Winter-Hardy
Winter-hardy crops are those that resume growth in early spring, and act as a green manure.
These plants are terminated through mowing followed by tillage.
Green manure plants are easiest to mow before they flower, while the stems are still soft and easily severed.
After mowing, turn the biomass into the soil while it’s still green, using the same method as described for winter-killed plants above.
Species to Select
The following are popular choices for cold weather cover cropping in the home garden.
Austrian Field Peas
A cool-weather plant, Austrian field peas, Pisum sativum subsp. arvense, are low-growing, vining plants that quickly provide dense foliage.
A top choice to replenish nitrogen and improve soil structure, the thick, winter-killed foliage is also effective at weed suppression. Austrian field peas are hardy in Zone 6 and above.
Seed in wholesale packets or bulk sizes is available at True Leaf Market.
Buckwheat
Fast-growing buckwheat, Fagopyrum esculentum, establishes a large, dense biomass that provides a dense blanket of mulch.
Highly effective for erosion control, weed suppression, and soil conditioning, the winter-killed residue decomposes quickly, releasing nutrients back into the soil.
Buckwheat’s fast growth and decomposition makes for efficient crop rotation. Plan to sow seeds four to six weeks before your average first frost date.
Seeds in a variety of packet sizes are available from Eden Brothers.
Crimson Clover
A winter-hardy plant in Zones 6 and above, crimson clover, Trifolium incarnatum, spreads fast and thick, providing a dense biomass blanket.
A good choice for erosion control, nitrogen fixing, soil conditioning, and weed suppression, clover’s foliage and roots break down quickly after tilling. Turn it under before flowering starts in spring.
In Zones 5 and below, crimson clover can be planted in late summer as a winter-killed annual.
You can purchase packets and bulk packages of seeds at True Leaf Market.
Forage Radish
Forage or tilling radish, Raphanus sativus var. longipinnatus, offers quick growth, ample above-ground biomass, and deep taproots.
A winter-killed plant, the foliage provides plenty of biomass for erosion control, and the deep roots are superb at breaking up tough, compacted soil.
As the roots break down, they act as a natural biofumigator that disrupts the life cycle of certain pests, like harmful nematodes.
A cool-season plant with rapid germination and growth, forage radish can be planted up to three weeks before the first frost date in your region.
You can find seeds available at High Mowing Organic Seeds in a variety of sizes.
Winter Rye
Easy to grow and to turn under, winter rye, Secale cereale, is winter-hardy and develops a deep, thick root system and ample top growth.
A good choice to condition the soil and improve structure, it also makes an excellent green manure when tilled.
This crop can be sown in late summer to mid-autumn in Zones 3 to 7, and from fall to midwinter in Zones 8 and above. Plants should be dug in before flowering occurs.
Seeds are available from High Mowing Organic Seeds.
You’re Covered!
Erosion control, green manure, nitrogen fixing, and weed control – whatever the reason, cold weather cover crops are an easy and economical way to improve the condition of your soil!
Remember that winter-killed plants form a thick, protective mulch on top of the soil while winter-hardy plants regrow in spring to provide green manure.
If any of you folks use cold weather cover crops, tell us about your favorites in the comments section below.
And for more soil building know-how, read these articles next:
Lorna Kring
Source link