Plant a legume in the plots next summer... They will help replinish soil nutrients. Some sort of forage soybeans will be good, just don't forget your innoculant.
I'm not a huge fan of fancy mixtures that cost an arm and a leg. Every bag of seed (even the fancy bags) has a label of contents and percentages. You'll come out a lot cheaper if you make your own mix. Just my two cents
If you can make the initial investment and get it established clover is your best bet. Let it head out, mow high enough to knock the heads off, let it reseed it self. If you take care of it you can get 3 years out of it. They make certian selective chemicals to help keep.the weeds out of the plot. You local county agent can help depending on what you plant
Good info, and thanks for posting it, tndrchkn. I took notes and will do. I'll do my very best to take care of it...and will see Mr. Beauchamp, County Agent, for advise when needed.
I'll probably buy/make up my own mixture next time. I agree with you and all. I'd like to make 2 acres into plots for hunting and management in coming years. If I had a neighbor with a tractor I could hire/trade out something with, to plow it properly, I'd be set.
My 4 underground water springs I dug furnished water throughout the entire summer drought. They never dried up...but one did slow down producing water for a while. (we rec' 2-3 small to moderate rains only, all summer) These springs had to help the deer, turkey and all wildlife. I located places near the bottom of hill (1000' altitude sand hill) with canes and ferns growing around. I dug down about 2.5' to 2.5' and began hitting veins of water. I then cut a run-off channel on the downhill side of the springs to pool water below them. It made a little pond of water. (good info for folks needing watering holes on their land) You can dig them on a hill, or the side of a hill, but you have to dig much deeper. Look for plants that grow around wetter areas (cane, ferns, etc.)...and look for large tree roots growing on the surface...and you'll find water in underground springs.
I'm starting out again this morning. Have 2 more plots to do. Hope it rains !
