August Food Plot Guide: What to Plant Now for Peak Whitetail Season

August marks one of the most critical windows in a hunter's year. While other hunters are still dreaming about opening day, smart hunters are out there with seed spreaders, creating the foundation for their most successful season yet. The choices you make in your deer food plots this month will directly determine where those mature bucks show up come October and November.

Late summer food plot planting isn't just about throwing deer food plot seeds on the ground and hoping for the best. It's about understanding what whitetails need during hunting season and positioning yourself to provide exactly that when it matters most.

📅 AUGUST FOOD PLOT PLANTING CALENDAR

Week 1: Northern states – Brassicas & Winter PeasWeek 2: Midwest – All crops optimalWeek 3: Southern states – Begin plantingWeek 4: Last chance for most crops

Why August is Prime Time for Food Plots

There's a reason experienced hunters swear by August plantings for hunting season preparation. Cool-season crops planted now will hit their nutritional peak right when deer need them most – during the stress of breeding season and the approach of winter.

Unlike spring plantings that can burn out in summer heat, August fall hunting food plots benefit from cooler nights and morning dew. These crops establish strong root systems before winter and provide the high-energy forage that bucks and does crave during hunting season.

The timing couldn't be more perfect. Your plots will be lush and attractive right when deer are establishing their fall patterns, giving you the ultimate advantage for stand placement and hunting success.

Top August Food Plot Planting Options

 

Brassicas: The Heavy Hitters

Purple Top Turnips The gold standard of deer food plots, purple top turnips are virtually foolproof. Plant them at 3-5 pounds per acre, and you'll have deer attractant plants that only get better after the first frost. The leaves provide immediate forage, while the bulbs store energy for late-season hunting. For a proven turnip blend that includes other complementary crops, check out the Big Tine 4 lb. Buck Brunch Food Plot Mix at Academy Sports, which combines turnips with forage wheat and crimson clover.

Daikon Radishes Don't let the name fool you – these aren't your garden-variety radishes. Daikon radishes can produce massive tonnage and withstand incredible browsing pressure. They're particularly effective in areas with high deer density where other crops might get eaten to the ground. The Evolved Harvest Throw & Gro X-Treme with Radish Food Plot offers a no-till option that's perfect for quick establishment.

Kale Possibly the most underrated crop in deer hunting, kale is extremely cold hardy and provides consistent forage throughout the season. Mix it with other brassicas at 1-2 pounds per acre for a diverse plot that keeps deer coming back.

Rape/Canola High in energy and extremely palatable after frost, rape provides excellent late-season nutrition. It's particularly effective when mixed with turnips and radishes for a complete brassica blend.

Learn more about brassica strategies from Whitetail Habitat Solutions and get detailed planting information from Mossy Oak Gamekeeper's brassica guide.

High-Protein Legumes

Winter Peas When properly fertilized, winter peas can provide up to 35% protein – exactly what deer need for antler development and body condition. In northern states, plant by late August. Southern hunters can wait until early September. For comprehensive winter pea planting guidance, check out Realtree's detailed planting guide.

Crimson Clover For hunters thinking long-term, crimson clover offers perennial nutrition that keeps producing year after year. It's particularly effective when over-seeded with annual grains that provide immediate attraction while the clover establishes.

Quick-Establishing Grains

Oats Nothing beats oats for fast germination and immediate deer attraction. You'll often see deer feeding within two weeks of planting. Use oats as a nurse crop with slower-establishing species or plant them alone for quick results. The Whitetail Institute Imperial Pure Attraction Food Plot Seed features Whitetail Oats combined with attractive brassicas for the best of both worlds.

Winter Wheat Reliable and consistent, winter wheat provides both forage and cover. It's particularly valuable in areas where deer need security cover near feeding areas.

Cereal Rye The ultimate soil improver, cereal rye is extremely hardy and provides excellent erosion control. It's perfect for marginal soils and areas where you want to improve the ground for future plantings.

For a comprehensive mix that includes multiple crop types, consider the Evolved Habitats 7 Card Stud 10 lb. Deer Attractant, which contains triticale, oats, winter peas, clover, chicory, and turnips – covering most of the crops mentioned in this guide.

📊 SEEDING RATES CHEAT SHEET

• Brassica mixes: 4-6 lbs/acre• Winter peas: 20-30 lbs/acre• Oats: 60-90 lbs/acre• Winter wheat: 90-120 lbs/acre• Cereal rye: 90-120 lbs/acre

Regional Planting Timeline

Northern States and Canada Your window is closing fast. Get brassicas and winter peas in the ground by early August to ensure proper establishment before frost. Cereal grains can be planted through mid-August.

Midwest You have until late August for most crops, with cereal grains possible into early September. This is your sweet spot for timing – not too early to battle summer heat, not too late to risk poor establishment.

Southern States You can push planting into early September, but don't get complacent. Earlier is always better for root development and plant vigor.

Essential Planting Tips

 

Soil Preparation

Whether you choose traditional tillage or no-till methods, seed-to-soil contact is critical. If you're going no-till, make sure to kill existing vegetation with glyphosate 7-10 days before planting. A cultipacker or drag can help ensure good seed contact. For detailed soil preparation guidance, visit the Missouri Department of Conservation's food plot establishment guide.

Food Plot Fertilizer Strategy

Don't skip the soil test. Brassicas love phosphorus and potassium, while legumes benefit from proper pH levels. For maximum protein content in peas and clover, ensure adequate phosphorus levels. 

 

Seeding Rates

More isn't always better. Over-seeding leads to weak, spindly plants that can't withstand browsing pressure. Follow recommended seeding rates shown in the chart above.

Weed Management

Pre-emergent herbicides can be your friend, but timing is everything. Apply them immediately after planting but before germination. For established weeds, selective herbicides can help without damaging your crop.

Setting Up Mineral Sites

Don't overlook the power of mineral sites near your food plots. Position them 50-100 yards from your plots to create natural travel corridors. A simple mix of salt, calcium, and phosphorus will keep deer visiting regularly. Check your state regulations first – some states restrict mineral supplementation during hunting season. Where legal, mineral sites can be the difference between seeing deer and harvesting deer. 

Common August Food Plot Mistakes to Avoid

Planting Too Late Every day you wait past your optimal planting window reduces your chances of success. Cool-season crops need time to establish before hard frost.

Skipping Soil Tests A $15 soil test can save you hundreds in wasted seed and fertilizer. Know your pH and nutrient levels before you plant.

Wrong Seeding Depth Small seeds like brassicas need shallow planting – ¼ to ½ inch deep. Plant too deep and germination suffers.

Ignoring Drainage Even the best seed won't grow in standing water. Choose well-drained sites or improve drainage before planting.

No Backup Plan Weather happens. Have a quick-establishing backup crop like oats ready if your primary planting fails. For more detailed information on avoiding common food plot mistakes, the National Deer Association's turnip profile provides excellent troubleshooting tips.

Making It Happen

The difference between hunters who consistently see deer and those who don't often comes down to preparation. August food plot work isn't glamorous, but it's the foundation of hunting success.

Start with soil preparation this week. Get your deer food plot seeds ordered and your equipment ready. The deer you harvest this fall will thank you for the work you put in right now.

Your hunting season success starts with the decisions you make in August. While other hunters are still talking about what they're going to do, you'll be out there making it happen.

For more hunting season preparation tips and whitetail hunting strategies for beginners, make sure you're following all our seasonal preparation guides.