Tolerant Food Plot Mix
SKU: PB-SHADE
Planting Aids for your Seed
What is the Shade Mix Food Plot?
The Shade Mix Food Plot is designed specifically for areas with limited sunlight — such as clear cuts, wooded openings, and trails. Where other blends struggle to establish, this mix thrives, creating a dependable food source in shaded locations that are often underutilized by wildlife.
Composed of shade-tolerant forage fescue, annual ryegrass, rapeseed, and three clover species, this blend delivers a dense stand of tender, palatable forage that attracts deer throughout the season. It’s ideal for establishing small woodland plots or travel corridor plots, providing a consistent stopover food source that encourages daylight activity near your stand.
Whether you’re managing land for hunting or habitat improvement, Shade Mix brings nutrition and reliability to the areas most blends can’t handle.
What's in This Mix
Fast-establishing cool-season grass that provides quick ground cover and early-season forage in shaded plots.
The top shade-tolerant grass in the mix; spreads to fill low-light areas where other grasses fail.
Brassica that grows well in partial shade and provides high-protein, high-energy forage for deer and turkey.
Fast-growing annual legume that boosts plot protein and attracts wildlife with its showy blooms.
Shade-tolerant perennial legume that fixes nitrogen and provides lasting, high-quality wildlife forage.
Low-growing and persistent, white clover thrives under a forest canopy and is a top wildlife attractant.
Specifications
Seeding Specs
Water Needs
Moderate to High
Soil Preference
Moist, fertile, loamy
Soil pH
6.0 – 7.0
Planting Depth
1/4 inch
Establishment Specs
Height
12-24 inches
Color
Vibrant deep green
Uses
Shaded forage plots
Native/Introduced
Introduced and Improved
Why Choose This Seed?
Thrives in Low-Light Conditions
Shade can be a challenge for many pastures, but not for this mix. Specially selected for its ability to flourish where sunlight is limited, our Shade Mix Food Plot ensures a lush, productive stand even under tree canopies or along woodland edges.
Diverse, Nutritious Forage
This blend isn’t just tough—it’s tasty, too! With a balanced combination of ryegrass, clovers, fescue, and rapeseed, you’ll provide a rich, varied diet that supports the health and growth of deer, turkeys, rabbits, and other wildlife.
Year-Round Grazing Potential
Thanks to the mix of annual and perennial species, your food plot offers reliable forage throughout the seasons. Ryegrass and rapeseed jumpstart growth in the cool months, while clovers and fescue keep the plot productive year after year.
Supports Soil Health
Our thoughtful blend goes beyond just feeding wildlife—deep-rooted clovers fix nitrogen, improving soil fertility and structure. This means healthier plants now and a better foundation for future plantings.
Easy to Establish and Maintain
Designed with both beginners and experienced land managers in mind, Shade Mix Food Plot is straightforward to plant and manage. The robust seed varieties germinate quickly and outcompete weeds, making pasture and food plot establishment a breeze.
Planting and Growth Guide
Optimal Planting Time
For best results, sow Shade Mix Food Plot seeds in early spring or late summer. These cooler seasons provide the ideal soil moisture and temperature conditions for germination and early growth, giving your pasture a strong, healthy start.
Site Preparation
Prepare your shaded plot by clearing away debris and lightly tilling the top 2–3 inches of soil. This ensures good seed-to-soil contact and helps the blend’s diverse seeds—like clovers, ryegrass, and fescue—take root and thrive beneath tree canopies or in dappled sunlight.
Seeding Rate and Technique
For even coverage, broadcast 10–12 pounds of Shade Mix Food Plot seed per acre. After spreading, lightly rake or roll the area to incorporate seeds into the soil surface. This step is crucial for successful germination, especially in shaded environments where sunlight is limited.
Watering and Early Care
Keep the soil consistently moist during the first 2–3 weeks after planting. Once established, the mix’s hardy components—including clovers and fescue—require minimal supplemental watering, making it a sustainable choice for low-light pastures and woodland edges.
Helpful Resources
Pasture Seed Planting Guide
Attract Gobblers with Turkey Food Plots
Best Grass Seed for Shade & Poor Soil
Questions & Answers
What is the Shade Mix Food Plot seed blend designed for?
Our Shade Mix Food Plot is specially formulated to thrive in low-light areas where many traditional pasture seeds struggle. It’s perfect for food plots tucked under tree canopies or along woodland edges, providing lush, nutritious forage in those tricky spots.
What species are included in this mix, and why?
This blend features Annual Ryegrass, Creeping Red Fescue, Rapeseed, Crimson Clover, Medium Red Clover, and Dutch White Clover. Each species was selected for its shade tolerance, palatability, and ability to provide high-quality forage for deer and other wildlife.
Is this mix suitable for grazing livestock?
Absolutely! Shade Mix Food Plot offers excellent forage for livestock such as cattle, sheep, and goats, as well as attracting wildlife like deer and turkey. The clovers and grasses provide a balanced diet and thrive where other forages might fail.
How much shade can this mix tolerate?
This blend is designed for partial to moderate shade—think areas that receive filtered sunlight or 3–6 hours of direct sunlight per day. It’s a great solution for those hard-to-grow spots under trees or along woodland margins.
When is the best time to plant Shade Mix Food Plot?
The ideal planting time is early spring or early fall, depending on your region. Plant when soil temperatures are consistently above 50°F (10°C) for optimal germination and establishment.
How much seed do I need per acre?
We recommend seeding at a rate of 20–25 pounds per acre. For smaller plots or overseeding, adjust accordingly to ensure even coverage.
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