Not every food plot sits on rich, moist bottom ground. If your best opening is a hillside or a sandy ridge, an alfalfa food plot for deer may be the right fit. Tecomate Alfa-Feast Trophy Mix deer food plot seed is a perennial blend of select alfalfa, clover and chicory formulated for drier, well-drained upland sites, and it lasts 3 to 5 years.
What is Alfa-Feast Trophy Mix?
Alfa-Feast is built around alfalfa, which Tecomate calls the "Queen of Legumes." When it comes to preference, protein, productivity and hardiness, alfalfa is a proven forage plant. Clover and chicory are added to increase tonnage and protein production and to make the plot more attractive to deer and turkey.
The result is a perennial mix that can work as a fall hunting plot or a spring and summer forage plot, with year-round high-protein nutrition once established.
Key features
- Protein content: 20% to 28%
- Perennial: lasts 3 to 5 years
- Year-round high-protein nutrition
- Made for tough ground: perfect for hillsides, sandy soils and drier climates
- Coated and pre-inoculated seed for improved nitrogen fixation
- Contents: alfalfa, clover and chicory seed
Is an alfalfa food plot right for your ground?
Tecomate formulated Alfa-Feast specifically for drier, well-drained upland sites, including areas where alfalfa is regularly grown. If water stands on your plot after a rain, a clover-heavy blend is usually the better choice. Tecomate's Monster Mix, for example, is listed as best on fertile, moist sites. If your plot drains well and dries out in summer, Alfa-Feast is designed for exactly that situation.
Alfa-Feast comes in a 3.5 lb Standside Series bag. You can see Alfa-Feast Trophy Mix details on the product page.
How to plant Alfa-Feast Trophy Mix
Tecomate's planting specs:
- Planting time: zones 1 and 2 in spring or fall; zones 3 and 4 in fall only
- Seeding rate: 3.5 lbs plants 1/3 acre (25 lbs plants 2.25 acres)
- Planting depth: 1/8 to 1/4 inch
- Fertilizer: a high phosphorous fertilizer at 200 to 300 lbs per acre
Start with a soil test. Alfalfa and clover are legumes that do best when soil pH and nutrients are corrected before planting, so follow your soil test's lime and fertilizer recommendations. Prepare a clean, smooth, firm seedbed. An Impact Implements ATV/UTV disc plow / harrow works the ground and incorporates lime and fertilizer ahead of planting.
Because the planting depth is only 1/8 to 1/4 inch, the biggest mistake is burying the seed. Broadcast onto a firm seedbed, then press it in with an Impact Implements cultipacker with weight tray rather than disking it under.
Tips for a long-lasting plot
- Measure your plot. One 3.5 lb bag plants 1/3 acre, so larger plots need multiple bags.
- Plant into good moisture, especially on sandy soils that dry out quickly.
- Re-test your soil every couple of years to keep a perennial plot productive.
- Control weeds and grass early so young seedlings are not crowded out.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a bag of Alfa-Feast plant?
The 3.5 lb bag plants 1/3 acre. Tecomate also lists 25 lbs as planting 2.25 acres.
What soil is best for an alfalfa food plot for deer?
Alfa-Feast is formulated for drier, well-drained upland sites and is perfect for hillsides, sandy soils and drier climates where alfalfa is regularly grown.
How long will Alfa-Feast last?
It is a perennial mix that lasts 3 to 5 years and works as a fall hunting plot or a spring and summer forage plot.
If your best plot is on dry, upland ground, order Tecomate Alfa-Feast Trophy Mix and plant it in your zone's window. Browse more options in our fall food plot seed mix collection. Questions? Contact us.