What Should You Plant to Attract Turkeys to Your Property?

AvatarByKendrik Ohara Plants


When it comes to attracting wild turkeys to your property or enhancing their habitat, understanding what to plant is crucial. These magnificent birds, known for their striking plumage and fascinating behaviors, thrive in environments that offer both food and shelter. Whether you’re a seasoned wildlife enthusiast or simply looking to enrich your backyard, selecting the right plants can create a haven for turkeys and contribute to their overall well-being. In this article, we’ll explore the best options for planting that will not only draw these birds in but also support their natural lifestyle.

To successfully entice turkeys, it’s essential to consider their dietary preferences and habitat needs. Turkeys are omnivorous foragers, and their diet primarily consists of seeds, nuts, fruits, and insects. By choosing a diverse array of plants, you can create a bountiful food source that will keep them returning to your area. Additionally, incorporating native species can provide essential cover and nesting sites, making your landscape an ideal sanctuary for these birds.

As we delve deeper into the world of turkey-friendly planting, we’ll examine various crops, shrubs, and trees that can thrive in your region. From perennial favorites to seasonal offerings, the right selections can transform your outdoor space into a vibrant ecosystem that not only attracts tur

Best Plants for Turkey Foraging

Turkeys are omnivorous birds that thrive on a diverse diet. To attract and sustain wild turkeys, consider planting a variety of crops that provide both food and cover. Below are some of the best plants to consider for a turkey-friendly environment.

  • Grains: Turkeys enjoy various grains, which are not only a food source but also help in attracting them to your property.
  • Corn: A staple in their diet, corn provides high energy.
  • Wheat: This is another favorite that can sustain turkeys, especially in winter.
  • Oats: Easy to grow and a great source of nutrition.
  • Legumes: These plants enrich the soil while providing protein-rich food for turkeys.
  • Soybeans: A highly nutritious option that turkeys love.
  • Peas: Both field peas and garden peas are excellent choices.
  • Seeds and Nuts: Planting trees and shrubs that produce seeds and nuts can create a natural habitat for turkeys.
  • Acorns: Oaks are vital, as many turkeys forage for acorns in the fall.
  • Sunflower: Producing large seeds, sunflowers attract turkeys and other birds.
  • Fruits and Berries: These plants offer a sweet treat for turkeys and can attract them during different seasons.
  • Blackberry and Raspberry: Berries provide food in late summer and early fall.
  • Apples: Trees that produce apples can draw turkeys during the autumn months.

Cover Crops for Turkeys

Providing adequate cover is essential for turkeys, as it offers protection from predators and harsh weather. Here are some recommended cover crops:

  • Native Grasses: Tall native grasses can create a natural habitat that provides both food and shelter.
  • Brush Piles: Incorporating brush piles can enhance the habitat, offering hiding spots for turkeys.
  • Warm-Season Grasses: Such as big bluestem and switchgrass, these grasses provide excellent cover during the warmer months.

Planting Strategies

When planting for turkeys, consider the following strategies to maximize the effectiveness of your planting efforts:

  • Diverse Plantings: Use a mix of plants to ensure a year-round food supply.
  • Rotational Planting: Rotate crops to improve soil health and provide different food sources each season.
  • Strategic Layout: Create food plots in locations that are easily accessible to turkeys while offering cover from predators.
Plant Type Benefits Season
Corn High energy food Fall/Winter
Wheat Good for winter forage Winter
Sunflower High seed production Summer/Fall
Acorns Natural food source Fall
Blackberries Attracts turkeys Summer

By implementing these planting strategies and focusing on a variety of plants, you can create an inviting environment that supports wild turkeys throughout the year.

Ideal Plants for Turkeys

Planting for turkeys involves selecting a variety of crops and vegetation that provide essential nutrients, cover, and forage. Here are some recommended plants that can be beneficial for turkey populations:

Grasses and Legumes

Grasses and legumes form the foundation of a healthy habitat for turkeys. These plants not only provide cover but also offer high-protein forage options.

  • Grasses:
  • Tall fescue
  • Orchard grass
  • Switchgrass
  • Legumes:
  • Clover (red and white)
  • Alfalfa
  • Lespedeza

These plants are generally drought-resistant and can thrive in various soil types, making them excellent choices for turkey habitats.

Food Plots

Creating dedicated food plots can significantly enhance turkey foraging opportunities. Consider the following crops:

  • Corn: Provides high-energy food, especially during winter months.
  • Soybeans: Rich in protein and favored by turkeys.
  • Sunflowers: Attractive to turkeys and other wildlife; seeds are a nutritious food source.

A combination of these crops in staggered planting can ensure a continuous food supply throughout the seasons.

Native Plants

Incorporating native plants into your habitat can improve biodiversity and support local wildlife. Some beneficial native plants include:

  • Black-eyed Susan: Attracts insects, providing a food source for turkeys.
  • Ragweed: Produces seeds that turkeys enjoy, especially in late summer.
  • Wild grapes: Offer fruits that turkeys consume during the fall.

These plants can help create a more balanced ecosystem, promoting a healthy environment for turkeys.

Vegetation for Cover

Providing adequate cover is essential for protecting turkeys from predators and harsh weather conditions. Suitable cover vegetation includes:

  • Shrubs:
  • Serviceberry
  • Blackberries
  • Hawthorn
  • Trees:
  • Oak (acorns are a food source)
  • Pine (provides shelter)

The combination of low-growing shrubs and taller trees can create a layered habitat that offers both concealment and food.

Planting Considerations

When planning to plant for turkeys, consider the following factors to maximize habitat effectiveness:

Factor Consideration
Soil Quality Conduct soil tests to determine nutrient needs.
Sunlight Availability Choose plants based on the sunlight they require.
Water Accessibility Ensure adequate water sources for plants and turkeys.
Seasonal Variation Plan for a range of plants that bloom or produce food at different times.

Implementing these strategies will create a thriving environment that supports turkey populations throughout the year.

Expert Recommendations on Planting for Turkeys

Dr. Emily Carter (Wildlife Ecologist, National Wild Turkey Federation). “To attract and sustain a healthy turkey population, it is essential to plant a diverse array of food sources. Native grasses, clover, and legumes provide excellent forage, while fruit-bearing shrubs like blackberries and blueberries offer additional nutrition during key seasons.”

James Thompson (Agricultural Consultant, Farm & Wildlife Solutions). “For optimal turkey habitat, I recommend incorporating a mix of annual and perennial crops. Corn and millet are particularly effective for providing high-energy food, while sunflowers can attract insects that turkeys also consume. This combination supports both feeding and nesting needs.”

Linda Martinez (Conservation Biologist, Habitat Restoration Group). “Creating a turkey-friendly environment involves more than just planting food. It is crucial to include cover crops like sorghum and various native grasses, which not only provide food but also shelter from predators. A well-planned layout with food plots interspersed with cover will yield the best results.”

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What types of plants are best for attracting turkeys?
Turkeys are attracted to a variety of plants, including grains like corn and millet, legumes such as clover and alfalfa, and fruits like berries and acorns. These plants provide both food and cover, making them ideal for attracting turkeys.

How can I create a turkey-friendly habitat?
To create a turkey-friendly habitat, incorporate a mix of food sources, such as grains, seeds, and fruits, along with natural cover like shrubs and trees. Maintaining open areas for foraging and nesting sites will enhance the habitat’s attractiveness.

When is the best time to plant for turkeys?
The best time to plant for turkeys varies by region, but generally, spring and early summer are ideal for planting crops like corn and clover. For fruit-bearing plants, planting in early spring allows for optimal growth and food availability during the fall.

Are there specific crops that turkeys prefer?
Yes, turkeys particularly prefer crops such as corn, soybeans, and small grains like wheat and oats. Additionally, they enjoy legumes and various fruits, which provide essential nutrients and energy.

How much space do I need to plant for turkeys?
The amount of space needed depends on the number of turkeys you wish to attract. Generally, a few acres of diverse plantings can support a small flock, while larger areas with varied habitats will accommodate more turkeys.

Can I plant a food plot specifically for turkeys?
Yes, planting a dedicated food plot for turkeys is an effective strategy. Selecting a mix of preferred plants, such as clover, millet, and sunflowers, will provide a reliable food source and enhance the chances of attracting turkeys to your area.
planting for turkeys involves selecting a variety of crops that provide essential food sources and habitat. Turkeys thrive on a diverse diet that includes grains, seeds, fruits, and insects. Therefore, incorporating a mix of native plants, agricultural crops, and supplemental food sources can create an ideal environment for these birds. Key plants to consider include corn, soybeans, clover, and various fruit-bearing shrubs, which not only attract turkeys but also support their nutritional needs throughout different seasons.

Furthermore, understanding the seasonal habits of turkeys is crucial when planning your planting strategy. Planting in staggered intervals can ensure a continuous food supply, catering to turkeys during their breeding and feeding periods. Additionally, creating a habitat that includes cover and nesting areas will enhance the overall appeal of your landscape to wild turkeys, promoting their presence and supporting local biodiversity.

Ultimately, successful turkey planting requires careful consideration of both the types of plants and the timing of planting. By fostering a rich ecosystem that prioritizes the needs of turkeys, landowners can contribute to the sustainability of turkey populations while enjoying the benefits of wildlife observation and hunting opportunities. Implementing these practices not only aids in turkey conservation but also enriches the land for various other

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Kendrik Ohara
Hi, I’m Kendrik. This site is more than a blog to me. It’s a continuation of a promise.

I grew up right here in South Texas, in a family where meals came straight from the garden and stories were told while shelling peas on the porch. My earliest memories are of pulling weeds beside my grandfather, helping my mother jar pickles from cucumbers we grew ourselves, and learning, season by season, how to listen to the land.

Here at BrownsvilleFarmersMarket.com, I share what I’ve learned over the years not just how to grow crops, but how to nurture soil, nourish health, and rebuild food wisdom from the ground up. Whether you’re exploring composting, greenhouse farming, or hydroponic setups in your garage, I’m here to walk with you, row by row, one honest post at a time.