Cover Crops

Cover crops are any crop grown to cover your garden or field during its “rest period,” mainly through the fall and winter months. Some refer to the practice of cover crops as “regenerative agriculture.” Regenerative agriculture improves soil health by practicing crop rotation, reducing tilling, and incorporating organic practices. How can you incorporate cover crops into your garden? What does your soil need?

#1 If you have soil compaction, plant crops that have deep, thick root systems like cereal rye, radish, and turnips.

#2 If you need green manure to replenish nutrients, plant crops that release nutrients and organic matter into the soil, plant clover, beans, oats, winter wheat, and more.

These cover crops control soil erosion, suppress weeds, reduce soil compaction, and increase moisture and nutrients. They also provide moisture and nutrients in the soil and provide a habitat for beneficial insects. Get your garden/land ready for the spring plants!