DEER VETCH
THE SUMMER STAPLE FOR SERIOUS WILDLIFE MANAGERS
Deer Vetch™ (Hulled Joint Vetch) is a premium warm-season legume native to the southeastern United States and a proven powerhouse for food plots in moist or low-lying areas. Highly palatable and nutrient-dense, Deer Vetch™ delivers approximately 20% protein with exceptional digestibility, providing a steady source of high-quality forage during critical growth and antler development months.
At the Backwoods Testing Grounds™, Deer Vetch™ has proven its worth — attracting consistent deer activity and improving herd health with its lush, digestible forage. Its natural tolerance to wet soils and flooding makes it one of the most dependable legumes you can plant for summer nutrition and long-term soil improvement.
Built for Southern soil. Proven in Backwoods fields.
Drill: $149.98
Broadcast: $249.96
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DEER VETCH
Native and Adaptable: As a legume native to the southeastern U.S., Joint Vetch is well-suited to local climates and soil conditions, making it a reliable choice for wildlife food plots in the region.
Promotes Soil Health: Being a legume, Joint Vetch enhances soil fertility by fixing nitrogen, which improves soil quality and benefits other plants in the food plot.
Resilient Growth: Joint Vetch can reach up to three feet in height and is capable of regrowing after flooding, ensuring a consistent food source even in variable weather conditions.
Wildlife Attraction: Highly palatable to a variety of wildlife, Joint Vetch increases wildlife activity and diversity in your plots.
Proven Performance: Observations at our Testing Grounds show significant improvements in deer health and activity, demonstrating the effectiveness of Joint Vetch in supporting robust antler growth and overall herd vitality.
Soil Testing: Conduct a soil test to determine pH and nutrient levels. Adjust the soil pH to 6.0-7.0 using lime if necessary. Apply appropriate fertilizers based on the soil test results.
Seed Rate:
Broadcasting: Spread Joint Vetch seed at a rate of 20 lbs per acre.
Drilling: Use a seed drill to plant at a rate of 12 lbs per acre for more precise placement and better seed-to-soil contact.
Planting Depth: Ensure seeds are planted at a depth of 1/4 to 1/2 inch. If broadcasting, lightly rake or drag the area to cover the seeds with soil.
Timing: Plant Joint Vetch in late May to early June when the danger of frost has passed and soil temperatures are around 68°F for optimal germination and growth.
Moisture: Ensure the soil is adequately moist during the planting process. Water the area if there has been insufficient rainfall to help seeds establish.
Maintenance: Monitor the plot regularly for weed competition and manage as necessary. Ensure consistent moisture through rainfall or irrigation to support growth.
For more detailed information about designing and planting your food plots, refer to our Food Plot Design Guide and Planting Guide.