I would like to plant a cover crop in my garden this fall. What do I plant, how do I plant it and when do I work it in?
Several different plants can be used as cover crops. I've been using winter field peas for several years and have been impressed enough with the results that I haven't explored any other options. Other gardeners tell me they’ve had good success with crimson clover. You can also try buckwheat, fall rye, fava beans, hairy vetch, oats, phacelia, or white dutch clover. All will get the job done.
If you're new to cover crops, start with a small area in your garden so that you don't accidently overwhelm yourself. Remember, you're going to be working the cover crop into the soil come spring and if you don't have a rototiller, that means turning it over with a garden fork which can take some doing.
Planting a cover crop is fairly simple. All you need to do is to rake up the soil, broadcast the seeds, then rake them in. That's all there is to it.
When spring comes, turn the cover crop under before it goes to seed or you'll have a big mess on your hands. Ideally, the cover crop should be worked into the soil about two weeks before planting your summer crops.
If you have any questions or comments, please send them to me at vanessa@gardenmuse.ca.
