Wildlife food plots are a great way to enhance the quality and number of animals on your property. Many people plant food plots to increase their chances of viewing wildlife on their property.

No matter the reason, establishing a food plot is relatively easy, but like anything that is worth doing, make sure you have done your homework before beginning.

The very first thing to do is decide on the proper location. This will determine the success or failure of your food plot. Many of the plants that are ideal for food plots require at least six hours of sun, but if you can get eight or more that is even better.

The size and shape of the food plot is important. Generally a plot for big game like deer should be at least 1/2 acre. A food plot of 3 acres will provide you maximum benefit and success.

Just like the size of the plot, shape is important also. In general, you should make the plot longer than it is wide. This will increase the edge effect, thus giving wildlife a sense of security because the animal has a short distance to run for cover if frightened. If an animal sees the food plot as a safe place to be, then it will be more likely to use it.

The next step is to get a soil sample and have it analyzed for pH and nutrient requirements. Your local UGA Cooperative Extension office can provide you with this service. Just like building a house on a strong foundation, adjusting the pH and nutrient levels prior to planting will insure a more successful and productive food plot.

The next thing to think about is proper weed control and soil preparation. Weed control can be accomplished by simply plowing the soil numerous times prior to planting or spraying herbicides.

For most people, the plowing method probably is easier because you are going to have to plow the ground to prepare a good seedbed, and there is less equipment to purchase and maintain.

I would begin in late summer and plow the plot under. Come back two to three weeks later and do it again, killing any new seedlings or sprouts that have come up. Then plow a third time at planting.

Generally, this should give you adequate weed control, but you many want to plan enough time to get an extra plowing prior to planting depending on the amount of resprouting of weeds that occurs in between visits to your food plot.

The type of plants that you use is important, but it is not the critical ingredient to a successful plot. Many seed companies have developed a line of wildlife seed mixtures that work well. If you want to buy seed and make your own mix, some key plants to keep in mind are clover, corn, soybean, buckwheat, small grains like wheat, oats or rye and peas.

One great technique to gauge the success or failure of a plot is the use of exclusion cages. These cages are made of scrap wood and chicken wire set in the middle of the plot. They are designed to keep the animals from feeding in that area. They don’t have to be large, just big enough for you to get a feel for how much feeding is being done in the overall plot.

A cage that is 3 feet by 3 feet is ideal. This will also tell you if a certain plant came up or not. Sometimes you may think a plant never made it, while in fact the deer or turkey are eating it faster than it can develop.

No matter the reason for making a wildlife food plot, follow these suggestions for a successful planting.

Michael Wheeler is county extension coordinator for the UGA Cooperative Extension in Hall County. You can contact him at 770-535-8293, www.hallcounty.org/extension. His column appears weekly and on gainesvilletimes.com/life.