Collection: Summer Non-Legume Cover Crops

Summer non-legume cover crops offer warm-season soil cover without relying on nitrogen-fixing legumes. This curated collection includes quick broadleaf cover, vigorous grasses, and deep-rooted species that can add biomass, compete with weeds, support soil structure, or fill a gap between cash crops.

Choose by planting window and goal

• Fast summer gap: Buckwheat establishes quickly in warm conditions and is frost-sensitive.
• High biomass: Warm-season grasses such as sudangrass need adequate heat and a termination plan.
• Rooting and forage: Chicory and oats have different seasonal behavior; verify local timing and intended use on the product page.
• Management: Consider water availability, mowing or grazing restrictions, residue, and the time required before the next crop.

Use product-specific seeding rates and planting dates because the crops in this manually curated collection do not share one universal schedule. Non-legumes do not use rhizobial seed inoculants. Browse all warm-weather cover crops, all non-legume cover crop seed, or buckwheat seed for a narrower comparison.