If possible, sketch in a rough graph showing average daily temperature during the timeline, and another for average rainfall. Add other key information, such as frost-free periods and times of heavy labor or equipment demand. Look for open periods in each field, open spaces on your farm or opportunities in your seasonal work schedule. Also consider ways to extend or overlap cropping windows. In many regions, seed winter covers at least six weeks before a hard frost.
Winter cereals are an exception and can be planted a little later.
If ground cover needs are minimal, plant rye until the frost period for successful overwintering, although N recycling will be limited. You might seed a cover right after harvesting a summer crop, when the weather is still mild. Annual ryegrass, hairy vetch, crimson clover, red clover and sweetclover tolerate some shading. If overseeding, irrigate immediately if possible, or seed just before a soaking rain. Species with small, round seeds, such as clovers, don't need a lot of moisture to germinate and can work their way through tiny gaps in residue.