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10 Reasons to Plant Cover Crops

10 Reasons to Plant Cover Crops

As we move into harvest season, it is important to think about revitalizing the garden for next year. Cover crops can be a great way to prepare for spring planting right now.

White Clover cover crop seeds up close.

10 Reasons to Plant Cover Crops:

  1. Cover crops are easy to grow.

  2. They keep the weeds in check.

  3. Germination is quick (particularly with grains).

  4. The soil is rejuvenated, adding back in vital organic matter.

  5. Soil is protected against erosion.

  6. Cover crops provide aeration and help break up tough soils.

  7. They also increase water filtration.

  8. Need nitrogen? Legumes are great for adding it back in.

  9. White Clover works as a living mulch for paths or between beds.

  10. Crops, like Field Peas or Barley, can still be harvested and eaten.

Close up of Winter Rye cover crop seeds.

Since it is getting late in summer, we recommend planting Winter Rye or Eco-Till Radish, especially for the northern zones.

Eco-Till Radish has long roots that are especially good for bringing nitrogen and other nutrients up from deep in the soil, which enriches your soil for the next planting. The elaborate root system also serves to increase water infiltration, soil aeration, and suppress weeds. Sow this one August through September, on the earlier side if you are up north.

Winter Rye will provide protection and enrichment for your soil over the cold months. Overwinter it, planting up to three weeks before the ground freezes, and turn under in the spring a few weeks prior to planting your garden.

Check out the full selection of Pinetree cover crops HERE.

4 comments on 10 Reasons to Plant Cover Crops

  • Jennifer Wilkey
    Jennifer WilkeySeptember 21, 2018

    Hi Lisa! Can you tell us which cover crop you used? They are generally meant to be turned under before they go to seed.

  • Pinetree Garden Seeds
    Pinetree Garden SeedsSeptember 21, 2018

    Hi Constance! Cover crops are great for flower gardens! They help to enrich the soil and that is good for all types of plants.

  • Lisa

    We planted a cover crop two years back an they seem to have infested our garden. Because its hard to tell a good crop from a weed I pulled all of them up. Thoughts?

  • Constance
    ConstanceSeptember 18, 2018

    Are any of these cover crops good for flower beds or veggie gardens only?? thanks

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