• Application Rate: 1-2 lbs/1000 sq ft or 40-50 lbs/acre

• Inoculant: Garden Combination inoculant (sold separately)

• Germination: 5-10 Days

• Plant Height: 3-5'

• Uses: Nitrogen fixing mix provides good Summer biomass.

• Facts to Note: Harvest summer peas and beans before you till in your cover crop. Lower growing, early maturing mix.

Contains: Black Eyed Peas, Soy Beans, and Bush Green Beans

Growing a summer edible cover crop mix is beneficial for both home gardeners and farmers. Choosing the correct mix and knowing how to grow it can improve your gardening experience by enriching the soil, controlling weeds, and offering nutritious food.

One popular choice for summer cover crops is the Peaceful Valley Summer Edible Cover Crop Mix, a blend designed to fix nitrogen, provide biomass, and offer a harvestable yield. The Peaceful Valley Summer Edible Cover Crop Mix is an excellent choice for vegetable gardens looking to maximize productivity and soil health throughout the growing season. With its diverse blend of black-eyed peas, soybeans, and bush green beans, this cover crop offers long-term benefits for gardeners. By harnessing the nitrogen-fixing abilities of these leguminous plants, the mix enriches the soil with essential nutrients while suppressing weeds and improving soil structure through its robust root systems.

Incorporating this cover crop into crop rotations enhances soil fertility, reduces erosion, and mitigates pest and disease pressure. Overall, growing cover crops like the Peaceful Valley Summer Edible Cover Crop Mix is a sustainable practice that yields increased soil health and bountiful harvests for seasons to come. Let's delve into the essentials of growing this mix successfully.

Firstly, it's essential to understand the components of the Peaceful Valley Summer Edible Cover Crop Mix. This mix typically includes Black Eyed Peas, Soy Beans, and Bush Green Beans. Each of these components plays a crucial role in the overall function and benefits of the cover crop.

Black Eyed Peas, known scientifically as Vigna unguiculata, are leguminous plants capable of fixing nitrogen from the atmosphere into the soil, thus enriching it with this essential nutrient. Nitrogen-fixing plants like black-eyed peas contribute to improved soil fertility, promoting healthier plant growth in subsequent seasons.

Soybeans (Glycine max) are another nitrogen-fixing legume included in the mix. Soybeans are valued not only for their ability to fix nitrogen but also for their high protein content, making them a nutritious addition to your summer garden.

Bush Green Beans (Phaseolus vulgaris) complete the mix, adding diversity and additional nitrogen-fixing capabilities. Green beans are not only a tasty summer crop but also contribute to the overall biomass of the cover crop, aiding in weed suppression and soil erosion control.

When it comes to planting the Peaceful Valley Summer Edible Cover Crop Mix, proper timing is crucial. Aim to sow the seeds after the danger of frost has passed and soil temperatures have warmed to around 60°F (15°C). This typically falls in the late spring or early summer months, depending on your location.

Prepare the planting area by clearing away any weeds and debris, and loosen the soil to a depth of about 4-6 inches. Broadcasting the seeds evenly over the prepared area is a common method of planting cover crops. Aim for a seeding rate of 1-2 lbs per 1000 square feet or 40-50 lbs per acre, as recommended by the manufacturer.

After broadcasting the seeds, lightly rake them into the soil and water thoroughly to ensure good seed-to-soil contact. Keep the planting area consistently moist until germination occurs, which typically takes between 5-10 days, depending on environmental conditions.

Once the cover crop has established itself, monitor its growth and health regularly. Depending on your goals, you may choose to harvest some of the edible components, such as the black-eyed peas, soybeans, or green beans, before tilling the remaining biomass back into the soil.

It's important to note that incorporating a cover crop into your summer garden rotation can offer numerous benefits beyond soil fertility and weed suppression. Cover crops can also attract beneficial insects, improve soil structure, and contribute to overall ecosystem health.

Growing a summer edible cover crop mix like the Peaceful Valley Summer Edible Cover Crop Mix can be a valuable addition to any garden or farm. By understanding the components of the mix, proper planting techniques, and potential benefits, you can harness the power of cover cropping to enhance the productivity and sustainability of your growing space.

For any of your other cover crop needs check out our cover crop collections.

Shipping Weight: 1.1 lb

Dimensions: 8.0"L x 5.0"W x 1.5"H

• Adds Significant Organic Matter
• Fixes Nitrogen
• Loosens Heavy Soils
• Requires Summer Water