Planting Corn And Beans Together For Deer
If you're a deer hunter or just enjoy watching deer and other wildlife in your yard, you may be wondering how to attract them to your property. One popular method is planting crops that deer love, such as corn and beans. But did you know that planting corn and beans together can be even more effective?
Why Plant Corn and Beans Together?
There are several reasons why planting corn and beans together can be beneficial for both the deer and your yard:
- Increased nutrition: Corn and beans are both high in protein, which is essential for deer's growth and health. Planting them together provides a well-rounded diet for the deer, which can lead to bigger and healthier bucks.
- Nitrogen fixation: Beans are nitrogen-fixing plants, which means they absorb nitrogen from the air and convert it into a usable form for the soil. This can benefit the corn plants, which require a lot of nitrogen to grow.
- Complementary growth habits: Corn and beans have different root systems that complement each other. Corn has deep, strong roots that anchor the plant and absorb nutrients from deep in the soil. Beans have shallow, fibrous roots that help prevent soil erosion and improve the soil structure.
- Disease and pest resistance: Planting corn and beans together can help prevent disease and pest problems because they have different pests and diseases that they are susceptible to.
How to Plant Corn and Beans Together
Planting corn and beans together isn't difficult, but there are a few things to keep in mind:
- Choose the right varieties: Look for corn and bean varieties that mature at the same time, so you can harvest them together. Bush beans work well because they don't need support and won't compete with the corn for sunlight.
- Prepare the soil: Plant your corn and beans in a location that gets full sun and has well-draining soil. Add compost or other organic matter to improve the soil structure and fertility.
- Plant in blocks: Plant your corn and beans in alternating rows or blocks, with the corn in one row and the beans in the next. This will help prevent the beans from shading out the corn and will make it easier to harvest both crops at once.
- Provide support: If you're planting pole beans, provide support for them to climb, such as a trellis or stakes. Be sure to plant them on the north side of the corn so they don't shade the corn.
- Maintain the plants: Water your plants regularly and fertilize them as needed. Keep an eye out for pests and diseases and treat them promptly.
Other Deer-Friendly Crops
If you're looking to attract deer to your property, there are other crops you can plant besides corn and beans:
- Alfalfa: Alfalfa is a perennial legume that is high in protein and can provide a good food source for deer.
- Clover: Clover is another legume that is high in protein and easy to grow. Deer love both the leaves and the flowers.
- Turnips: Turnips are a root vegetable that deer love to eat. They are also easy to grow and can withstand cold temperatures.
- Wheat: Wheat is a cool-season grain that can provide a good food source for deer in the fall and winter.
In Conclusion
If you want to attract deer to your property, planting corn and beans together can be a great strategy. Not only do these crops provide a nutritious diet for the deer, but they also benefit the soil and can be easier to manage than planting them separately. Be sure to choose the right varieties, prepare the soil, plant in blocks, provide support, and maintain the plants for the best results. And don't forget about other deer-friendly crops like alfalfa, clover, turnips, and wheat!