Lesson 1: Preparing The Soil
Cover Crops
Sowing cover crops is an old, old practice that is now coming back into use. What are cover crops? They are sown to provide nitrogen and other nutrients. They are ideal for renewing tired garden soil. They add substance and structure to poor soils, help prevent erosion, improve drainage and the soils ability to retain water. Not a bad deal at a few cents per packet of seeds!
Traditionally, these crops are sown in the late Fall, to be dug under in the early Spring. This can add valuable protection against erosion from high winds or snow. The winter rye grasses are ideal for this purpose.
Red Clover or hairy vetch tap into the root systems and form a symbiotic relationship. When they are tilled under, they replenish much needed nitrogen.
Other cover crops can actually help reduce pollutants in the soil by binding them into their root systems. Phacelia absorb is a good example of this type of cover crop. Buckwheat or winter ryes are weed blockers, and therefore work well in home gardens.
Cover crops need to be tilled under just as they begin flowering in the Spring. Some taller growing varieties, like the vetches, may require mowing before turning under. All cover crops need to be turned into the soil 2 weeks before planting.
In more arid areas of the country, cover crops need to be chosen with care, as many of them take too much moisture from the soil. Barley is a good choice for arid areas. Sow your seed at least 30 days before your first expected frost date. Prepare for planting just like you would for any other crop. The soil pH should be between 6 and 7.
Even a small garden can benefit by using cover crops. After all, we ask our gardens to work hard, perform well, and come back for more. Try this in the Fall, and next season you should see some benefits.
