Last-Minute Fall Food Plots: Quick Cereal Rye & Cereal Grain Mix Tips for Deer Season

Deer season is just around the corner, and many hunters are looking for a last-minute deer food plot solution. Even late in the season, you can establish a green, nutrient-rich plot that draws whitetails and boosts your hunting success. With the right seed, preparation, and planting method, you can get deer grazing quickly, even on plots that are thin or bare.

Choose the Right Seed for Your Region

For northern regions, cereal rye (also called winter rye or rye grain) is the top choice for a late-season food plot. Plant 200–300 pounds per acre to ensure dense coverage and rapid growth. In southern regions, hunters are searching for cereal rye/cereal grain mixes like oats or wheat to create a quick-germinating, diverse plot that extends grazing opportunities.

These fast-growing cereal grains provide nutritious green forage for deer before frost and can help rejuvenate existing plots that are thin or patchy.

Prepare Your Soil and Control Weeds

Search trends show hunters often struggle with thin or overgrown food plots, so weed control is critical. Apply 2–3 pints per acre of 41% glyphosate to existing vegetation. Timing is key — spray before a rain to maximize herbicide effectiveness and prepare the soil for planting.

Once the weeds are controlled, you can plant using one of these proven methods:

• Broadcasting Seed: Spread the seed evenly, then incorporate it using a no-till drill or lightly till and cultipack.

• No-Till Drill: Plant directly into the soil to preserve moisture and prevent erosion.

Both methods work great not only for new plots but also for overseeding thin or bare spots in existing plots. This allows you to repair struggling areas and increase forage availability for deer before hunting season begins.

Quick Growth Tips for Last-Minute Plots

• Plant as early as possible in the fall; even a few weeks of growth makes a huge difference for attracting deer.

• Make sure the soil is firm but not compacted to help seeds germinate quickly.

• If rainfall is limited, water the seed lightly to aid germination.

• Adding a small amount of nitrogen fertilizer can accelerate growth for a fast green-up.

Final Thoughts

A last-minute food plot can still become a hotspot for deer if you act quickly and strategically. Plant cereal rye or winter rye in northern regions or a cereal rye/cereal grain mix in southern regions, control weeds with glyphosate, and incorporate the seed with a no-till drill or cultipack. Don’t forget to overseed thin or patchy areas in your existing plots — this can transform a struggling food plot into a highly productive one just in time for opening day.

Quick action, proper preparation, and the right seed mix can make the difference between a lackluster plot and one that keeps deer coming back throughout the season.

Shop Seeds for Your Food Plot

To make your last-minute food plot a success, The Deer Store carries high-quality seeds:

Cereal Rye – Perfect for northern regions and late-season planting
Forage Oats – Great for mixing with cereal rye in southern regions for quick green-up
Winter Wheat – Adds diversity and extended grazing for deer