It is the time of year that we can at least see an end to the oppressive heat that has gripped us for the entire summer. I have received some call concerning when and what to plant for cover crops.
Cover crops benefit the soil in many ways.
They serve to stabilize the soil and prevent erosion, increase organic matter in the soil, aerate or loosen compacted soil, prevent unwanted weeds, attract beneficial insects, bring up nutrients from the lower levels of the soil and, in the case of legumes, provide nitrogen to the soil. Cool-season cover crops can be sown in the fall to provide these benefits to garden soils that might otherwise lie fallow over the winter months. In general, if the crops are sown about four weeks before the first killing frost it will ensure a good stand before cold weather sets in. There are two main categories of cover crops, legumes and non-legumes. Cover crops that are legumes include clovers, vetches, peas and alfalfa.