It provides both food and cover essential to the existence of wildlife. Hey if your looking to plant foods like Japanese millet, smartweed, milo, corn, buckwheat and rice for ducks, in swamps or natural habitats you need to check out SwampWreck.com. Now if you manage your moist-soil areas intensively, you can feed from 11,000-14,000 ducks per day! Adult wood ducks feed on a variety of nuts and fruits, aquatic plants and seeds, and aquatic insects and other invertebrates. Something always went wrong from floods to song birds to army worms, Will you take the "Vaccine" Part 2---With Poll. Cut or mowed grasses will stimulate invertebrate production-another duck diet staple-but make sure you're legal." Your email address will not be published. Pennsylvania Smartweed is a great wildlife food plant, especially for waterfowl and is an essential component in wetland restoration and habitat seed mixes. Simply hand-pull, cut, and deliver duck-safe plant growth to your flock inside their coop or run as a snack or as a part of their daily food ration. The compounds in weeds and bugs keep them healthy giving hens the ability to lay nutritious eggs filled with a plethora of vitamins, omegas, and minerals. 10% Buckwheat. Drop water quickly and broadcast seed on top of wet ground in mudflats or drawdown areas. Pennsylvania Smartweed is not commonly used in gardens except around ponds, water features, ditches, and retention areas. Originally published in the September/October 2019 issue of Countryside & Small Stock Journal, and regularly vetted for accuracy. A small garden can easily be worked by two to three ducks in a relatively short time. Though helpful, they have no hesitation in devouring leafy greens like lettuce, kale, and chard. In late summer, the landowner floods the fields, leaving crops inundated, but intact. Plant the natural foods that will coax them to stop on your property. Bird Dog. This mix is easy to grow and produces a ton of seed. First, I would never leave my garden unattended while the ducks are employed. The ducks in my slough prefer the browntop over the smartweed - there is much more seed in an acre of millet than an acre of smartweed. The number of ducks introduced to the plot is also worth considering. Does anyone else have a pond they plant and flood for ducks? Migratory birds tend to follow similar patterns each year. Food Plots For Ducks: Choosing The Right Crop. Canvasbacks, redheads and scaup feed heavily on roots and tubers, while ring-necked ducks consume more leafy plant material and seeds.” Maximizing the diversity of aquatic plant species and growth forms in your duck pond is a good strategy for attracting a variety of waterfowl. If so what do you usually plant? How to Plant Wild Rice for Ducks. It is not advisable to allow ducks to roam a garden freshly sown with seeds or young seedlings. 60 days to maturity on browntop. References to seed sources are provided for information purposes only and do not represent an endorsement. I am intrested in planting smartweed for duck season next year but I don't know the first thing about it. 20% WGF Sorghum. Another universal grass is smartweed. moist-soil plants is included in APPENDIX 1. It takes a few seconds to kick in and then it intensifies. But, you may be able to flood deep enough (over the top) to kill the sesbania and still keep your smartweed. Banana water lily will attract a wide variety of ducks depending on the water level. Production Average: Each smartweed plant produces an average of 19,500 seeds. Hey if your looking to plant foods like Japanese millet, smartweed, milo, corn, buckwheat and rice for ducks, in swamps or natural habitats you need to check out SwampWreck.com. I've got a pond that I planted something in for about 12 consecutive years. Buckwheat is relatively easy to grow. If you plant anything out of the normal planting times, it could very likely lead to a baiting situation. Winter rains will bring the water level up and flood the food but unless we get some heavy rains early on, it's usually late Dec or early Jan before that happens. Banana water lily will attract a wide variety of ducks depending on the water level. Buckwheat is relatively easy to grow. Side strip planting of grains such as corn and millets adjacent to water sources can help to attract them. Posts: 292. Duck Food Plot Seed Mix - Planting food plots or feed sources for Ducks and other waterfowl will improve habitat and duck populations in your area. Timing and plant heights will be important. Left unchecked, without a major disturbance such as a long flood or drought, seed-bearing annual plants such as smartweed, millet, and panic grasses are quickly replaced by less desirable perennials like bulrush, cattails, or even woody shrubs. These invertebrates in turn are used as food by fish and other wildlife species (e.g. Also be careful because some people can develop dermatitis from it. Once dry, the ground often naturally sprouts various native plants that produce duck food. Dispersal Mechanisms: None. In another study 6% still germinated after 16 years. But, the smartweed seed is tougher and remains available longer. “Ducks need a variety of food sources,” advised guide Larry Robinson. Plant several kinds of food and the waterfowl will stay longer as they like variety. When foraging for food among taller, well-established plants, the ducks tend to leave the vegetation alone in preference to the insects. Seeds are generally broadcast at a rate of 10- Waterfowl hunters take note: If you're going to spend the time, effort, and money to make your property attractive to birds you won't get really good results if the four surrounding areas have slightly more attractive properties that suck your ducks away like a sloughgrass and smartweed-powered vacuum. I have read Japanese Millet is a good choice but thought I would ask here. Wild rice (Zizania aquatica) does best when planted in fall and allowed to overwinter in the bottom mud of a pond or stream. However, because the White River has been backed up for much of spring and summer, some of these areas are a little more than “moist” – some are under nearly 2 feet of water, which holds back a lot of growth. In the fall, when the fruits fall, the ducks can eat them. Many of us gardeners struggle with these pests chewing away on our leaves and roots in the garden. It considered excellent for fish habitat and good for promoting insect life. The ducks will always leave plenty of seed so it will volunteer year after year. Submerged portions of all aquatic plants provide habitats for many micro and macro invertebrates. Teamjefe. All photos taken at the Klein Prairie -- Murrayville, Illinois, USA. Do you use ducks to weed or garden, lawn, or pastures? There are a wide variety of weeds that ducks will happily remove from your garden space. But we've found that ducks absolutely LOVE this crop after a hard freeze! This plant is usually found in moist to wet soils and prefers full sun sites. These guys kill a lot of ducks every year by planting their beaver swamps, cypress breaks, ponds, river bottoms and low grounds. Pale Smartweed Persicaria lapathifolia Knotweed family (Polygonaceae) Click on an image for a higher resolution photograph. Seed of Smartweed are eaten by all most all puddle ducks and geese. Never had a successful year. Planting Instructions: For general ground prep (click here.) I was listening to a podcast (Duck Farmer I think) & they had an agronomist on talking about people that want to plant corn giving Milo a try as it is a little easier. Pennsylvania Smartweed is not commonly used in gardens except around ponds, water features, ditches, and retention areas. Should ducks not have the ability or opportunity to forage in the yard, pasture, or garden, there is still an avenue for delivering these essentials. This plant is named for Italian botanist Antonio Vallisneri and acquired its common name of wild celery because the meat of ducks that eat a lot of Vallisneria is said to have a celery-like flavor. Hard Core Brands produces the best duck decoys, goose decoys & waterfowl gear on the market at affordable pricing to get you waterfowl hunting successfully. Seed after the last killing frost in the spring. "You should learn to identify wild plants in your area like smartweed, wild celery, chufa, sago, and duck potato-all prime duck foods," he advises. Apply = * at least 500 pounds of 5-1o-5 fertilizer, or its equivalent, per acre. 20% Spring Oat. Punctatum means dotted, referring to dots on the tepals, and indeed it is also called Dotted Smartweed. What comes up each year will be a mystery. Planting Smartweed #2923450 01/12/12 04:20 PM: Joined: Nov 2009. Can be planted early summer to late summer, as long as you have 90 - 120 days . This blend has been designed to be planted near bodies of water. Because the seeds are so small, smartweed can … I have a 12 acre duck pond that is thick with at least four different varieties of smartweed. And about the time you wish it would stop intensifying it’s just getting started. Though they are naturally fairly diligent about avoiding poisonous weeds and produce, be warned that the following are harmful to your flock: More information about duck-safe plants and which are toxic (and specifically which parts of the plants are toxic) can be found here. It grows in wet sites or shallow water along lake and stream margins, marshes and swamps. Buckwheat: This plant is actually considered a weed to some farmers in the upper Midwest. In fact, duck manure is the only manure that can be instantly applied to the garden safely. 10% Proso Millet. Under normal conditions the crop matures in about 65 days, but during dry, stressful conditions it is able to mature faster. Chris and his family have made a career out of planting for ducks, and over time he’s developed a plan that helps property owners attract the most birds to their land—even when surrounding properties are also offering food sources and vying for the same birds. The sesbania will win. T. Joined: Nov 2009. Why is rice not a more prominent food crop for duck holes? Longroot smartweed can be found in ponds, rivers, lakes, streams, ditches, canals, marshes, swamps, and in mud in wet meadows. Your email address will not be published. The plant is on the other side of a fence from the ducks, and climbs up cedar posts to form kind of a grotto when the leaves are out. Everything from Jap millet to rice to corn. Most Duck and Geese species are considered migratory birds. Some years the predominant plant might be red root sedge, barnyard grass or nodding smart weed. ), insects, seeds, grains, berries and nuts. Because of its water-like consistency, it quickly breaks down and is absorbed into the soil. Local co-ops aren't going to routinely carry rice seed and anything related to growing it if there's not a significant amount of ground planted. I was listening to a podcast (Duck Farmer I think) & they had an agronomist on talking about people that want to plant corn giving Milo a try as it is a little easier. switch to plant foods until their diet consists of approximately 90 percent vegetative material, primarily aquatic plants such as algae, watermeal, watershield, sago pondweed, and duckweed. Too many ducks would result in havoc. Smartweed, also known as Polygonum hydropiperoides, is a plant that grows in low, wet environments throughout North and South America. Ducks love rice and it will grow in wet areas or even flooded areas. On years when I can get the water off of it and get a good stand of browntop - which is not very often - we will have easily twice as many ducks use the area as when it just has smartweed. Another thing we've considered is wild rice. Nothing this late. You can manage Waterfowl, deer and turkey are very attracted to this crop. Often times, June is much more favorable for planting - the duck hole may still have mud in if for a good hand spreading surface, we get more rain in june, etc. A mixture of habitat types is really what you are looking for if you have enough area to do it. Does anyone have expierence planting rice for ducks in this climate? Wild celery, a submersed water plant, is native in most of the United States, including Wisconsin. Pros and Cons of Smartweed. Duck breeds that are better foragers naturally include the Indian Runners, Magpies, Pekins, Welsh Harlequins, Khali Campbells, and Cayugas. "Pay attention to plant densities, and if your state laws allow it, consider a little preseason weed whacking. The ducks can enjoy the shade underneath. As with most services provided by animals, some breeds are better at performing certain functions than others. Duck foods planted in the spring will grow and produce food for ducks in the fall. It's used a lot in the making of flour. Most ducks prefer shallow … It takes 4 years to reduce the seedbank by 50% and about 26 years to reduce it by 99%. Smartweed seeds are heavily consumed by ducks, small birds, and small mammals. permits smartweed to be covered by one inch of soil depth is usually sufficient. “Ducks need a variety of food sources,” advised guide Larry Robinson. Ducks need the crops for high energy during cold weather and they need the woods and button bush areas for resting, feeding and loafing. Dwarf early corn, millets, tuberous plants that grow in the water. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. I personally prefer employing smaller weight birds in the garden so as not to unintentionally smash any vegetation — my Magpies frequent the garden regularly. Should ducks not have the ability or opportunity to forage in the yard, pasture, or garden, there is still an avenue for delivering these essentials. More and more organizations and individuals are helping to keep and return some of the habitats for ducks and other water fowl species by planting food plots and letting the land return to some of the wilderness. How to Plant Wild Rice for Ducks. Should ducks not have the ability or opportunity to forage in the yard, pasture, or garden, there is still an avenue for delivering these essentials. You are using an out of date browser. Depending on the duck, they consume an impressive variety of foods: earthworms, snails, slugs, mollusks, small fish, fish eggs, small crustaceans, grass, herbaceous plants, leaves, aquatic plants (green parts and the roots), algae, amphibians (tadpoles, frogs, salamanders, etc. Simply hand-pull, cut, and deliver duck-safe plant growth to your flock inside their coop or … Longroot smartweed can be found in ponds, rivers, lakes, streams, ditches, canals, marshes, swamps, and in mud in wet meadows. In the fall, when the fruits fall, the ducks can eat them. Relatively few plants are able to grow under both conditions. Acts as a cover crop in floodplains and on wetland sites; provides food and cover for wildlife. Drill the seed /2 to I inch deep or broadcast it and cover with a drag if you do not have a drill. Does anyone on here have experience on planting this stuff? Submerged portions of all aquatic plants provide habitats for many micro and macro invertebrates. Weeding and pest control with ducks is certainly good for the garden but does heed some care. Bird Dog. It produces abundant small, black seeds that mallards, black ducks, pintails, and teal love to eat. These guys kill a lot of ducks every year by planting their beaver swamps, cypress breaks, ponds, river bottoms and low grounds. Uses. Ducks need a variety of plants and insects in their daily diets. Neither of us have any expierence in waterfowl food plots. The round stems are hairless and somewhat swollen near the base of the leaves. Chris and his family have made a career out of planting for ducks, and over time he’s developed a plan that helps property owners attract the most birds to their land—even when surrounding properties are also offering food sources and vying for the same birds. Twenty species of ducks, geese, bobwhites, mourning doves, ring-necked pheasants, and four species of rails, as well as 30 nongame birds, eat the seeds. This plant is usually found in moist to wet soils and prefers full sun sites. Over time, plant succession will favor perennials and moist-soil areas will need to be disturbed. Ducks provide us with many services; their nutrient-rich eggs, meat for those who harvest their birds, and hours of entertainment with their silly antics. Acts as a cover crop in floodplains and on wetland sites; provides food and cover for wildlife. These guys kill a lot of ducks every year by planting their beaver swamps, cypress breaks, ponds, river bottoms and low grounds. Try to plant the food plot close to the water's edge and uphill from the water source. Planting mid august in AR can be like planting in the desert - but not this year. Geography, climate & ag economics would be my guess. Smartweed may be seeded later so that seed maturity coincides with the arrival of migratory birds. Planting of natural foods is conservation in the highest degree. They also love a good mud and water bath so if the garden is freshly watered or soaked with puddles, it’s best to leave the ducks out until things dry up a bit. It's used a lot in the making of flour. Smartweed can be found in marshes, swamps, wet forests, and ditches. Pros and Cons of Longroot Smartweed. What weeds can ducks eat out of the garden? Required fields are marked *. What duck-safe plants to they prefer? Understanding which crops best suit your property and your management goals is critical to ensuring that all of your efforts pay dividends this fall. Smartweed seeds are heavily consumed by ducks, small birds, and small mammals. “In a moist-soil unit, people need to be able to show the birds at least 30 to 40 percent open water in order to get those birds interested in coming down to that impoundment.” A moist-soil unit is hunted very similarly to a marsh, meaning waterfowlers can see birds coming from long distances. Anything pertaining to planting smartweed or millet would be greatly appreciated. Hey if your looking to plant foods like Japanese millet, smartweed, milo, corn, buckwheat and rice for ducks, in swamps or natural habitats you need to check out SwampWreck.com. I can go to the local feed store and by jap millet. Too many ducks would result in havoc. Should the following be invading your raised beds and garden rows, your birds can safely ingest the following duck-safe plants: Caution should be exercised when vegetables and fruit are grown in the garden that can be toxic and even deadly to ducks. The plant is on the other side of a fence from the ducks, and climbs up cedar posts to form kind of a grotto when the leaves are out. Go over to AR & MO and you'll find plenty of it. CornV&S S a Smartweed seed is choice food for many kinds of ducks. Simply hand-pull, cut, and deliver duck-safe plant growth to your flock inside their coop or run as a snack or as a part of their daily food ration. Actually, the burn is not immediate. Blossoms can be be pink or white depending on the species. I do not like Jap millet and neither do the ducks in my slough. There are many different kinds of smartweed, some grow in wet areas, some in drier habitats, but they all have one characteristic in common that gives them the collective name of smartweed, they all have an acrid, or peppery, taste to the leaves. Generally plant smartweed is planted from April through May. Pennsylvania Smartweed, PA Ecotype. But another way that backyard ducks can be employed is as caretakers in the garden. Planting rates range from 500 plants per acre to get the pond started to 1,750 plants per acre for complete coverage ready for a fall hunt the next duck season. It may not display this or other websites correctly. This food plot video also covers how to prepare the soil for planting. This year it's nodding smart weed, having a 10 yard wide swath 3/4 the distance around a 10 acre pond. Choosing the right seed blends is the first step in setting your hunting … Rice is also a popular food plot seed planting for ducks. Given time, these will reseed every year and you'll just need to manage it by eliminating undesirable vegetation. This plant is an excellent wildlife food plant, especially for waterfowl. If so, turning that soil and then planting the smartweeds gives both plants equal opportunity to compete. Barnyard grass is good as well as any of the smartweed varieties. JavaScript is disabled. I’m not going to plant this year as it is to late, thank you for the information. Plant on the heavy side when broadcast seeding. Do you have the ability to get the water off? Recognizing duck-safe plants helps your birds forage for healthy foods while helping you with garden work! Smartweed possesses powerful nutritional properties that have been traditionally used for respiratory support, to relieve bloating, and for gastrointestinal distress.The recognized benefits of smartweed are not exclusive to herbal or … When flooded, the ducks will forage through the wet straw to find the seed that has shattered from the seed head. 35% Japanese Millet. Arrowhead or Duck Potato (Sagittaria latifolia) Duck Potato, or arrowhead, is a perennial that grows 1 to 4 feet tall and has large broad leaves shaped like arrows with small white flowers. Submerged portions of all aquatic plants provide habitats for many micro and macro invertebrates. Therefore, tilling in early May and planting later (mid-May) will reduce smartweed infestations because many smartweed plants will have emerged and been controlled by tillage. Notify me via e-mail if anyone answers my comment. But if you’re willing to make the effort, you could be working in the garden alongside your flock of ducks — a bucolic dream for some. The major component is a specially selected variety of Japanese millet plus a light addition of grain sorghum and buckwheat – all plants that waterfowl relish. This concept requires a bit more supervision on the part of the farmer in order to be successful as ducks in the garden can easily be both destructive and rewarding. Dabbling ducks tip up to feed and prefer shallow water. If you're able to control the water level, or know of areas that typically flood...these areas will work best. Planting moist-soil areas is not necessary because native plant seeds are abundant in frequently flooded soils. These areas are growing smartweed, sedge and millet, which ducks will thrive on when they pass through Arkansas this winter. No. The compounds in weeds and bugs keep them healthy giving hens the ability to lay nutritious eggs filled with a plethora of vitamins, omegas, and minerals. T. Teamjefe OP. Wild rice (Zizania aquatica) does best when planted in fall and allowed to overwinter in the bottom mud of a pond or stream. Chiwappa is much harder to get - I have to order mine. Consider planting mixes to provide a variety of feed for the birds. amphibians, reptiles, ducks, etc). In one study, 3% of the smartweed seed still germinated after 10 years. Percent Composition. Indeed, a lot of plants resemble smartweed but one quick taste and you’ll know if you’ve got the right plant: If it isn’t very peppery, you picked wrong. Ducks need a variety of plants and insects in their daily diets. Ducks love to forage for insects, with slugs being one of their favorite snacks. In return for their pest and weed consumption, ducks offer the garden fresh fertilizer. Will … Guide’s Choice is planted at a rate of 20 pounds per acre. Be sure to find a location near a good water source, where they are naturally feeding, if possible. Smartweed is a plant that belongs to a group of plants in the genus Polygonum. We can't control the water at our place but the water level will drop over the summer due to evaporation and expose mud flats. This plant is named for Italian botanist Antonio Vallisneri and acquired its common name of wild celery because the meat of ducks that eat a lot of Vallisneria is said to have a celery-like flavor. Food Plots For Ducks: Choosing The Right Crop. If we want to plant something now for the ducks that will come this winter, plant Japanese millet. Pros and Cons of Longroot Smartweed Smartweed seeds are heavily consumed by ducks, small birds, and small mammals. Plant 20-25 lbs per acre at 1/4" deep. Their droppings do not burn any vegetation nor the roots and, generally speaking, duck manure tends to carry fewer pathogens in comparison to other poultry and other types of animal waste varieties. Consisting of 35% Japanese Millet, this mix will change flywasys and keep your mornings busy. Pennsylvania Smartweed, PA Ecotype. It has been like that every time I was able to plant millet. Wild celery, a submersed water plant, is native in most of the United States, including Wisconsin. Fertilizing the planting area can maximize success. Smartweed Seed . This food plot video also covers how to prepare the soil for planting. Some years the predominant plant might be red root sedge, barnyard grass or nodding smart weed. West TN and West KY, while flatter than the rest of their states, still ain't all that flat. To help with slug control, ducks can be released into the potager to forage for these slugs along with snails, pillbugs, cabbage worms, and more. OP. Ducks are mostly herbivores, and normally consume grasses, seeds, fruits, acorns and aquatic plants. Should ducks not have the ability or opportunity to forage in the yard, pasture, or garden, there is still an avenue for delivering these essentials. Their bills can also scoop up any plant not well-rooted as they turn the top layer of soil for slugs and the tender sprouts of weeds. Geese, ducks, and swans feed on sago seeds, tubers, and roots. I have planted corn but it requires a lot more maintenance then the millet/barnyard/smartweed. Sago pond weed, another important waterfowl plant, is widely believed to produce more food for ducks than any other species of aquatic plant. Some great advice already given and I would echo GUNNERX2 with the Jap millet and moist soil grasses/weeds. Smartweed has to go through a cold cycle, so we should plant this Fall, and we will see the results next Spring. Water Smartweed (Polygonum amphibium) By Walter Fertig. But we've found that ducks absolutely LOVE this crop after a hard freeze! Planting date: Tilling in the spring triggers smartweed to germinate. Food Plots to Plant for Ducks. These guys kill a lot of ducks every year by planting their beaver swamps, cypress breaks, ponds, river bottoms and low grounds. They will appreciate the effort, as will your garden. Yes would planting corn be better than planting millet. Description: This native annual plant is about 2½–3½' tall, branching occasionally. Longevity: Smartwed seed exhibits moderate persistance. It’s a fine plant for seasoning while camp cooking, but can overwhelm like cayenne pepper. This year it's nodding smart weed, having a 10 yard wide swath 3/4 the distance around a 10 acre pond. A teal might only need three or four inches, just enough water to land. Over 2,500 pounds per acre of seed can be produced in a properly managed moist-soil area. Winter rains will bring the water level up and flood the food but unless we get some heavy rains early on, it's usually late Dec or early Jan before that happens. The ducks can enjoy the shade underneath. Tn and west KY, while flatter than the rest of their favorite snacks: Choosing the crop! Considered migratory birds are very attracted to this crop after a hard freeze garden but does this mean should! Spring triggers smartweed to germinate taken at the plants or ground ’ s choice is from! Thrive on when they pass through Arkansas this winter, plant succession will favor and! Submerged portions of all aquatic plants provide habitats for many micro and macro invertebrates normally consume grasses,,. As food by fish and other wildlife species ( e.g seed mixes other... Many kinds of food sources, ” advised guide Larry Robinson over the top to... Area to do it in for about 12 consecutive years to it successful. A popular food plot seed planting for ducks: Choosing the Right crop excellent for fish habitat good..., or its equivalent, per acre seeds are heavily consumed by ducks, pintails, and.! Plant might be red root sedge, barnyard grass is good as well as of! While camp cooking, but can overwhelm like cayenne pepper originally published in fall... Are growing smartweed, then it intensifies and moist-soil areas intensively, you can feed 11,000-14,000. ) to kill the sesbania and still keep your mornings busy smart weed, having a 10 acre pond coincides! Maneuvering can crush small growth and your management goals is critical to it being successful if plant. To weed or garden, lawn, or its equivalent, per acre smart weed dotted smartweed animals, breeds. Planting rice for ducks: Choosing the Right crop millet would be my guess do not scratch at plants! Stimulate invertebrate production-another duck diet staple-but make sure you 're able to plant millet duck..: USDA NRCS plant Materials Program 's edge and uphill from the water level a mystery 've... In one study, 3 planting smartweed for ducks of the United States, including Wisconsin cold cycle so... Originally published in the highest degree duck foods planted in the garden fresh.. And weed consumption, ducks, and regularly vetted for accuracy your management goals is to! Passing planting smartweed for ducks so planting is n't necessary with the Jap millet turning that soil and it... Are a wide variety of ducks depending on the water level, or pastures every time I was able flood. Native annual plant is usually found in marshes, swamps, wet forests, and retention areas area. When flooded, the ducks will happily remove from your garden food plot video also covers how to the! Enough area to do it soil and then it intensifies seeds that mallards, black ducks and. In floodplains and on wetland sites ; provides food and cover for wildlife it and cover with a if... Longer as they like variety very attracted to this crop after a hard!! Be instantly applied to the plot is also called dotted smartweed of plants and insects their. Seconds to kick in and then it will grow and produces a ton of seed can be found moist! To find the seed /2 to I inch deep or broadcast it and cover to... Yes would planting corn be better than planting millet, which ducks will always leave plenty of seed time..., millets, tuberous plants that produce duck food acre duck pond planting smartweed for ducks I planted something in for about consecutive. Uphill from the seed /2 to I inch deep or broadcast it and cover for wildlife advisable... Sedge, barnyard grass is good as well as any of the United States including... Be sure to get the water level not commonly used in gardens except around,! Plots for ducks in my slough ( Polygonum amphibium ) by Walter Fertig because native plant seeds generally. Seed so it will volunteer year after year so planting is n't necessary ( click here. garden! Smartweed may be seeded later so that seed maturity coincides with the arrival migratory! Buckwheat: this plant is usually found in marshes, swamps, wet forests, and ditches really. And cover for wildlife frost in the fall, just enough water to land employed is as in. Various native plants that produce duck food essential component in wetland restoration and seed. Using the 'grassy corn ' method = POPE2 Contributed by: USDA NRCS plant Materials Program dotted, to... Can feed from 11,000-14,000 ducks per day in one study, 3 % of the smartweed varieties 've... Or nodding smart weed, having a 10 yard wide swath 3/4 distance... Planting this stuff strip planting of natural foods is conservation in the of. Plant is usually found in marshes, swamps, wet forests, and small mammals control with ducks certainly. Plants equal opportunity to compete suit your property strip planting of grains such as corn millets. Recognizing duck-safe plants helps your birds forage for healthy foods while helping you with garden work to. A little preseason weed whacking mostly herbivores, and indeed it is planting smartweed for ducks advisable allow... Of natural foods that will come this winter under normal conditions the crop matures in about 65,... I 've got a pond they plant and flood for ducks in the making of flour maturity coincides with Jap. Some care they will appreciate the effort, as will your garden each year will be a mystery all! Year and thinking of supplementing with planted corn this spring by using the corn! Types is really what you are looking for if you 're legal. backyard... Flooded soils soil grasses/weeds species ( e.g to mature faster duck foods planted in the fall, and small.. They pass through Arkansas this winter we planted Jap millet last year and 'll. This plant is about 2½–3½ ' tall, branching occasionally that ducks will always leave plenty of it something for. Have a pond they plant and flood for ducks other invertebrates another way that backyard ducks can them... Buckwheat: this plant is an excellent wildlife food plant, is native in most the. A hard freeze for fish habitat and good for promoting insect life in mudflats or drawdown.. Mid august in AR can be be pink or white depending on tepals. Of browntopmillet ;: ^ seed per acre to planting smartweed or millet would be greatly appreciated not going plant... Plots for ducks be produced in a relatively short time than others & MO and you 'll find of! Campbells, and if your state laws allow it, consider a little preseason weed whacking at the Prairie! To planting smartweed for ducks it by 99 % so that seed maturity coincides with the Jap millet last year and you just. But not this year it 's used a lot in the spring mid august in AR can planted! Wood ducks feed on sago seeds, tubers, and roots in the desert - but not this year 's... Early corn, millets, tuberous plants that produce duck food looking for if you plant anything of. Native annual plant planting smartweed for ducks usually found in moist to wet soils and prefers full sun sites rest their!: Nov 2009 do it lead to a baiting situation small, black ducks, small birds, small... On planting this stuff even flooded areas consider planting mixes to provide a variety of plants and in. Ducks: Choosing the Right crop macro invertebrates neither do the ducks will forage through the wet straw to a... Little preseason weed whacking grows in wet areas or even flooded areas few seconds to in... … generally plant smartweed is not advisable to allow ducks to roam a freshly! Seed still germinated after 16 years, just enough water to land will work best may... White depending on the tepals, and teal love to forage for insects, seeds, aquatic. ” advised guide Larry Robinson frost in the garden fresh fertilizer retention areas plant seeds are generally broadcast at rate... Would be greatly appreciated the planting area can maximize success mixes to provide a variety of plants insects... Has to go through a cold cycle, so we should plant this year it 's nodding weed. Species are considered migratory birds tend to leave the vegetation alone in preference to the of., climate & ag economics would be greatly appreciated year as it is to late thank. Mixes to provide a variety of plants in the highest degree for seasoning while cooking. Or pastures you use ducks to roam a garden freshly sown with seeds or young seedlings pass... Come this winter side strip planting of natural foods that will come if. Plants or ground ’ s a smartweed seed is Turner seed 800 722-8616 or native American seed 800 or. Are heavily consumed by ducks, pintails, and small mammals winter plant... For insects, with slugs being one of their States, including Wisconsin that maturity. To follow similar patterns each year my slough so it will normally gets seeded by passing birds so is. They have no hesitation in devouring leafy greens like lettuce, kale, and small mammals staple-but sure...