If you’re thinking about planting a deer orchard, muscadines are the best plant for a deer orchard. Not only are they high in sugar and nutritious for deer, but they’re also extremely easy to grow. With just a little bit of care, you can have a thriving muscadine orchard that will provide you with plenty of fruit for years to come.
Muscadines are a species of grape that is native to the southeastern United States. They are hardy plants that can tolerate hot summers and cold winters. Muscadines typically grow on a vine, and the fruits are small, round, and dark-colored. The skin of a muscadine is thick and leathery, and the flesh is sweet and juicy.
Muscadines come in many different types, each with its own distinct flavor. Scuppernong, Magnolia, Carlos, and Noble are some of the most popular types. You can consume muscadines straight off the vine, turn them into jam or jelly, or use them to make wine.
The Benefits of Planting Muscadines
There are many benefits to planting muscadines. For one, they are very nutritious for deer. Muscadines are high in sugar, vitamins C and E, and flavonoids. Flavonoids are compounds that have antioxidant properties and can help protect cells from damage.
Another benefit of planting muscadines is that they are relatively easy to grow. They are not picky about soil type or pH levels, and they can tolerate both hot summers and cold winters. Muscadines will also tolerate some shade, so they can be planted underneath trees if necessary.
As an added bonus, muscadines are also attractive plants that can add beauty to your landscape. The leaves of a muscadine vine are dark green and glossy, and the fruits are a deep purple color. Muscadine vines can grow up to 40 feet in length, so they will need some sort of support systems such as a trellis or fence.
Tips for Planting Muscadines
- Choose the right variety of muscadine for your climate. Some varieties will do better in warmer climates while others will thrive in cooler areas. Do some research to determine which varietal is best suited for your area.
- Plant muscadines in an area that receives full sun, at least 8 hours per day. Muscadines prefer well-drained soil and can tolerate a wide range of pH levels.
- Space plants 3-4 feet apart when planting them so they have plenty of room to grow and spread out their roots properly. It’s also important to provide some sort of support system such as a trellis or fence for the vines to grow on.
By following these tips, you can have a thriving muscadine orchard that will provide you with plenty of delicious fruits for years to come! Whether you’re looking for something nutritious for deer or just want some tasty fruit to enjoy yourself, muscadines are the perfect addition to any deer orchard.
