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Marcy NicholHi, We are interested in planting cover crops to help replenish nutrients in soil. Does anyone have recommendations about what to plant and when? And/or any other feedback about value/effectiveness?
Thank you.
Gerard van SteynCover crops, and “weeds” in general are all beneficial for improving soil health, feeding the soil microbiome, that is crucial for healthy plants and vines and adding organic matter and potentially nitrogen as well. Weed killers, on the other hand, destroy soil health and the soil microbiome. (couldn’t stop from adding that) Cover crops do involve a bit more work, since they need to periodically be mowed or trimmed.
LeBallisters sells many different cover crop seeds. This mix, which is also available in an organic version for only a few dollars more, works well in our area and should reseed itself annually.
The best time to seed a cover crop is just before the very first soaking rain of the season. If seeds are put out too early before the rains, the birds will thank you, as they will eat most of them. If it has already rained enough to make the soils wet, and weed seeds have already sprouted, your cover crop seeds will generally be too far behind to catch up. But late is still better than never!
Gerard van SteynCover crops, and “weeds” in general are all beneficial for improving soil health, feeding the soil microbiome, that is crucial for healthy plants and vines and adding organic matter and potentially nitrogen as well. Weed killers, on the other hand, destroy soil health and the soil microbiome. (couldn’t stop from adding that) Cover crops do involve a bit more work, since they need to periodically be mowed or trimmed.
LeBallisters sells many different cover crop seeds. This mix, which is also available in an organic version for only a few dollars more, works well in our area and should reseed itself annually.
The best time to seed a cover crop is just before the very first soaking rain of the season. If seeds are put out too early before the rains, the birds will thank you, as they will eat most of them. If it has already rained enough to make the soils wet, and weed seeds have already sprouted, your cover crop seeds will generally be too far behind to catch up. But late is still better than never!
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