For productive deer food plots, selective grass control helps soybeans, clovers, and other forage thrive while reducing competition. The following products are commonly used to manage grasses and unwanted weeds in food plots, supporting healthier, more attractive forage for wildlife. This guide summarizes options, how they work, and key considerations for choosing the right product for your plot size and plant mix.
| Product | Brand | What It Does | Image |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arrest Max Selective Grass Control | Whitetail Institute | Selective grass control designed specifically for food plots; broad range of grasses targeted; safe with perennial forages like clover or alfalfa |  |
| Imperial Clover Seed | Whitetail Institute | Primarily a forage seed for clover; supports antler growth and deer attraction; used in spring or fall planting |  |
| Clover Fuel Food Plot Enhancer | Antler King | Liquid fertilizer designed to boost legume growth (clovers, soybeans, alfalfa); promotes faster, thicker plots |  |
| Turf Builder Weed & Feed3 | Scotts | Kills listed lawn weeds and feeds to thicken turf; useful for mixed lawns and adjacent plots |  |
| 1 gal Ready-to-Use Grass & Weed Killer | Spectracide | Single-gallon ready-to-use weed and grass killer; quick results in hours; convenient for spot treatments |  |
Introduction
Maintaining a productive food plot requires careful weed management. The following selections cover selective grass control, legume-friendly options, and broad-spectrum tools suitable for deer plots. When choosing, consider plot size, target species, planting schedule, and whether you prefer spot treatment or broader coverage. The list below highlights five products commonly used in food plots to manage grasses while preserving desirable forage.
Whitetail Institute Arrest Max Selective Grass Control
Arrest Max is designed for food plots to control a broad range of annual and perennial grasses. It is formulated to be safe for use with Whitetail Institute perennial forages and with clover or alfalfa plantings. This selectivity helps keep forage crops intact while reducing grass competition, a common goal in deer plot management.
Whitetail Imperial Clover Seed for Spring or Fall Planting
Imperial Clover is a forage seed that supports antler growth and deer attraction. While not a herbicide, strategic seeding of clover helps suppress grasses and provide durable forage, particularly when paired with selective grass control products in-season or pre-planting.
Antler King Clover Fuel Food Plot Enhancer
Clovers and other legumes benefit from targeted fertilization. Clover Fuel is designed to enhance legume performance, helping plots grow faster and last longer. It is a useful companion to selective grass control, supporting a robust food plot composition.
Scotts Turf Builder Weed & Feed3
This product blends weed control with lawn feeding. It can help manage weeds around food plots and established turf, supporting a healthier overall landscape. It’s suitable when plots connect to lawn areas or when you need a broad-spectrum option to reduce weed competition.
Scotts Turf Builder Lawn Food
This lawn fertilizer strengthens grass, supporting deep roots and improved water and nutrient uptake. While primarily a lawn product, it can be part of a broader site plan to manage grasses near food plots and maintain healthy turf around plot borders.
Whitetail Imperial Clover Seed (Spring and Fall Planting)
Imperial Clover Seed supports deer nutrition with high protein and energy content. It is resilient in cold and hot weather and tolerates drought. Combined with targeted grass control, it contributes to a balanced, nutritious food plot.
Buying Guide: Grass Control For Food Plots
- Choose selectivity: For plots with clover or alfalfa, use products that selectively target grasses without harming forage crops.
- Plot size and application method: Consider spot treatments for small plots or broadcast options for larger areas. Pre-mix or ready-to-use formulations may suit different schedules.
- Plant compatibility: Some herbicides are labeled for use with clover and alfalfa. Verify compatibility with your seed mix and follow label directions for harvest and grazing intervals.
- Fertilization synergy: Pair grass control with legume-friendly fertilizers to promote vigorous forage and soil health.
- Environmental considerations: Apply during appropriate weather conditions to minimize runoff and maximize effectiveness. Adhere to local regulations and consumer safety guidelines.
- Timing: Align weed control with growth stages of grasses and forage crops to balance suppression and forage establishment.