What can I plant for deer in Illinois?

Illinois sits in the northern planting region (USDA zones 5–7). For fall and winter, plant cool-season crops like cereal rye, winter wheat, oats; for spring and summer, warm-season crops like soybeans (forage type), corn (field corn), sunflowers. Illinois is prime whitetail country — cereal rye, oats, and brassicas anchor fall plots, while soybeans and corn deliver heavy tonnage downstate.

When should I plant a fall food plot in Illinois?

In Illinois, plant fall food plots late August through mid-September — roughly 45–60 days before your average first hard frost. 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 Illinois?

Plant warm-season Illinois plots May into June, once the last frost has passed and the soil warms. Soybeans, cowpeas, and other summer crops need warm soil to germinate well.

What's the best food plot for Illinois?

The most reliable Illinois plot is a cool-season blend — a cereal grain (cereal rye) 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 Illinois?

Most of Illinois falls within USDA hardiness zones 5–7. Zones vary with elevation, so check your local zone for the most precise planting dates.

State planting guide

IllinoisFood Plots: What to Plant & When

Illinois is prime whitetail country — cereal rye, oats, and brassicas anchor fall plots, while soybeans and corn deliver heavy tonnage downstate.

Planting region: Northern (cool-season) · transition zone
USDA zones: 5–7
Fall plots: Late Aug–mid Sep
Spring plots: May–Jun

SourcedRates cross-checked against the National Deer Association, UT & NC State Extension, and the MSU Deer Lab.Reviewed May 2026Methodology

Cool season

Best fall & winter food plots in Illinois

Plant late August through mid-September — roughly 45–60 days before your average first hard frost. Tap any crop for its Illinois seeding rate, bag count, and lime estimate.

Cereal Ryelate Aug–Sep Winter WheatAug–Sep OatsAug (for fall plot; winterkill is expected in North Zone 5+) or Apr–May (spring plot)Brassica Blend (5-way)Jul–early Aug Purple-Top TurnipJul–Aug Forage RadishAug–early Sep Ladino White CloverAug–Sep (fall) or Mar–Apr (spring frost-seed)ChicoryAug–Sep Austrian Winter PeasAug–early Sep (needs 6+ weeks before hard freeze)Red CloverAug–Oct (fall) or Apr–May (spring)

Illinois food plot planting dates

Crop	When to plant (IL)	Rate (broadcast)
Cereal Rye	late Aug–Sep	120–150 lbs/ac
Winter Wheat	Aug–Sep	90–120 lbs/ac
Oats	Aug (for fall plot; winterkill is expected in North Zone 5+) or Apr–May (spring plot)	120–150 lbs/ac
Brassica Blend (5-way)	Jul–early Aug	6–8 lbs/ac
Purple-Top Turnip	Jul–Aug	4–5 lbs/ac

Warm season

Best spring & summer plots in Illinois

Plant May into June, once the last frost has passed and the soil warms for summer forage and fall draw.

Soybeans (forage type)May–Jun Corn (field corn)May–early Jun Sunflowerslate Apr–May BuckwheatMay–Aug Cowpeas / Iron-Clay Peaslate May–Jun

Soil & lime in Illinois

Whatever you plant, a soil test comes first. Most untouched Illinoisground 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.

Illinois food plot FAQ

What can I plant for deer in Illinois?: Illinois sits in the northern planting region (USDA zones 5–7). For fall and winter, plant cool-season crops like cereal rye, winter wheat, oats; for spring and summer, warm-season crops like soybeans (forage type), corn (field corn), sunflowers. Illinois is prime whitetail country — cereal rye, oats, and brassicas anchor fall plots, while soybeans and corn deliver heavy tonnage downstate.
When should I plant a fall food plot in Illinois?: In Illinois, plant fall food plots late August through mid-September — roughly 45–60 days before your average first hard frost. 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 Illinois?: Plant warm-season Illinois plots May into June, once the last frost has passed and the soil warms. Soybeans, cowpeas, and other summer crops need warm soil to germinate well.
What's the best food plot for Illinois?: The most reliable Illinois plot is a cool-season blend — a cereal grain (cereal rye) 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 Illinois?: Most of Illinois falls within USDA hardiness zones 5–7. Zones vary with elevation, so check your local zone for the most precise planting dates.

Where to buy seed for a Illinois plot

Stock up online: Cereal Rye 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 Illinois acreage.

More states

Alaska Colorado Connecticut Idaho Indiana Iowa Maine Massachusetts All states →