In any well-managed sustainable garden or farm, cover cropping is a seasonal activity. Cover crop seeds are simple to plant. They are vital in creating soil structure and adding nutrients and organic matter to soils. Cover crops are also very useful for weed suppression. Cover crops can be planted directly, with only a small amount of soil covering the seeds.
So why should you grow cover crops? Listed below are 8 reasons for why you should plant cover crops:
- To keep bare soil from being washed away or blown away by the wind.
- To keep nutrients from being washed out of your soil and to add even more when using our nitrogen fixers.
- To loosen the soil to a depth beyond what you can or wish to dig.
- To improve soil structure, drainage, and aeration while increasing organic matter.
- To keep weeds at bay.
- To help beneficial insects and microorganisms overwinter.
- To increase yields and break pest and disease cycles.
- To grow your own mulch and compost material.
To harvest, till in or trim cover crops before the seed heads mature. Allow 2-4 weeks for the whole plants to decompose if you till them in whole, since raw biomass binds up soil nutrients, which is bad for newly planted seedlings.
The major benefit of cover crops is that it helps to prepare your soil for future vegetable planting. Allowing your cover crops to grow to seed so you may harvest the grain is a great idea, but keep in mind that their root mass can be large and tough to turn over.
The Crimson Clover is an excellent choice for those who are new to cover crops. From planting to tilling under, crimson clover is exceptionally easy to work with. It builds soil health and adds nitrogen to the soil, and is great for attracting bees.
Buckwheat is the best choice for urban gardeners who have limited growing space, such as raised beds or space on a terrace. Once it is dug under, it breaks down fast, and while it's above ground, it also feeds bees and other pollinators.