What to Plant for Turkeys: A Guide to Providing Nutritional and Tasty Foods for Your Flock

What to Plant for Turkeys

Turkeys are a popular game bird, and for good reason. They’re delicious, they’re beautiful, and they’re relatively easy to raise. But if you’re going to raise turkeys, you need to make sure they have plenty of food to eat. That means planting the right kind of crops in your backyard.

In this article, we’ll discuss the best plants to grow for turkeys, as well as how to plant them and care for them. We’ll also provide some tips on how to attract turkeys to your property. So whether you’re a seasoned turkey farmer or you’re just getting started, read on for all the information you need to know!

Plant	Benefits	Notes
Corn	Provides a source of energy and protein.	Turkeys will eat corn kernels, leaves, and stalks.
Grains	Provides a source of energy and carbohydrates.	Turkeys will eat grains such as wheat, oats, and barley.
Legumes	Provides a source of protein and fiber.	Turkeys will eat legumes such as peas, beans, and lentils.
Vegetables	Provides a source of vitamins, minerals, and fiber.	Turkeys will eat vegetables such as carrots, broccoli, and spinach.
Fruits	Provides a source of vitamins, minerals, and fiber.	Turkeys will eat fruits such as apples, pears, and grapes.

Turkeys are omnivorous birds that eat a variety of plants and animals. In the wild, they forage for food in forests, fields, and meadows. They eat a variety of grasses, forbs, shrubs, and trees. When turkeys are raised on a farm, it is important to provide them with a variety of plants to eat in order to maintain their health.

Types of Plants to Plant for Turkeys

There are many different types of plants that turkeys can eat. Some of the most common types of plants that turkeys eat include:

• Grasses: Turkeys love to eat grasses, such as oats, wheat, barley, and rye. Grasses are a good source of energy for turkeys, and they also help to keep their digestive tracts healthy.
• Forbs: Forbs are non-woody plants that turkeys also enjoy eating. Some common forbs that turkeys eat include clover, dandelions, and plantains. Forbs are a good source of vitamins and minerals for turkeys.
• Shrubs: Turkeys will eat the leaves, fruits, and seeds of shrubs. Some common shrubs that turkeys eat include sumac, dogwood, and elderberry. Shrubs are a good source of nutrients for turkeys, and they also provide shelter from the sun and rain.
• Trees: Turkeys will eat the leaves, fruits, and nuts of trees. Some common trees that turkeys eat include oak, hickory, and beech. Trees are a good source of nutrients for turkeys, and they also provide shelter from the wind and predators.

When to Plant for Turkeys

The best time to plant for turkeys depends on the climate in your area. In general, you should plant grasses and forbs in the spring, shrubs in the fall, and trees in the winter.

• Spring: In the spring, you should plant grasses and forbs. Grasses and forbs are the most important food sources for turkeys in the spring, as they provide them with the energy they need to breed and raise their young.
• Summer: In the summer, you should continue to plant grasses and forbs. You should also plant some shrubs, as turkeys will start to eat more shrubs as the weather gets warmer.
• Fall: In the fall, you should plant shrubs and trees. Shrubs and trees are important food sources for turkeys in the fall, as they provide them with the nutrients they need to prepare for winter.
• Winter: In the winter, you should continue to plant trees. Trees are the most important food source for turkeys in the winter, as they provide them with the food they need to survive the cold weather.

By planting a variety of plants for turkeys, you can help to ensure that they have a healthy and nutritious diet. By providing turkeys with the right foods, you can help them to thrive and reproduce.

What to Plant for Turkeys?

Turkeys are omnivores and will eat a variety of plants, including fruits, vegetables, and grains. However, there are some plants that are better for turkeys than others. Here is a list of some of the best plants to grow for turkeys:

• Fruits: Apples, pears, grapes, peaches, plums, cherries, raspberries, blackberries, strawberries
• Vegetables: Corn, tomatoes, squash, cucumbers, carrots, lettuce, cabbage, broccoli, peas, beans
• Grains: Corn, wheat, oats, barley, rye
• Other plants: Sunflower seeds, safflower seeds, nuts, berries, clover, alfalfa

When choosing plants for turkeys, it is important to consider the following factors:

• The size of the turkey flock.
• The climate in which you live.
• The amount of space you have available.

If you have a small flock of turkeys, you can grow plants in a garden or in containers. If you have a large flock of turkeys, you may need to plant trees or shrubs to provide them with shade and shelter.

It is also important to make sure that the plants you choose are safe for turkeys to eat. Some plants, such as avocado pits and tomato leaves, can be toxic to turkeys.

How to Plant for Turkeys

There are three main ways to plant for turkeys:

• Direct seeding: This is the easiest method, but it is only possible for plants that can be directly sown into the ground.
• Transplanting: This method is more time-consuming, but it allows you to control the spacing of the plants and gives them a head start on growth.
• Container gardening: This method is ideal for people who live in small spaces or who do not have access to a garden.

Here are the steps involved in each method of planting:

Direct seeding

1. Choose a sunny spot in your yard that is free of weeds and other debris.
2. Till the soil to a depth of 6 inches.
3. Sow the seeds according to the package directions.
4. Cover the seeds with a thin layer of soil.
5. Water the seeds well.

Transplanting

1. Start the seeds indoors 4-6 weeks before the last frost date.
2. Transplant the seedlings into the garden after the last frost date.
3. Space the seedlings according to the package directions.
4. Water the seedlings well.

Container gardening

1. Choose a container that is large enough for the plants to grow.
2. Fill the container with potting soil.
3. Plant the seeds or seedlings according to the package directions.
4. Water the plants well.

Caring for Plants for Turkeys

Once you have planted your plants, it is important to care for them properly to ensure that they produce a good crop. Here are some tips for caring for plants for turkeys:

• Water the plants regularly, especially during dry spells.
• Weed the plants regularly to keep them free of competition.
• Fertilize the plants according to the package directions.
• Protect the plants from pests and diseases.

By following these tips, you can help your turkeys to enjoy a healthy and nutritious diet of fresh fruits, vegetables, and grains.

Planting for turkeys is a great way to provide them with a healthy and nutritious diet. By following the tips in this article, you can help your turkeys to thrive and enjoy a long and healthy life.

What To Plant For Turkeys?

• What are the best plants to grow for turkeys?

Turkeys are omnivores and will eat a variety of plants, including fruits, vegetables, grains, and insects. Some of the best plants to grow for turkeys include:

• Corn
• Millet
• Sorghum
• Wheat
• Oats
• Barley
• Clover
• Alfalfa
• Buckwheat
• Sunflowers
• Pumpkins
• Melons
• Grapes
• Blackberries
• Raspberries
• Strawberries

• How much should I plant per turkey?

The amount of plants you need to plant per turkey will depend on the size of your flock and the number of turkeys you have. A good rule of thumb is to plant at least 100 square feet of plants per turkey. However, if you have a large flock or if you want to provide your turkeys with a variety of foods, you may need to plant more plants.

• When should I plant for turkeys?

The best time to plant for turkeys is in the spring, just before the weather starts to warm up. This will give your plants time to grow and mature before the turkeys start to eat them. However, you can also plant some crops in the fall, such as pumpkins and winter squash.

• How do I care for the plants?

The most important thing you can do to care for your plants is to make sure they get enough water. Turkeys are heavy feeders and can quickly deplete the soil of nutrients. You will need to fertilize your plants regularly to keep them healthy and productive. You may also need to control weeds and pests.

• What are the benefits of growing plants for turkeys?

There are many benefits to growing plants for turkeys, including:

• Providing your turkeys with a healthy and nutritious diet
• Reducing the amount of money you spend on feed
• Improving the quality of your turkeys’ meat and eggs
• Attracting other wildlife to your property
• Creating a beautiful landscape

• How can I prevent my turkeys from eating all of the plants?

There are a few things you can do to prevent your turkeys from eating all of the plants, including:

• Plant a variety of plants so that there is something for everyone to eat
• Fence in your garden or plant your crops in raised beds
• Use deterrents, such as chicken wire or cayenne pepper, to keep your turkeys away from your plants
• Harvest your crops regularly so that your turkeys don’t have a chance to eat them all

• What are some other tips for growing plants for turkeys?

Here are a few other tips for growing plants for turkeys:

• Start with healthy seedlings or plants.
• Water your plants regularly, especially during dry spells.
• Fertilize your plants regularly to keep them healthy and productive.
• Control weeds and pests to prevent them from damaging your plants.
• Harvest your crops regularly so that your turkeys don’t have a chance to eat them all.

By following these tips, you can help your turkeys thrive and enjoy a healthy and nutritious diet.

there are many different types of plants that you can grow to attract turkeys to your yard. By providing them with a variety of food options, you can help to ensure that they have a healthy and sustainable diet. Additionally, by creating a space that is inviting and comfortable for turkeys, you can help to boost their population in your area. By following the tips in this article, you can help to create a backyard oasis that is perfect for turkeys and humans alike.