Planting Austrian Winter Peas: Deer-Friendly Gardening Guide

Austrian winter peas are a cool-season legume that is often used as a food source for deer. They are easy to establish and can be planted in the spring or fall. In the Northern states, Austrian winter peas should be planted in August, and in the South, they should be planted in September or October. The ideal planting depth is around 1/2-1 inch, and the recommended rate is 50 lbs/acre for broadcasting or 30 lbs/acre for drilling. Austrian winter peas grow well in a variety of soils but prefer a neutral pH of above 6.0. They require consistent moisture and do not do well in arid climates with less than 20 inches of rainfall per year.

Austrian winter peas are a cool-season legume

Austrian winter peas are a great source of nutrition for both humans and animals and are often used as a cover crop or in food plots for wildlife, such as deer. They are easy to establish and can be planted in a variety of soils, although they grow best in light-textured loamy soils with a pH above 6.0. The recommended planting time is fall and spring when nighttime temperatures are consistently below 65 degrees Fahrenheit. In the southern United States, Austrian winter peas should be planted in September or October, while in the northern states, they should be planted in August or April for a spring/summer planting.

Austrian winter peas have good winter hardiness and can withstand very cold temperatures. However, in severe winters with prolonged periods of sub-zero weather without snow cover, they may be winter-killed. They are sensitive to soil pH and require adequate phosphorus and potassium to thrive. When planting, it is recommended to inoculate the seeds with strain C or use pre-inoculated seeds to ensure healthy and vigorous growth.

Overall, Austrian winter peas are a great choice for a cool-season legume, providing nutrition and cover for both wildlife and agricultural purposes.

They are easy to establish in fall food plots

Austrian winter peas are easy to establish in fall food plots. They are a cool-season legume that is often planted in the fall as a cover crop or within food plot mixtures for forage. They have good winter hardiness and can withstand very cold conditions.

When planting Austrian winter peas, it is recommended to conduct a soil test to determine lime and fertilizer needs. While adding nitrogen fertilizer is not necessary, phosphorus and potassium should be applied at the recommended rates. Inoculating the seeds with strain C or purchasing pre-inoculated seeds is also beneficial, as it helps convert atmospheric nitrogen into a usable form, promoting vigorous and healthy growth.

Austrian winter peas should be planted at a depth of about 1/2-1 inch, with a recommended planting rate of 50 lbs/acre for broadcast seeding or 30 lbs/acre for no-till drilling. They can be planted alone or mixed with other fall grains and brassicas, such as oats, radishes, or clover. When planting in the fall, it is important to ensure that nighttime temperatures are consistently below 65 degrees Fahrenheit.

With proper care, Austrian winter peas can provide a good source of nutrition for deer and other wildlife, making them a valuable addition to fall food plots.

Peas should be planted in September/October in the South and August in the North

Austrian winter peas are a cool-season annual legume that is a high-preference forage for whitetails. They are very easy to establish in fall food plots. Winter peas grow well anywhere within the continental United States and parts of Canada. They are very hardy and can withstand very cold conditions.

Winter peas should be planted in September through October in the South. In northern states, they should be planted in August, or in April for a spring/summer planting. The best time to plant is when night-time temperatures are consistently below 65 degrees Fahrenheit.

Before planting winter peas, conduct a soil test to determine lime and fertilizer needs. Although adding nitrogen fertiliser is unnecessary, phosphorus and potassium should be applied at the recommended rates. Inoculate the seeds with strain C, or use pre-inoculated seeds, to ensure healthy, vigorous plots that can endure adverse weather conditions and heavy browsing pressure.

Winter peas are very easy to establish and can be broadcast at a rate of 50 lbs/acre or drilled at a rate of 30 lbs/acre. If broadcasting, follow up with light disking to cover the seeds to a depth of 1 to 2 inches. If planting without tillage, kill the existing vegetation with glyphosate a couple of weeks prior to planting to eliminate weed competition.

Peas need to be planted 1/2-1 deep

Austrian winter peas are a cool-season legume that is a great source of nutrition for deer and other wildlife. They are easy to establish and can be planted in a variety of ways, including broadcasting or drilling. However, one of the most important considerations when planting Austrian winter peas is the depth at which the seeds are planted.

Austrian winter pea seeds need to be planted at a depth of 1/2-1 inch deep. This is important because it ensures that the seeds have adequate protection from the elements and helps to promote strong root growth. Planting the seeds at the correct depth also helps to ensure that the plants have access to the moisture and nutrients they need to thrive.

When planting Austrian winter peas, it is also important to consider the rate at which the seeds are planted. The planting rate will depend on the intended use of the peas. For example, if you are planting them for wildlife, a lower rate of 50 lbs/acre is sufficient. However, if you are planting them for forage or hay crop, a higher rate of 40-50 lbs/acre is recommended.

In addition to depth and rate, there are several other factors to consider when planting Austrian winter peas. One important factor is soil pH. Austrian winter peas prefer a slightly acidic pH of 6.0-7.0. It is also important to ensure that the soil is well-drained and has adequate phosphorus and potassium levels.

By following these planting guidelines, you can ensure that your Austrian winter peas have the best chance of success and provide a nutritious food source for deer and other wildlife.

Peas are a great companion to clover and cereal grain mixtures

Austrian winter peas are a cool-season annual legume that is a high-preference forage for whitetails. They are easy to establish in fall food plots and can be grown successfully in spring/summer in cooler regions. Winter peas are a great companion to clover and cereal grain mixtures.

When planting Austrian winter peas, it is important to conduct a soil test beforehand to determine lime and fertilizer requirements. While adding nitrogen fertilizer is not necessary, as winter peas produce their own, phosphorus and potassium should be applied at the recommended rates. Inoculating the seeds is also recommended to ensure healthy and vigorous plots.

The ideal planting dates for winter peas vary depending on the location. In the Southern states, they should be planted from September to October, while in the Northern states, planting should take place in August or April for a spring/summer crop. When planting, it is best to mix winter peas with other preferred species to extend the life of the food plot and minimize the risk of crop failure and overgrazing.

Winter peas make an excellent companion to clover and cereal grain mixtures. Cereal grains such as oats, winter wheat, and rye provide a good source of forage for deer during the fall and winter. On the other hand, clover, such as red clover, adds much-needed nitrogen to the soil and serves as a nutritious food source for deer in the spring.

By combining winter peas with clover and cereal grains, you can create a diverse and nutritious food plot for deer that offers a range of benefits throughout the year. The clover and cereal grains complement each other in terms of growth periods and nutrient acquisition strategies, ensuring a balanced and attractive food source for deer.

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