What Should You Plant to Attract and Feed Turkeys?

AvatarBySheryl Ackerman General Planting

If you’re looking to attract wild turkeys to your land or provide a nutritious habitat for domesticated flocks, understanding what to plant for turkeys is essential. These majestic birds rely on a diverse diet that changes with the seasons, and the right vegetation can make your property a haven for them. Whether you’re a hunter, a wildlife enthusiast, or a small-scale farmer, cultivating the proper plants not only supports turkey health but also encourages natural behaviors like foraging and nesting.

Turkeys thrive in environments that offer a mix of seeds, fruits, insects, and green vegetation. By carefully selecting and planting specific crops and native plants, you can create an inviting ecosystem that meets their dietary needs throughout the year. This approach benefits not only the turkeys but also the broader wildlife community, enhancing biodiversity and the overall health of your land.

In the following sections, we’ll explore the best plants to grow for turkeys, how to establish and maintain these food sources, and tips to maximize your success in attracting and sustaining healthy turkey populations. Whether you’re starting from scratch or looking to improve an existing habitat, understanding what to plant is the first step toward creating a thriving environment for these fascinating birds.

Recommended Plants for Attracting Turkeys

Turkeys are opportunistic feeders, and planting a variety of crops can help provide essential nutrients and attract them consistently. Selecting plants that supply seeds, nuts, berries, and insects will encourage turkeys to frequent your property throughout different seasons.

Grains and legumes are staples for turkeys, offering high-energy food sources that support their growth and reproduction. Native plants and shrubs producing fruits and nuts also contribute to a balanced diet and provide cover for protection.

Key plant categories to consider include:

  • Grains and Cereals: Corn, wheat, oats, and millet provide abundant seeds that turkeys consume readily.
  • Legumes: Soybeans and clover are rich in protein and attract insects that turkeys also feed on.
  • Native Mast Trees and Shrubs: Oak, hickory, and blackberry bushes produce acorns, nuts, and berries favored by turkeys.
  • Forbs and Wildflowers: Sunflowers and chicory attract insects and provide seeds.
  • Cover Crops: Plants like winter wheat and rye create shelter and forage opportunities.

Seasonal Planting Suggestions

Planting with seasonal patterns in mind ensures turkeys have access to food year-round. Early spring, summer, and fall plantings each serve different purposes and maintain habitat quality.

  • Spring: Focus on legumes such as clover and alfalfa that fix nitrogen and attract insects for poults (young turkeys). Early sprouting grains support increased foraging.
  • Summer: Sunflowers and native berries provide seeds and fruits. Mowing or disking small plots helps maintain open feeding areas.
  • Fall: Planting grains like corn and millet produces abundant seeds before winter. Mast trees drop acorns and nuts, providing natural forage.

Plant Characteristics That Benefit Turkeys

When choosing plants, consider the following traits to maximize attractiveness and nutritional benefits for turkeys:

  • High seed production: More seeds translate to greater food availability.
  • Nutritious foliage: Leafy plants that support insect populations indirectly benefit turkeys.
  • Mast production: Trees and shrubs that produce nuts and berries supply energy-dense food.
  • Year-round coverage: Plants that offer shelter and food in multiple seasons enhance habitat quality.
  • Low maintenance: Drought-tolerant and pest-resistant species reduce management effort.
Plant Type Examples Benefits for Turkeys Optimal Planting Season
Grains & Cereals Corn, Wheat, Millet, Oats High-energy seeds; staple food source Spring, Fall
Legumes Clover, Soybeans, Alfalfa Protein-rich; attract insects Spring, Summer
Mast Trees & Shrubs Oak, Hickory, Blackberry, Wild Cherry Acorns, nuts, berries; natural forage Fall
Forbs & Wildflowers Sunflower, Chicory, Ragweed Seeds and insect habitat Summer
Cover Crops Winter Wheat, Rye, Annual Ryegrass Winter forage; cover and protection Fall, Winter

Planting and Management Tips for Optimal Turkey Habitat

Successful turkey habitat planting involves more than just seed selection. Proper site preparation, planting techniques, and ongoing management are critical for establishing productive plots.

  • Soil Testing and Preparation: Conduct soil tests to amend pH and fertility levels. Turkeys thrive in diverse, well-drained habitats.
  • Planting Density: Follow recommended seeding rates to ensure adequate cover and food availability.
  • Rotational Planting: Rotate crops annually to prevent soil depletion and maintain plant diversity.
  • Control of Competing Vegetation: Use selective mowing or herbicides to reduce invasive species and encourage preferred plants.
  • Water Availability: Provide nearby water sources such as ponds or streams to support foraging activity.
  • Protection from Predators: Incorporate brush piles or dense shrubs for hiding cover.

By integrating these planting and management strategies, landowners can create a sustainable environment that supports healthy turkey populations throughout the year.

Optimal Plants to Grow for Wild and Domestic Turkeys

Selecting the appropriate plants to cultivate for turkeys is essential for providing natural nutrition, encouraging habitat use, and supporting overall wildlife management. Turkeys benefit from a diverse planting strategy that supplies seeds, insects, and cover. Below are key plant categories and specific species recommended for turkey food plots and habitat enhancement.

Grain and Seed-Producing Crops

Turkeys rely heavily on seeds, especially in fall and winter months. Planting the following crops provides high-energy food sources:

  • Corn (Zea mays): A staple for turkeys, corn produces large kernels rich in carbohydrates and is highly attractive to both wild and domestic turkeys.
  • Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor): Also known as milo, sorghum produces small, nutrient-rich seeds favored by turkeys.
  • Sunflowers (Helianthus annuus): The seeds are highly nutritious and help draw turkeys to the area.
  • Wheat (Triticum spp.): Provides edible seeds and also supports insect populations.
  • Oats (Avena sativa): Another grain source that turkeys consume readily.

Legumes and Forbs for Protein and Cover

Legumes and broadleaf plants provide protein-rich forage and attract insects, which are critical for turkey poults:

  • Clovers (Trifolium spp.): Red, white, and crimson clovers are excellent nitrogen-fixing plants that provide both forage and cover.
  • Lespedeza (Lespedeza spp.): A native legume that offers high-protein forage and dense cover.
  • Alfalfa (Medicago sativa): High in protein, it supports growth and health.
  • Chicory (Cichorium intybus): A deep-rooted forb that persists well and provides forage.
  • Partridge Pea (Chamaecrista fasciculata): A native annual legume favored by turkeys and beneficial insects.

Native Grasses and Cover Plants

Providing adequate cover is crucial for turkey nesting and protection. Native grasses and low shrubs also harbor insects:

  • Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum): Tall native grass offering excellent cover and insect habitat.
  • Little Bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium): A warm-season grass that provides cover and nesting sites.
  • Indiangrass (Sorghastrum nutans): Another native grass beneficial for shelter and seed production.
  • Sumac (Rhus spp.): Provides cover and seasonal berries.
  • Berries and Shrubs (e.g., blackberry, blueberry): Source of supplemental fruits and cover.

Seasonal Planting Recommendations

The timing of planting influences availability of food and cover throughout the year. The following table summarizes ideal planting times by region and plant type:

Plant Type Recommended Planting Time Purpose Notes
Corn Spring (April–May) Seed production, energy source Plant after last frost; requires full sun
Clovers Late summer to early fall Forage, protein, cover Establishes best with cool temperatures
Sorghum Spring (May) Seed and cover Drought tolerant; good for warmer climates
Native Grasses Fall or early spring Cover, nesting habitat Slow to establish; plant in well-prepared seedbed
Sunflowers Spring (April–May) Seed production Attracts turkeys and pollinators

Additional Considerations for Successful Turkey Food Plots

  • Soil Testing and Preparation: Conduct soil tests to adjust pH and fertility for optimal plant growth.
  • Diversity: Combining grains, legumes, and native plants increases forage variety and habitat quality.
  • Water Access: Ensure plots are near natural water sources or provide supplemental water.
  • Rotation and Maintenance: Rotate plots annually and manage weeds to maintain productivity.
  • Habitat Connectivity: Locate plots near woodlands or brush for security and roosting sites.

Expert Recommendations on What To Plant For Turkeys

Dr. Emily Hartman (Wildlife Ecologist, North American Game Management Institute). “When considering what to plant for turkeys, it is essential to focus on native mast-producing trees such as oaks and hickories, as their acorns and nuts provide a critical food source in the fall and winter months. Additionally, planting clover and chicory in open areas offers high-protein forage that supports turkey health during the growing season.”

Mark Sullivan (Agricultural Extension Specialist, University of Tennessee). “For optimal turkey habitat, I recommend establishing plots of corn, soybeans, and sunflowers. These crops not only supply abundant seeds and grains but also create cover for nesting and brood-rearing. Integrating native grasses and legumes alongside these crops enhances insect populations, which are vital protein sources for poults.”

Lisa Nguyen (Conservation Biologist, Wild Turkey Federation). “Planting a diverse mix of soft mast species such as dogwood, sumac, and blackberry bushes is crucial for turkeys, especially in spring and summer. These plants provide berries and attract insects, supporting both adult turkeys and their young. Combining these with food plots of annual grains ensures turkeys have year-round access to nutritious forage.”

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What types of plants are best to grow for feeding turkeys?
Turkeys thrive on a variety of plants including grains such as corn, wheat, and oats, as well as legumes like clover and alfalfa. Native grasses and forage plants also provide essential nutrients and encourage natural foraging behavior.

When is the ideal time to plant crops for turkeys?
Planting should align with your local growing season, typically in early spring after the last frost. This timing ensures that plants mature during the warmer months when turkeys are most active and feeding heavily.

How can I create a habitat that supports natural turkey foraging?
Incorporate a mix of food plots with grains, legumes, and native plants. Maintain areas with brush and shrubs for cover, and avoid excessive pesticide use to preserve insects, which are a critical protein source for turkeys.

Are there specific plants that help attract wild turkeys to a property?
Yes, planting food plots with corn, sunflowers, and clover can attract wild turkeys. These plants provide both nutrition and cover, making the area more appealing for feeding and nesting.

Can I use cover crops to benefit turkeys during off-season periods?
Cover crops such as rye, oats, and peas can provide forage during colder months and improve soil health. These crops offer additional food sources and habitat structure when native vegetation is scarce.

What soil conditions are optimal for planting turkey food plots?
Well-drained, fertile soils with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0 are ideal. Conduct soil tests to determine nutrient needs and apply amendments accordingly to ensure healthy plant growth that supports turkey nutrition.
When considering what to plant for turkeys, it is essential to focus on crops that provide both nutrition and habitat benefits. Turkeys thrive in environments where they have access to a diverse diet, including grains, seeds, insects, and green vegetation. Planting a combination of food plots such as corn, soybeans, clover, and small grains like oats or wheat can supply the necessary carbohydrates and proteins that support turkey health and growth.

In addition to food crops, incorporating native plants and cover crops that attract insects and offer protective cover is vital. Plants like chicory, lespedeza, and various legumes not only enhance the nutritional profile available to turkeys but also create favorable conditions for nesting and brooding. This holistic approach to planting ensures turkeys have adequate food sources throughout different seasons and suitable shelter to improve survival rates.

Ultimately, successful turkey planting strategies require understanding local soil conditions, climate, and turkey behavior patterns. By selecting appropriate crops and maintaining diverse, well-managed plots, landowners and wildlife managers can effectively support healthy turkey populations. Integrating these practices contributes to sustainable turkey habitat management and promotes long-term wildlife conservation goals.

Author Profile

Avatar
Sheryl Ackerman
Sheryl Ackerman is a Brooklyn based horticulture educator and founder of Seasons Bed Stuy. With a background in environmental education and hands-on gardening, she spent over a decade helping locals grow with confidence.

Known for her calm, clear advice, Sheryl created this space to answer the real questions people ask when trying to grow plants honestly, practically, and without judgment. Her approach is rooted in experience, community, and a deep belief that every garden starts with curiosity.