By: Tony Polk, owner of The Food Plot Shop.

     Frost seeding is a method of planting a food plot that more food plotters should consider. Frost seeding is the act of broadcasting seeds on the soil surface without disturbing the soil with any tools. In Michigan this is typically done in Mid-February until late March. It is best to broadcast seeds early in the morning so as the temperature rises throughout the day the soil will “Heave” and the seeds will move into a position of better soil contact. The expansion and contraction from freezing temps at night and thawing during the daytime is the process in which the seeds will incorporate into the soil. Not disturbing the soil is great for soil health. You have less soil compaction. There is no need to burn fuel and the only equipment you need is a broadcast seeder. During the Spring thaw the seeds will be incorporated into the soil. Soon the soil temperature will become optimum, and you will see germination much earlier than you would by waiting to use conventional methods. This early germination allows for your forage to canopy faster which reduces weed pressures. Because you didn’t disturb the ground, you’re not bringing up new weed seeds to compete with what you planted. Frost Seeding is a great way to establish a new plot and a powerful way to touch up and fill out an existing plot every spring. 

     While Frost Seeding is not limited to just clovers, chicory and alfalfa seeds. They are the most popular seeds due to their size and ability to germinate at lower temperatures. We recommend increasing the normal seed rate of whatever it is you are planting by 20-30% when frost seeding. The Food Plot Shop will always recommend planting a blend. We want something that can tolerate wet conditions. Something that can tolerate dry conditions and something that can tolerate shade. All G.R.O. Blends are developed with that in mind and no blends are put out on the standard product line until it has been tested for 3 years. Another important thing to consider when choosing a forage is the use of both annual clovers and perennial clovers. I personally get a 25 LB. Bag of our 3 Way Annual Clover every year and I broadcast into all my existing clover plots that I wish to maintain. Annual clovers grow faster than perennial clovers. They establish quickly and are desirable right away. They canopy quickly to help suppress weeds. They yield 2-3 times more than perennials and will likely persist in the following year even though they are called annuals. So, when annuals are blended with perennials, they become a “sacrifice” crop or even a “nurse” crop for the perennials to establish at a slower rate. This is what creates “integrated weed management”. The development of a thick full stand of clover with minimal weeds.

     The bottom line is don’t be afraid of frost seeding. The cost of planting a food plot using conventional methods is way higher than a frost seeding attempt. If the plot is successful, we then go into maintenance mode. If it doesn’t germinate, all you lost was a bag of seed and the time it took you to walk around one of your favorite outdoor spots knowing spring is right around the corner. The only real Cons to Frost Seeding is that you should increase your seeding rate by 20-30% and Mother Nature needs to be co-operative. But then again Mother Nature is always a factor in any food plot endeavor.