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Growing Annual Cover CropsANNUAL COOL WEATHER COVER CROPS Annual cool weather cover crops are excellent as rotations for row crops or as plow-down cover in the alleys of orchards, vineyards, and bush berries. Planting Tips: All legume cover crops will greatly benefit from fertilization with phosphorus, calcium and sulfur prior to planting, if your soil is deficient in any of these minerals. Seeds may be broadcast or drilled into the soil. Use 25-50% more seed when broadcasting. Cover the seed to a depth of 2-3 times the width of the seed and firm the soil with a rake, harrow or culti-packer (ring roller). Generally, fall rains will be sufficient irrigation. However, in areas with severe frosts in the fall, irrigate 1-3 times after planting to establish the cover before cold weather sets in. For Optimum Nitrogen Fixation: Inoculate raw legume seed (it's easy and inexpensive-see Seed Inoculants) prior to planting, and till or dig the cover crop under at primary seed pod formation. Do not plant other crops until the cover crop has had 2-4 weeks to decompose in the soil. This waiting period can be shortened by applying Biodynamic Field Spray or Biotron to the soil or by harvesting the top growth of the cover crop for the compost pile and just working the stubble into the soil. Mixes Cover crop mixes maximize chances for a good stand by avoiding reliance on just one variety and can enable you to accomplish many things at once. Also, mixes attract more beneficial insects because they bloom longer. The composition of these mixes may vary due to seed availability. Vetches Vetches fix large amounts of Nitrogen, produce substantial yields of organic matter, choke out weeds (even Star Thistle) and provide nectar for beneficial insects. Commonly planted with grains (oats, barley or rye) which support their upright, viney growth and act as a nurse crop. In most areas, vetches need to establish early and should be seeded at the beginning of fall. In warm winter climates, vetches can be planted through February if irrigated. Home gardeners: vetch is easier to turn under if mowed or weed-whipped first. Legume Oat Mixes for Orchards & Vineyards Field-proven annual mixes in orchards and vineyards for exceptional vigor, weed-competitiveness, and Nitrogen fixation. Can mow during the season to maximize biomass yields and re-growth. Growth peaks in April or May depending on climate and rainfall, so they do not compete with the production crop. Provide excellent "good bug" habitat, dramatically reducing leafhoppers, mites, thrips, skeletonizers, aphids, and other pests. We offer 2 different formulations to address specific situations. Drill seed in alleys at 40-50 lb/acre on medium to strong soils, 60-70 lb if vigor and/or fertility are low. For new plantings or poor soil, use 80-100 lb/acre. Important Note: Seeds should be kept to the alleys so the Vetch will climb the Oats, as intended, rather than the trees or vines. ANNUAL WARM WEATHER COVER CROPS Warm weather annuals are excellent green manure rotations for row crops and they can be turned under by tilling or digging them into the soil. Also planted for seasonal green manure cover in the alleys of orchards, vineyards, and bush berries. Choose Buckwheat for building organic matter quickly. For Nitrogen fixation, choose Summer Soil Builder, Cowpeas, Soy or Pinto Beans. If you feel adventurous, try a more exotic variety like Crotolaria or Sesbania. Planting Tips: All of these warm weather varieties must be sown after the last spring frost, usually at about the same time that corn is planted in your area. All legume cover crops will greatly benefit from fertilization with phosphorus, calcium, and sulfur if your soil is deficient in any of these. Seeds may be broadcast or drilled (best) into the soil. Use 25-50% more seed when broadcasting. Cover the seed to a depth of 2-3 times the width of the seed and firm the soil with a rake, harrow, or roller. Irrigation will be required in all but rainy climates. LIMITATION OF REMEDY We warrant to the extent of the purchase price only that the seeds or plants sold hereunder are as described on the label within recognized tolerances. No other warranty is given, expressed or implied, (1) of the merchantability or fitness of the seeds or plants for any particular purpose, or (2) against loss due to any cause. We cannot accept any responsibility for the many uncontrollable growing and climatic conditions (soil preparation, fertilization, weed and pest control, temperature control, irrigation…etc.) that must be met to insure the success of your crop(s).
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