How to Plant Rye for Deer

Deer will eat rye grass in a food plot.

Rye is a cereal grain used for human consumption, but rye grass is often planted as a food plot for deer. Along with other forage, deer will eat rye grass while it's actively growing in the spring and fall. Rye grass is a cool season annual or perennial that is high in protein and has a long growing season. However, growing the annual rye grass gives you more options for food plots in the future.

Things You'll Need

• Rake
• Seeder

Instructions

1. Select an area to plant your food plot. Rye needs full sun and well-drained soil to grow well. Purdue University suggests planting food plots on 1/2-acre lots to ensure other animals use them besides just deer.

2. Remove all the weeds and large rocks from the soil with a rake.

3. Broadcast the seed at a rate of 56 lbs. of seed per 1/2 acre. Sprinkle the seed evenly with your hands or with a seeder.

4. Cover the seed with a 1/4 inch of soil.

5. Water the seeds well for five minutes. Keep the soil moist until the seedlings emerge.

Tips & Warnings

• Plant rye grass for deer early in the spring once the ground thaws.

References

• Whitetail Steward; Ryegrasses for deer food plots; Matt Tarr; 2006
• Purdue University; Food Plots for White-Tailed Deer; Brian J. MacGowan