FloridaFood Plots: What to Plant & When
Florida's heat and sandy soils favor cool-season clover, oats, and rye in fall and winter; summer brings cowpeas, sunn hemp, and lablab.
- Planting region
- Southern (mild-winter)
- USDA zones
- 8–11
- Fall plots
- Late Sep–Oct
- Spring plots
- Apr–Jun
Cool season
Best fall & winter food plots in Florida
Plant late September through October (cereal grains can go later still). Tap any crop for its Florida seeding rate, bag count, and lime estimate.
Florida food plot planting dates
| Crop | When to plant (FL) | Rate (broadcast) |
|---|---|---|
| Oats | Sep–Oct | 120–150 lbs/ac |
| Winter Wheat | Sep–Oct | 90–120 lbs/ac |
| Cereal Rye | Sep–Oct | 120–150 lbs/ac |
| Crimson Clover | Sep–Oct | 20–25 lbs/ac |
| Ladino White Clover | Sep–Oct | 4–6 lbs/ac |
Warm season
Best spring & summer plots in Florida
Plant April through June (earlier in the Deep South) for summer forage and fall draw.
Soil & lime in Florida
Whatever you plant, a soil test comes first. Most untouched Floridaground is too acidic for food plots, which locks up fertilizer and stunts growth. Lime to about pH 6.5, then fertilize to the crop's needs. Estimate your lime and read the soil test guide.
Florida food plot FAQ
- What can I plant for deer in Florida?
- Florida sits in the southern planting region (USDA zones 8–11). For fall and winter, plant cool-season crops like oats, winter wheat, cereal rye; for spring and summer, warm-season crops like soybeans (forage type), cowpeas / iron-clay peas, lablab. Florida's heat and sandy soils favor cool-season clover, oats, and rye in fall and winter; summer brings cowpeas, sunn hemp, and lablab.
- When should I plant a fall food plot in Florida?
- In Florida, plant fall food plots late September through October (cereal grains can go later still). This gives cool-season grains, brassicas, and clover time to establish before cold weather and the hunting season.
- When can I plant a spring or summer food plot in Florida?
- Plant warm-season Florida plots April through June (earlier in the Deep South). Soybeans, cowpeas, and other summer crops need warm soil to germinate well.
- What's the best food plot for Florida?
- The most reliable Florida plot is a cool-season blend — a cereal grain (oats or wheat) plus a brassica and a clover. Soybeans (forage type) and other warm-season crops make strong summer plots on larger ground.
- What USDA hardiness zone is Florida?
- Most of Florida falls within USDA hardiness zones 8–11. Zones vary with elevation, so check your local zone for the most precise planting dates.
Where to buy seed for a Florida plot
Stock up online: Oats and Winter Wheat seed, a broadcast spreader, and pelletized lime.
Some links are Amazon affiliate links — a purchase may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Size your plot
Pick any crop above, or use the food plot calculator to get exact seed, bags, and lime for your Florida acreage.
More states