One of the nice things about being a Master Gardener is that we get to hear top-notch and interesting speakers at our monthly meetings. At the September Master Gardener meeting, our guest speaker, who also happens to be a Master Gardener, talked to us about cover crops.
I have never paid a lot of attention to cover crops because I’m a raised-bed gardener and really didn’t think cover crops applied to me in my small spaces. Well, I’m rethinking after hearing this talk.
This concept has been around as long as people have been farming. In first century Rome, it was known that lupines sown in September didn’t grow well, but their value was that they amended the soil like a good manure. I wonder how they figured this out!!!
In addition to composting, fertilizing, and mulching, cover crops are one more way to build up your soil. The main goal is to improve soil fertility. Cover crops used in this way are also known as Green Manure. Secondary goals are to improve soil quality, prevent erosion and even weed management by providing organic matter.
Nitrogen is generally lacking in soil so certain cover crops such as legume crops can add nitrogen and actually collect nitrogen in nodules on their roots which then goes into the soil. Other cover crops like cereal grains catch surplus nitrogen which is released back into the soil when the crop is tilled under.
Although it’s easier said than done, don’t get overwhelmed by all the choices you can make with cover crops. Just do it. If you really get into the process then you can decided to do a cool season crop, a warm season crop, an inoculant crop, raw or rhizocoated seeds, legume or non-legume, or Endophyte Enhanced crops. Whew!
The guest speaker said she likes to use a mix of vetch and oats which she broadcasts, and bell beans which she plants 6″ apart in rows that are 18″ apart. She orders her mix from Peaceful Valley (GrowOrganic.com). I have to admit that when I first looked at the site I was a bit overwhelmed by all the choices, but after I reminded myself that anything I do can only be an improvement, the clouds parted and I ordered 5 packets of the PVFS Organic Soil Builder Mix – Raw Seed. (Note: if you are a Master Gardener remember to ask for the 10% discount!)
Buckwheat is a warm season cover crop that goes full circle in six weeks. Buckwheat puts sugar in the soil which helps plants absorb calcium. It blooms pretty flowers which attract bees. The general rule is to cut it down when 50% of the plants are blooming. If you wait longer, you’ll lose nitrogen when the plants start developing seeds. This is a good rule of thumbs for legumes as well. Cut down and mulch into your garden bed, then cover with plastic for a few weeks to help with the breakdown. You can plant immediately upon removal of the plastic. I could have planted buckwheat in August, but it’s too late now, so I’ll make a note for next year.
The Western Fertilizer handbook was recommended by the speaker for additional guidance. I’ve already ordered a copy!!!
Here’s a great chart to look over for comparing different kinds of seed and how you would use: Seed Comparison Chart
So, there you have it.
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