Whitetail Institute Alfa-Rack vs. Winter-Greens [Review]

Whitetail Institute Alfa-Rack Plus is suitable for sites with varying slopes and soil styles like hillsides, hilltops, and moderate to well-drained soils. Meanwhile, Whitetail Institute Winter-Greens is an annual seed plot with attractive superb quality lettuce-type brassicas perfect for planting in the fall.

Both deer food plots have a few similarities, considering that they have different main forage components, planting seasons, and soil types. Moreover, the Winter-Greens is an annual seed blend, whereas Alfa-Rack Plus is perennial.

Nevertheless, it is always best to understand what each Whitetail Institute deer food plot offers to arrive at a better decision. That’s why we did a review to aid you in your decision, which you can read in detail below.

A. Whitetail Institute Alfa-Rack – Features and Specs

If you are looking for a perennial seed plot, consider selecting Whitetail Institute Alfa-Rack Plus instead of Winter-Greens. Although it has many standard features with other forage blends available in other Whitetail Institute products, Alfa-Rack Plus is unique in different ways.

Whitetail Institute designed Alfa-Rack Plus for customers who plan to plant a perennial deer food plot in the following areas: hilltops, hillsides, lighter upland soils, and in moderate to well-drained soils. The product has an extensive deep-root structure that aids the plants to thrive in such locations, which Winter-Greens does not offer.

Furthermore, Alfa-Rack Plus has grazing alfalfas with as high as 35% protein levels and grow more leaf relative to stem, making them intensely preferred by deer compared to ordinary alfalfas.

On the other hand, it has a blend of multiple forages, which results in a thick, lush stand with no gaps in coverage. Therefore, you can expect the Imperial Whitetail Clover forage fills the locations that hold more moisture and helps maximize the use of the food plot site occupying the valleys or flat areas.

Meanwhile, the WINA 100 Perennial Forage Chicory and alfalfas dominate the slope sites of your food plot.

It has Rainbond Seed Coating, which is high-tech and protects the seedlings from dying due to lack of water and attracts pollinators as a unique feature. Furthermore, the Alfa-Rack Plus is available in the following sizes and coverage:

• 3.75 lbs. (0.25 acres)
• 16.5 lbs. (1.25 acres)
• 33 lbs. (2.5 acres/2 16.5 lb bags)

B. Whitetail Institute Winter-Greens – Annual seed plot attractive brassicas

Compared to Alfa-Rack Plus, Winter-Greens only have one forage component: the lettuce-type brassicas. However, it is not your ordinary brassica because it has proven to attract deer, making them extensively irresistible to eat.

It also thrives during the coldest months, and it can be noticeable that the brassicas still stand tall and green even after heavy grazing and under snow. After the hard frost of fall, the Winter-Greens are at their sweetest. Therefore, they are perfect for late-season food plots and hunting.

Aside from the product’s main forage component, it also has the additional quantity of Whitetail Institute’s Tall Tine Turnip, which aids in attracting and holding deer throughout the winter. You can find Whitetail Institute Winter-Greens in three sizes and coverage:

• 3 lbs. (0.5 acres)
• 12 lbs. (2 acres)
• 24 lbs. (4 acres/2-12 lb bags)

Whitetail Institute Alfa-Rack vs. Winter-Greens Planting Dates

The planting dates on each Whitetail Institute product may differ per area. You can refer to the table below for the exact date you can start planting your deer food plot:

Remember to avoid planting when it’s hot and dry. Always stick to the suggested planting dates listed above or on the back of your bought food plot bag.

Is Whitetail Institute Alfa-Rack better than Winter-Greens?

Comparing Alfa-Rack Plus and Winter-Greens can be challenging because they offer differing features. However, regarding Amazon rating, Winter-Greens has a higher rate than Alfa-Rack Plus. Nonetheless, Alfa-Rack is better than Winter-Greens if you are planting in a non-flat area and can last up to five years.

Although both Alfa-Rack Plus and Winter-Greens are Whitetail Institute products, there are apparent distinguishing features that separate them from one another that will help you reach a quicker decision.

Therefore, it would be advisable to check these factors for better comparison and contrast between two Whitetail Institute products:

1. Food plot location

Regarding food plot locations, both products are quite the opposite of each other. For those with food plots situated in unfavorable areas like hilltops or hillsides, planting Alfa-Rack Plus will give you an advantage.

Alfa-Rack Plus has more advanced features and diversified forage components that allow you to maximize your food plot area in a sloping site and flat surface, making it a better deer food plot product than Winter-Greens. Moreover, the latter’s design isn’t specifically for those planting in hilltop or hillside food plots.

2. Desirability

Alfa-Rack Plus and Winter-Greens are at par regarding their desirability factor to deer. For instance, included in Alfa-Rack Plus is the brand’s number one forage component, which is the Whitetail Institute Imperial Clover.

In addition, it has proven irresistible to deer and continuously improves over the years.

On the other hand, Whitetail Insitute Winter-Greens also have tasty brassicas that attract deer even during the coldest season.

3. Seed type and growth

Both products have opposing blooming periods and seed plots. Alfa-Rack Plus is perennial, lasting up to five years from a single planting. Contradictorily, Winter-Greens is an annual seed plot. The latter’s planting season is in the fall. Meanwhile, you can plant Alfa-Rack Plus in either spring or fall.

Regarding forage components, Whitetail Institute Winter-Greens has only two forage components compared to Alfa-Rack Plus, which has three: Imperial Clover, X-9 Technology Grazing Alfalfas, and WINA-100 Chicory.

Despite their differences, both products grow fast, which is apparent with Whitetail Institute food plots.

4. Soil condition

For Alfa-Rack Plus and Winter-Greens, you must select a location with moderate to well-drained soil that receives at least four hours of indirect or filtered sunlight daily. Also, both products have similar soil pH requirements of 6.5 and up.

Remember to avoid areas holding excessive moisture when planting Whitetail Institute products so the seeds can grow effectively.

5. Protein content

Even though both boast high protein content, Whitetail Institute Winter-Greens surpassed Alfa-Rack Plus in this factor. Compared to Alfa-Rack Plus, which provides 35% protein content to deer, Winter-Greens offers 36% protein content which makes a difference even with just a 1% advantage.

6. Crop tolerance

Whitetail Institute Winter-Greens and Alfa-Rack Plus are heat, drought, cold, and disease-resistant. Moreover, both can handle heavy grazing from deer, unlike standard crops. For example, Winter-Greens stands tall and green, even covered with heavy snow.

Meanwhile, Alfa-Rack Plus can withstand areas receiving at least 30 inches of rainfall annually. Also, the product has an extensive deep-root structure that enables the plants to thrive and reach deep into the soil for moisture.

7. Digestibility and palatability

Alfa-Rack Plus and Winter-Greens are palatable and easy to digest to deer, making them an irresistible food plot. Deer frequently visited these food plots due to their delicate forages.

Thus, it all comes down to what type of seed, area, and season you want to plant your food plot. Choose the one that can cater to your specific needs if you have one.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Is Alfalfa a good food plot for deer?

Alfalfa can be a good food plot for deer because it provides the necessary nutrients and is highly palatable, attracting deer to your area. Nevertheless, the success of making the deer visit your site often depends on the quality of your alfalfa food plot.

Although Alfalfa is palatable to deer, the frequency of deer visiting your food plot can still vary significantly on its quality. For instance, if you compare standard hay alfalfas to Whitetail Institute’s alfalfa forage, you may notice that the latter’s quality makes it a more captivating food plot than the former.

Aside from quality, it is advisable to do a soil test before planting alfalfas by adding lime and fertilizer as recommended for better results.

Do winter greens need to be watered?

Winter-Greens, in general, don’t need water during winter even if they end up getting covered by snow. However, when they grow more actively, you would need to water them during fall and spring.

Specific plots can thrive in winter, while some don’t. Winter-Greens can easily thrive during the coldest months, making them a sought-after food plot for deers as they look for something to eat and keep their bodies healthy throughout the winter.

Also, Winter-Greens generally grow slowly during the coldest months compared to fall and spring. Therefore, watering them during such seasons would be best since they will likely establish fast even if temperatures are cool.