Summer is when bucks are growing antlers and does are nursing fawns, so a high-protein warm-season plot can make a real difference. Tecomate Lablab summer food plot seed for deer is the seed that started it all for Tecomate Wildlife Systems, a heat- and drought-tolerant legume Tecomate calls the "Magic Bean" of warm-season deer forage. Here is how to plant it and set it up for success.
What is Lablab?
Lablab is a superior summer legume adapted to tropical and sub-tropical climates. According to Tecomate, it was introduced to the United States from Australia by Dr. Gary Schwarz, and years of cooperative studies with the Caesar Kleberg Wildlife Research Institute showed it could increase antler size, body mass and the total carrying capacity of the land.
Tecomate states Lablab offers highly digestible protein up to 38%, an ideal 2:1 calcium-to-phosphorus ratio, and unsurpassed antler-growing phosphorus, and that it consistently outperforms other annual legumes for digestible summer protein.
Key features
- Up to 38% crude protein
- Drought, insect and disease resistant
- Fast growing with tremendous production
- Grows anywhere soybeans and cowpeas are grown
- Capable of greatly increasing carrying capacity
- Contents: Lablab beans, 20 lb bag
When and how to plant Lablab
Planting time: all zones in spring once ground temperature is above 68°F; zones 2, 3 and 4 in fall. Tecomate lists it as ideal for zones 3 and 4.
Seeding rate: 20 lbs. plants 1 acre.
Planting depth: 1 to 2 inches, in good moisture.
Fertilizer: a high-phosphorus fertilizer at 200 to 300 lbs. per acre.
Tecomate's planting suggestions:
- Choose a sunny location and disk to a clean, level, firm seedbed. The Impact Implements ATV/UTV disc plow / harrow is built for this kind of work.
- Lime if pH is below 5.8.
- Inoculate with cowpea inoculant to improve nitrogen fixation.
- No-till drill, cultivate and broadcast, or cultivate and drill.
- When broadcasting, cover the seed by dragging, cultipacking or lightly disking. A cultipacker with weight tray works well for firming the seedbed.
Since a bag plants an acre, order one 20 lb bag of Lablab for each acre you plan to plant.
Protecting young Lablab from grazing
Lablab's biggest weakness is early grazing. Tecomate notes young plants are vulnerable during the first several weeks, and that Lablab is not suitable for small, unprotected plots. Options include:
- Plant enough acreage to spread out early grazing pressure.
- Temporarily fence off young plants.
- Use an effective deer deterrent until plants are established.
- Scout the plot often during those first weeks so you can react quickly if browsing gets heavy.
Tecomate says that after about 4 weeks, Lablab can withstand the heaviest grazing pressure.
Pairs well with
Because Lablab is a warm-season plant, many managers follow it with a fall planting from our fall lineup, such as a cereal grain or brassica blend, so the same ground keeps producing food through the year. If you want a warm-season blend rather than straight Lablab, look at Lablab Plus. Browse our spring and summer seed mix collection or all food plot seed.
Frequently asked questions
How deep do I plant Lablab seed?
Plant 1 to 2 inches deep in good moisture, at 20 lbs. per acre.
When is it warm enough to plant Lablab?
Plant when ground temperature is above 68°F. Lablab needs soil temperatures above that for quick growth.
Can I plant Lablab in a small plot?
Tecomate says Lablab is not suitable for small unprotected plots because young plants are vulnerable to early grazing. Plant more acreage or fence it.
Give deer high-protein summer forage: shop Tecomate Lablab deer food plot seed, and find more planting guides on our blog. Questions? Contact us.