Corn Food Plot Guide
Standing grain that provides late-season food and cover, keeping deer on your property through winter.
Seed Rate
25
lbs/acre
Fertilizer
350
lbs/acre (13-13-13)
Depth
1
Products
4
available
Overview
Corn is the ultimate holding crop for whitetail properties. A plot of standing corn provides both food (high-energy grain) and cover (thermal shelter), which is an unbeatable combination for keeping deer on your land through the lean winter months. Unlike soybeans, deer generally leave corn alone during the growing season — they'll browse the silks briefly in summer but don't heavily impact the crop until ears mature. This makes corn more reliable than soybeans for producing a harvestable crop even on smaller plots. Food plot corn varieties are typically shorter-stature (to resist wind lodging) and produce ears at heights deer can easily reach. Corn is heavy on inputs — it needs significant fertilizer, good soil, and adequate rainfall — but the payoff is a winter food source that deer, turkeys, and other game rely on.
New to food plots? Read our beginner's guide for step-by-step planting instructions, or use the Corn seed calculator to plan your plot.
Why Deer Love Corn
Corn provides pure energy — the high-carbohydrate kernels help deer build fat reserves for winter survival. A standing corn plot in December and January becomes the primary feeding site on a property, often drawing deer from surrounding land. The standing stalks also provide wind shelter and thermal cover that deer use during harsh weather, meaning they bed near the food source. Turkeys, doves, and other game species also use corn plots heavily, adding hunting versatility to your property.
Soil & Growing Conditions
Best Soil Types
Corn demands fertile, well-drained soil. Deep loam or silt-loam is ideal. Will not perform well in thin, sandy, or poorly drained soil.
Soil pH Range
6.0–6.8 (ideal 6.5). Corn is a heavy feeder and benefits from optimal pH.
Planting Depth
1.5 to 2 inches. Corn seed needs adequate soil coverage for proper root development.
Check our planting calendar for the best planting window in your state.
Planting Tips
- 1
Plant when soil temperature reaches 55-60°F at 2-inch depth. Corn planted in cold soil will be stunted permanently.
- 2
Apply 350 lbs/acre of 13-13-13 at planting, plus 100 lbs/acre of urea (46-0-0) side-dressed at 6-8 inches tall.
- 3
Use short-stature food plot corn varieties — they resist wind lodging and keep ears at deer-browsing height.
- 4
Corn does best when planted in rows with a planter. Broadcast planting wastes seed and produces a poor stand.
- 5
Leave the corn standing — do NOT harvest it. The whole point is to provide a winter food and cover source for wildlife.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Underestimating fertility needs — corn is the heaviest feeder of any food plot crop. Skimp on fertilizer and you'll get nubbins, not ears.
Planting on poor ground — if you wouldn't grow a decent garden on the site, don't waste corn seed on it.
Using tall farm corn varieties that blow over in the first November windstorm, making ears inaccessible.
Planting too small — a half-acre corn plot provides very little benefit. Go at least 1-2 acres for meaningful impact.
Recommended Corn Seed Products
Deer Creek Seed
Delectable Bi-Color Sweet Corn (Treated)
Delectable R/M has large well-filled ears and dark green husk. It has a wide range of adaptability and versatility in several markets. It is pleasing to the consumer for its good texture and taste. Delectable R/M has also been given an added boost with a stronger disease package, making a favorite more favorable. This seed is treated.
Find Best Price ↗BioLogic
BioLogic Wildlife Sweet Corn Food Plot Seed 15lbs
BioLogic's Wildlife Sweet Corn is a blend of four heirloom varieties that have over a century of proven reliability. Higher sugar content than new hybrids, non-GMO and not glyphosate resistant. Supports Wild Turkey, Upland Birds, Waterfowl, and Deer.
Find Best Price ↗Deer Creek Seed
Incredible Yellow Sweet Corn (Treated)
Incredible RM is an improved, gourmet homozygous sweet corn. Incredible's wide adaptability has made it the most popular homozygous sugary enhancer in the world, and this dependable variety has been improved by boosting its immunity to Common Rust (HR-Rp1D, GI5) and Maize Dwarf Mosaic in Incredible RM. This seed is treated.
Find Best Price ↗Deer Creek Seed
Bodacious Yellow Sweet Corn (Treated)
Bodacious Sweet Corn takes one of its most popular varieties and kicks it up a notch with a stronger disease package. Bodacious R/M is the same homozygous sugary enhancer, now even more dependable. This seed is treated. Disease Ratings: High/Standard Resistance to Common Rust (RpGI5) and Maize Dwarf Mosaic. Intermediate/Moderate Resistance to Stewart's Wilt and Northern Corn Leaf Blight.
Find Best Price ↗Best Paired With
These crops complement corn in a food plot rotation or mix:
Frequently Asked Questions
What soil type is best for corn food plots?▾
Corn demands fertile, well-drained soil. Deep loam or silt-loam is ideal. Will not perform well in thin, sandy, or poorly drained soil. Ideal soil pH: 6.0–6.8 (ideal 6.5). Corn is a heavy feeder and benefits from optimal pH..
How deep should you plant corn seed?▾
1.5 to 2 inches. Corn seed needs adequate soil coverage for proper root development.
How much corn seed do you need per acre?▾
The recommended seeding rate for corn is 25 lbs per acre. Apply 350 lbs/acre of 13-13-13 fertilizer.
Why do deer like corn?▾
Corn provides pure energy — the high-carbohydrate kernels help deer build fat reserves for winter survival. A standing corn plot in December and January becomes the primary feeding site on a property, often drawing deer from surrounding land. The standing stalks also provide wind shelter and thermal cover that deer use during harsh weather, meaning they bed near the food source. Turkeys, doves, and other game species also use corn plots heavily, adding hunting versatility to your property.
What are common mistakes when planting corn food plots?▾
Underestimating fertility needs — corn is the heaviest feeder of any food plot crop. Skimp on fertilizer and you'll get nubbins, not ears. Planting on poor ground — if you wouldn't grow a decent garden on the site, don't waste corn seed on it. Using tall farm corn varieties that blow over in the first November windstorm, making ears inaccessible. Planting too small — a half-acre corn plot provides very little benefit. Go at least 1-2 acres for meaningful impact.
What crops grow well with corn in a food plot?▾
Corn pairs well with soybeans in a food plot rotation or mix.
Map Your Corn Plot
Draw your food plot on satellite imagery, get seed recommendations, and plan your planting.
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Get exact corn seed quantities, bag counts, and cost estimates for your plot size.
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