what is the best cover crop?
Image by Earthworm
I look like a real farmer. This tiny plot is about all the field we can handle when it comes to double digging and growing crops.
Question by Jerry d: what is the best cover crop?
I am looking for a good cover crop that I can plant over the winter.I live near Philadelphia Pa.and I would like to know what cover crop would be the best for my garden.I need everything my soil is not very good.So if there are any farmers out there that could give me advice. I would be very great-full I have about an 1/2 acre.What would be the coverage rate?
What do you think? Answer below!
5 Responses to what is the best cover crop?
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perhaps a bit of philadelphia cream cheese spread?
Iamhere Again
June 17, 2011 at 11:39 pm
Jerry,
I don’t know if you’re too far north, however alfalfa is an excellent crop cover, and it can just be plowed under in the spring. Provides great nitrogen replacement to the soil.
Also, peas will do the same thing. You don’t need to string or pole them, let them just run along the ground. In the spring the will provide the same results as alfalfa.
good luck
stretch
June 17, 2011 at 11:59 pm
it sounds to me like your soil needs more that jus a cover crop, but alfalfa hay and clover always rock! also, when your existing plants die back, don’t get rid of them! they will provide nourishment for next year. what i like to do is till my dead plants, along with strips of black and white newspaper into the soil, and cover them with the fall leaves, until nest spring. the worms love the newspaper and dead plants. this will encourage the worms to multiply in your soil, and as you know, they make compost.then, in the spring, rake away the vast majority of the leaves. the stubborn leaves that will not rake away, will get tilled into the soil. this will keep too many tannins from the leaves to leach into the soil. finally, amend your soil. depending on what you’ve got, you may need to add loam, sand, or other materials(consult a local garden shop). and above all else, take a few soil samples, and get them tested. this will give you a definite answer on what your soil needs. good luck and happy gardening!
keeblerwolf
June 18, 2011 at 12:43 am
I use buckwheat. Great green manure in the spring.
saaanen
June 18, 2011 at 12:53 am
I love winter rye. It provides a lot of nitrogen and can be plant in august, after you crops are done, then in the spring just till it in.
Kim
June 18, 2011 at 1:37 am