What to Plant to Attract Wild Turkeys?

What to Plant to Attract Turkeys

Turkeys are a popular game bird, and for good reason. They’re delicious, and they’re a lot of fun to hunt. But if you want to attract turkeys to your property, you need to know what to plant.

In this article, we’ll discuss the best plants to attract 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 without using plants.

So if you’re looking to add some turkeys to your hunting grounds, read on!

What To Plant To Attract Turkeys?

| Plant | Benefits | Notes |
|—|—|—|
| Black oil sunflower seeds | High in protein and fat, a favorite food of turkeys | Can be planted in late summer or early fall |
| Millet | Another high-protein food that turkeys love | Can be planted in late summer or early fall |
| Corn | A good source of carbohydrates, turkeys will eat corn in the husk | Can be planted in early spring or late summer |
| Safflower seeds | A good source of protein and oil, safflower seeds are a healthy option for turkeys | Can be planted in early spring or late summer |
| White proso millet | A good source of carbohydrates and protein, white proso millet is a popular choice for turkeys | Can be planted in early spring or late summer |
| Wheat | A good source of carbohydrates, wheat is a nutritious option for turkeys | Can be planted in early spring or late summer |

Types of Plants that Attract Turkeys

Turkeys are omnivorous birds that eat a variety of foods, including plants, insects, and small animals. While they will eat just about anything, there are certain plants that they prefer over others. These plants offer turkeys a variety of nutrients and benefits, making them an important part of their diet.

Shrubs

Shrubs are a great way to attract turkeys to your yard. They provide food, shelter, and nesting sites. Some of the best shrubs for attracting turkeys include:

  • Blackberries
  • Chokeberries
  • Dogwoods
  • Elderberries
  • Grapes
  • Hawthorns
  • Honeysuckles
  • Mulberries
  • Nanking cherries
  • Raspberries
  • Serviceberries
  • Sumac
  • Wild plums

Trees

Trees are another great way to attract turkeys to your yard. They provide food, shelter, and nesting sites. Some of the best trees for attracting turkeys include:

  • Apple trees
  • Black walnut trees
  • Oak trees
  • Pecan trees
  • Pines
  • Sweetgum trees
  • Walnut trees

Perennials

Perennials are plants that live for more than two years. They provide food, shelter, and nesting sites for turkeys. Some of the best perennials for attracting turkeys include:

  • Asters
  • Black-eyed Susans
  • Coneflowers
  • Goldenrods
  • Sunflowers
  • Thistles
  • Violets
  • Wildflowers

Annuals

Annuals are plants that live for only one year. They provide food for turkeys, but they do not offer the same shelter and nesting sites as shrubs, trees, and perennials. Some of the best annuals for attracting turkeys include:

  • Corn
  • Millet
  • Oats
  • Peas
  • Sorghum
  • Wheat

When to Plant for Turkeys

The best time to plant for turkeys depends on the type of plant you are planting. Shrubs, trees, and perennials should be planted in the spring or fall. Annuals can be planted at any time of year.

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

  • The type of plant
  • The climate
  • The soil conditions
  • The amount of sunlight

Once you have considered these factors, you can choose the best plants for your yard and plant them at the appropriate time of year.

Spring

Spring is the best time to plant shrubs, trees, and perennials for turkeys. The weather is warm enough for the plants to establish themselves, and there is plenty of rain to help them grow.

Some of the best plants to plant for turkeys in the spring include:

  • Blackberries
  • Chokeberries
  • Dogwoods
  • Elderberries
  • Grapes
  • Hawthorns
  • Honeysuckles
  • Mulberries
  • Nanking cherries
  • Raspberries
  • Serviceberries
  • Sumac
  • Wild plums

Summer

Summer is not the best time to plant for turkeys. The weather is hot and dry, and the plants may not have enough time to establish themselves before the weather gets cold again.

However, you can still plant some annuals for turkeys in the summer. Some of the best annuals to plant for turkeys in the summer include:

  • Corn
  • Millet
  • Oats
  • Peas
  • Sorghum
  • Wheat

Fall

Fall is a good time to plant annuals for turkeys. The weather is still warm enough for the plants to grow, but the days are getting shorter, so the plants will not have as much time to grow before the weather gets cold.

Some of the best annuals to plant for turkeys in the fall include:

  • Corn
  • Millet
  • Oats
  • Peas
  • Sorghum
  • Wheat

By planting the right plants for turkeys, you can attract them to your yard and provide them with a safe and healthy environment. Turkeys are beautiful birds that are a joy to watch. They are also beneficial to the environment, as they help to control pests and spread seeds. So if you are looking for a way to add some beauty and wildlife to your yard, consider planting some plants that attract turkeys.

What To Plant To Attract Turkeys?

Turkeys are omnivorous birds that eat a variety of foods, including plants, insects, and small animals. While they will eat just about anything, there are certain plants that they prefer over others. If you want to attract turkeys to your property, you should plant a variety of these plants in your yard.

Some of the best plants to attract turkeys include:

  • Grains, such as corn, wheat, and oats
  • Fruits, such as apples, pears, and grapes
  • Nuts, such as acorns, walnuts, and pecans
  • Berries, such as blueberries, blackberries, and raspberries
  • Vegetables, such as tomatoes, cucumbers, and squash
  • Insects, such as grasshoppers, crickets, and caterpillars
  • Small animals, such as mice, moles, and ground squirrels

By planting a variety of these plants, you can create a buffet for turkeys that will keep them coming back for more.

How to Plant for Turkeys

Once you have chosen the plants that you want to attract turkeys to, you need to plant them in a location that will be conducive to their survival. Turkeys are not picky about where they live, but they do prefer areas that have plenty of food, water, and shelter.

When choosing a location for your turkey garden, consider the following factors:

  • Sunlight: Turkeys need plenty of sunlight to grow their crops. Choose a location that gets at least six hours of direct sunlight each day.
  • Soil: Turkeys prefer loose, well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. If your soil is heavy or clayey, you may need to amend it with compost or sand to improve drainage.
  • Water: Turkeys need access to fresh water at all times. Make sure that your garden is located near a water source, such as a pond, stream, or birdbath.
  • Shelter: Turkeys need a place to hide from predators. If you live in an area with a lot of predators, you may want to provide your turkeys with a shelter, such as a brush pile or a covered area.

Once you have chosen a location for your turkey garden, you can begin planting your seeds. When planting, keep the following tips in mind:

  • Plant your seeds in early spring, after the last frost.
  • Plant your seeds at a depth of about 1 inch.
  • Space your plants about 2 feet apart.
  • Water your plants regularly, especially during dry spells.

With a little care and attention, you can easily attract turkeys to your property. Just by planting a variety of their favorite foods, you can create a buffet that will keep them coming back for more.

Caring for Plants that Attract Turkeys

Once you have planted your turkey garden, you need to take care of your plants to ensure that they stay healthy and productive. Here are a few tips for caring for plants that attract turkeys:

  • Water your plants regularly, especially during dry spells.
  • Fertilize your plants according to the package directions.
  • Control pests and diseases.
  • Prune your plants as needed.

By following these tips, you can keep your turkey garden healthy and productive, and you can enjoy watching the turkeys enjoy their buffet.

Pests

Turkeys can be susceptible to a variety of pests, including insects, rodents, and birds. Here are a few tips for controlling pests in your turkey garden:

  • Inspect your plants regularly for signs of pests.
  • Use organic pest control methods, such as neem oil or insecticidal soap.
  • Trap or remove rodents and birds from your property.

By following these tips, you can help to keep your turkey garden free of pests.

Diseases

Turkeys can also be susceptible to a variety of diseases, including avian influenza, coccidiosis, and Marek’s disease. Here are a few tips for preventing diseases in your turkey garden:

  • Purchase your plants from a reputable nursery.
  • Isolate new plants from your existing plants for at least two weeks.
  • Water your plants at the base to avoid splashing water on the leaves.
  • Dispose of dead plants and plant debris properly.

By following these tips, you can help to keep your turkey garden free of diseases.

Pruning

Pruning your

Q: What plants attract turkeys?

A: Turkeys are omnivorous and will eat a variety of plants, including fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds. Some of the best plants to attract turkeys include:

  • Wild grapes
  • Blackberries
  • Raspberries
  • Strawberries
  • Apples
  • Pears
  • Mulberries
  • Grapes
  • Corn
  • Sunflower seeds
  • Millet
  • Wheat
  • Oats

Q: How do I plant for turkeys?

A: When planting for turkeys, it is important to consider their natural habitat and what they would eat in the wild. Turkeys are browsers, which means they prefer to eat from the tips of branches. They also like to eat from the ground, so it is important to plant a variety of plants at different heights.

Here are some tips for planting for turkeys:

  • Plant a variety of trees, shrubs, and vines that produce fruits, berries, nuts, and seeds.
  • Plant some of these plants in open areas where turkeys can see them easily.
  • Plant some of these plants in thickets or brushy areas where turkeys can hide from predators.
  • Mulch around plants to help keep the soil moist and prevent weeds from competing with the plants for water and nutrients.
  • Water plants regularly, especially during dry periods.

Q: How do I attract turkeys to my yard?

A: There are a few things you can do to attract turkeys to your yard:

  • Plant a variety of plants that turkeys like to eat.
  • Provide a water source, such as a birdbath or a pond.
  • Build a brush pile or a thicket of trees and shrubs where turkeys can hide from predators.
  • Hang a suet feeder or a corn feeder in your yard.
  • Scatter some corn or other seeds on the ground.
  • Talk to your neighbors and see if they are also interested in attracting turkeys.

Q: What are some common problems with attracting turkeys?

A: There are a few common problems that people have when trying to attract turkeys:

  • Not planting the right plants. Turkeys are omnivorous and will eat a variety of plants, but they prefer to eat fruits, berries, nuts, and seeds. If you don’t plant any of these plants, turkeys are unlikely to visit your yard.
  • Not providing a water source. Turkeys need water to drink, so it is important to provide a water source, such as a birdbath or a pond.
  • Not providing a place to hide. Turkeys are prey animals and they need a place to hide from predators. If you don’t provide a place for them to hide, they are unlikely to visit your yard.
  • Not being patient. It can take time for turkeys to start visiting your yard. If you don’t see any turkeys right away, don’t give up. Just keep providing the right food and water, and eventually they will come.

Q: What are some benefits of attracting turkeys?

A: There are a few benefits of attracting turkeys to your yard:

  • Turkeys are beautiful birds and they can add a lot of interest to your yard.
  • Turkeys are good for the environment. They help to spread seeds and they eat insects that can damage plants.
  • Turkeys can be a source of food. They can be hunted or raised for meat.
  • Turkeys can be pets. They can be trained to be friendly and they can make good companions.

    there are a variety of plants that you can plant to attract turkeys to your property. By understanding the turkeys’ natural diet and habitat, you can choose the right plants to provide them with food and shelter. Planting these plants will not only help to attract turkeys, but it will also create a more natural and inviting environment for them. So if you’re looking to attract these beautiful birds to your property, be sure to add some of these plants to your landscape.

Here are some key takeaways to remember:

  • Turkeys are omnivorous and will eat a variety of plants, including fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds.
  • They prefer to eat from the ground, so it’s important to plant low-growing plants that they can easily access.
  • Turkeys also need shelter from the elements, so planting trees and shrubs will provide them with a place to hide and roost.
  • By creating a habitat that meets their needs, you can attract turkeys to your property and enjoy their beauty and presence.

Author Profile

Arthur Cook
Arthur Cook
Meet Arthur Cook, the heart and soul behind Plant4Harvest.com. Arthur’s story is deeply rooted in the rich soil of a small American town, where the horizon is wide, and the values of hard work and connection to the land run deep. Born and raised in the quaint town of Elkmont, Alabama, Arthur’s journey in agriculture began in the sprawling fields of his family’s farm, a stone’s throw away from the Tennessee border.

Arthur’s thirst for agricultural knowledge led him to Auburn University, where he majored in Agricultural Science. During his college years, Arthur dedicated his summers to working on local farms, gaining practical experience in modern farming techniques. His academic and real-world experiences combined to give him a unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities in American agriculture.

Arthur Cook is more than just a farmer; he is an advocate for sustainable agriculture and a mentor to the next generation of farmers. Through Plant4Harvest.com, he continues to inspire, educate, and engage with a community of individuals who share his love for the land and commitment to preserving it for future generations.