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Welcome to the True Leaf Market
Cover Crop Growing Guide. This
booklet is intended for novice to
experienced gardeners that would
like to learn more about the prac-
tice of growing cover crops so
they can start reaping the benefits
next season.
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Table of Contents
IN THIS BOOKLET
INTRODUCTION............................................. 6
WHAT ARE COVER CROPS........................... 7
WHY SHOULD YOU USE COVER CROPS.... 13
HOW TO GROW COVER CROPS................... 17
COVER CROP SEEDS
ALFALFA......................................................... 24
BARLEY........................................................... 25
FAVA BEAN..................................................... 27
BUCKWHEAT.................................................. 28
CRIMSON CLOVER........................................ 29
WHITE DUTCH CLOVER................................ 30
GARBANZO..................................................... 31
HAIRY VETCH................................................. 32
LENTIL............................................................ 34
MUSTARD........................................................ 35
OAT................................................................... 37
AUSTRIAN FIELD PEA.................................. 39
DUN PEA......................................................... 41
YELLOW PEA................................................. 43
DAIKON RADISH............................................ 45
WINTER RYE.................................................. 47
SOYBEAN........................................................ 49
TRITICALE....................................................... 50
HARD RED SPRING WHEAT......................... 51
HARD RED WINTER WHEAT......................... 53
COVER CROP MIXES
GARDEN COVER CROP................................ 56
INOCULATION INSTRUCTIONS................... 57
PERSONAL NOTES.................................................. 59
The information in this booklet assumes that
the reader has a basic knowledge of gardening,
such as a basic knowledge of hardiness zone,
light exposure, and why nitrogen is so import-
ant for vegetable crops. If not, see our Vegeta-
ble Planting Guide or our Herb Planting Guide
for more details. Cover crops is an additional
step you implement into your current garden-
ing regiment for the year. In these pages, you
will learn the basics of what cover crops are,
why cover crops are beneficial to all kinds of
soils, and how to start growing them yourself!
Instead of diving into the scientific jargon of
cover crops and how they specifically affect the
environment, we want to provide you with the
basic essentials to get started. We firmly be-
lieve that learning by doing is the best way to
become familiar in the garden.
What are Cover Crops
Cover crops are seeds that are planted en

masse for several reasons that benefit the soil
and/or the local environment. Most often cov-
er crops are grown by farmers in rotation with
their cash crops to protect and rejuvenate the
soil, a practice that goes back centuries.
Evidence of cover crop use can be found in

different times and places throughout history:
The Native Americans had a system of agri-
culture called “The Three Sisters” that utilized
cover crop properties of beans, squash, and
corn by planting them together, cycling nutri-
ents through the soil, creating a synergy be-
tween the crops. Chinese Milk Vetch has been
used for millennia as a cover crop in China,
being planted just after a rice harvest in the
same ground. And in southeast Asia, soybeans
have been grown as a cover crop in tea estates
for generations. Even George Washington,
a diligent farmer as well as statesman, was
known for his “crops grown to replenish the
soil.”
These examples throughout history and

around the world, illustrate to us the various
benefits and uses of cover crops. They attract
pollinators, promote erosion control, preserve
moisture, and suppress weeds when growing.
When cover crops are mowed down to decay,
nutrients are cycled back into the soil which
subsequent vegetable crops profit from. Cover
crops return nitrogen to the soil, but most no-
tably through a process called “nitrogen fixing”
where the plants convert the nitrogen from the
air into the soil.
In traditional agriculture, the practice of grow-

ing cover crops has changed little over the
centuries. Today, fertilizers have overshadowed
the use of cover crops, but they are making a
comeback as large-scale growers are experi-
encing first-hand how growing cover crops not
only keeps soils healthy and organic, but cuts
down on the reliance of pesticides. Although
the practice of growing cover crops can seem
complicated, one just needs to become famil-
iar with basic seed types and their role in soil
health.
Legumes: Alfalfa, Clover, Chickpea (Garban-

zo), Soybean, Pea, and Lentil
Plants in the Fabaceae family, legumes are the

primary nitrogen fixers of the cover crop world.
While other seed types return nitrogen through
decaying matter, legumes convert nitrogen
from the air and return it to the soil with the
aid of rhizobia bacteria. Legumes popularly
require inoculation before planting, an easy
process to ensure germination. See Inoculating
Legumes at the back of the booklet.
Grains and Grasses: Wheat, Rye, Barley, and

Triticale
Grain cover crops are great protectors of soil

while also scavenging for nitrogen and potas-
sium. A terrific organic matter producer. The
very same seed for making wheat flour, Hard
Red Wheat, is a fantastic biomass producer.
Brassicas: Radish, Mustard
Not all brassicas work as cover crops, but
mustards and radishes do. They help signifi-
cantly control pests because they contain a
higher amount of glucosinolate than other
brassicas, a chemical compound that wards
off harmful insects. When the plant cells are
ruptured the plant releases the glucosinolate.
Mustard and Radish are known for their rapid
fall growth, which makes them an ideal weed
suppressor.
Broadleaf Species
Includes both legumes and brassicas. Broad-

leaf crops are plants that produce wide protec-
tive leaves. Nearly all flowering cover crops are
broadleaf species. If you are looking to attract
pollinators with your cover crop, a broadleaf
species is essential.
Cover Crop Mixes
Often, different varieties of seed are combined

to create unique cover crop mixes. The idea
is to harness several benefits to allow them to
work in tandem, with each variety boasting
their unique benefits, as found in the Garden
Cover Crop Mix. Some mixes are blended for
specific regional application, such as the Pas-
ture Blend and Dryland Mix.
None of the varieties above are specific to

spring or fall. The terms “spring” and “fall” cov-
er crops are used to describe the time of year
the cover crop seed is sown and grown rather
than a classification of the seed itself. For ex-
ample, mustard can be planted as a cover crop
seed both in spring and fall.
Spring vs. Fall:
Spring Cover Crops are often planted in the

early spring and allowed to grow until a few
weeks before planting when it is mowed down.
Some varieties of cover crop seeds are sown in
late fall after the frost and allowed to lie dor-
mant until spring comes when they germinate
in a process called “overwintering”.
Fall Cover Crops are planted when summer

temperatures are waning, giving the cooler
season seeds time to germinate in the neces-
sary autumn conditions. Once mature, usually
around the first frost, these cover crop variet-
ies are mowed down and allowed to decompose
over winter.
Why Should You Use
Cover Crops
Simply put, they improve your soil and posi-
tively influence the local environment. Grow-
ers not only use cover crops to protect their
soil and to keep their soil healthy but to also
attract beneficial pollinators to the region.
During the colder months, cover crops protect
against winter erosion, prevent soil compac-
tion, and feed the soil by leaving behind bio-
mass in the spring. This leftover biomass is
widely known as “green manure” because it
feeds the soil with organic matter the way tra-
ditional livestock manure does.
You don’t need to have a huge plot to benefit

from cover crops. The smallest piece of land
can benefit from even one or two cover crops.
Using cover crops gives your future crops the
advantage from the moment they’re sown.
We all want a stunning, bountiful garden,
right? Well, that all starts from the ground up!
What’s in your soil?
Soil Protection and Health
Certain regions of the US are known to be
challenging on the soil in different ways. For
example, in the midwest topsoil has been
known to be lost in high winds. One of the
benefits of cover crops is that it protects this
vulnerable topsoil from getting blown away.
The root systems of cover crop plants protect
the soil when living and, when decaying, the
remnants of the root system provide a drain-
age system and a sort-of “road map” where the
roots of future crops can follow. Winter Rye is
a great example of a cover crop that is essen-
tial for its production of biomass and extensive
root system that protects soils over the win-
ter. Cover crops can remedy soils known to
be heavy, hard, and clay, while improving soil
structure and tilth.
Provides Nitrogen and Other Nutrients to

Future Crops
There are three basic ways cover crops add nu-
trients to your soil: (1) Legume varieties con-
vert nitrogen from the air making it available
in the soil through nodules on their roots. (2)
Brassica varieties scavenge for nutrients that
are already present in the soil, making it avail-
able when terminated. (3) Grasses and broad-
leaf varieties provide large amounts of biomass
that become one with the topsoil.
Plant Diversity and Adaptability

Many cover crops exhibit similar properties,
so why choose one over the other? Well, that
may depend on your region. You may choose
one cover crop over another based on how it
is suited to your climate. For example, most
cover crops are cool-weather crops but, if you
need to plant during the heat of late summer,
you may opt to plant buckwheat or mustard as
they are more suited to heat and have shorter
life cycles, allowing you to mow these varieties
down sooner.
Keeps Soil Active in Off-Seasons

Always having plants growing in your soil not
only helps maintain structure but keeps it mi-
crobially active. Allowing a piece of ground to
go fallow over the off-season can lead to an in-
festation of weeds, a depletion of soil nutrients,
and a loss of structure due to the elements.
Similarly, raised beds are improved by cover
crops, while still producing unseasonably ro-
bust blooms. Hairy Vetch will flower in the cool
days of late fall when others will not, turning
your raised beds into flower boxes until the
snow comes.
Attracts Beneficial Pollinators

Using flowering cover crops as companion
plants to your vegetable crops is another
common practice. Planting clover in between
garden rows attracts beneficial pollinators,
providing them with an environment free of
pesticides, while replenishing nitrogen, espe-
cially if you plant an inoculated flowering le-
gume such as clover. Your vegetable crops will
benefit from the nitrogen transfer immediate-
ly. You may just want to set aside a few small
plots next to your vegetable garden to plant
a flowering broadleaf such as buckwheat to
bring the pollinators nearer during the growing
season.
How to Grow
Cover Crops
1. Understanding the climate of your local
environment is key. Contact your local ag-
ricultural extension for details about the
typical lengths of the warm and cool sea-
sons, the average first and last frosts, and
the peak high and low temperatures of the
year. These pieces of information should
give you an idea of the best times to plant.
Timing is very critical to a successful cover
crop for both fall and spring applications.
It is a game of timing essentially. You wait
until temperatures match the ideal require-
ments for the seed, then you plant!
2. Before determining what seeds you’ll plant,

assess the state of your soil. Get out there
and feel it. Is it compact? Thick with clay?
Is it light and dusty? Do you have a weed
problem? Just feeling your soil will give you
a good idea of what might benefit it when
reading about cover crop varieties. For ex-
ample, a soil thick with clay would benefit
from a Winter Rye cover crop that has a
tenacious root system that will break up
that clay. Rye and mustard cover crops also
suppress weeds.
3. Now comes the time to dig into the individ-

ual characteristics of cover crop varieties.
In this introduction you’ve read about the
different types of cover crop seeds (i.e. le-
gumes, grains, and brassicas) but now it’s
time to dig into the individual seed pages
in this booklet. Get creative and imagine
which specific variety might be right for
you! Juxtapose the crop information with
what you learned about your own climate
to determine when and how to plant what
you choose. A successful cover crop can be
due to you recording the process and the
development of the crop over the course
of its life cycle in a journal and to always
keep in mind what comes next. The latter
is very important from the beginning. When
choosing a seed, imagine three steps ahead
and troubleshoot. Ask yourself, when am I
going to terminate the cover crop? How will
I terminate it? Am I going to do a till or no-
till method (a question we will go into detail
later)?
4. Now comes time to sow and grow the seeds.

Broadcasting is the sowing method for cov-
er crops. Using a broadcaster is the best
way to get as even a spread as best as you
can. You may need to seed a bit heavy to
account for possible germination loss. Pre-
pare the soil by dicing or lightly turning
it so the seeds can achieve some planting
depth. If you intend to not till whatsoever,
then cover the seeds with a light layer of
topsoil or mulch. The seed rate varies for
each variety. On each seed page, we’ve in-
dicated a seed rate that will help you un-
derstand how heavy or how light to sow the
seeds. Water heavily and follow the spec-
ifications for the seed variety that you’ve
chosen to grow. As long as you understand
what your cover crop requires in terms of
light, temperature, and moisture, and you
check it every day, your cover crops should
grow healthy.
***We’ve stated growing and terminating
specifications for each seed variety on their
respective pages in this booklet.***
Till vs. No-Till:
The Ultimate Question
Generally, most growers opt for a no-till sys-
tem, a system by which you grow your cov-
er crops and mow down to leave them. After
several weeks, the biomass will decay, settle,
and incorporate back into the soil. The reason
for not tilling is to not disturb the current soil
structure that the cover crop has worked to
create. The decaying matter can also act as a
mulch that preserves moisture and warmth as
your garden crops germinate and mature.
Many opt for a no-till method, while others

swear by a tilling method that works for them.
We choose to let you decide which method
suits your needs the best.
Basic Tilling
When tilling, the idea is to get the organic

matter into the top layer of soil immediately
because it will lose it’s nitrogen to the atmo-
sphere very quickly. If you shred the mowed
down cover crop, it will decompose and return
the nitrogen to the soil faster. Depending on
the amount of “green manure” left behind, it
may take 2 to 3 weeks for the matter to break
down. Make sure soil stays moist, but not sog-
gy, during this time as it aids in decomposi-
tion. After this decaying period, you are ready
to plant your vegetable crops!
We hope that now you have the confidence and

knowledge to begin utilizing the incredible ben-
eficial properties of cover crop seeds.
The
Cover
Crops
Alfalfa
Medicago sativa -
Perennial Legume
Overview:
Alfalfa is an upright cool season variety cover crop, ideal for spring and
late summer to early fall sowing, requiring a lot of water and attracting
pollinators. Adapts well to most gardens. Often interseeded with small
grains during the summer and grown after grain is harvested in the fall.
Seed in the spring for early summer growth and mid to late summer
mowing. Recommended to be grown as a forage crop.
Beneficial Nutrients: Growing Tips:

Organic Biomass. Alfalfa fixes Alfafa doesn’t like too much
nitrogen, repairing nodules on moisture, which can lead to
lateral and main taproots. mold. Make sure the ground has
sufficient drying time between
Pest Management: waterings.
Beware of the alfalfa weevil, which Those living in cooler climates
can cause serious damage. Alfalfa can plant alfalfa in spring while
stem buds can be weakened by milder regions should opt for fall
the stem nematode. late summer sowing.
Grow alfalfa through winter until
Erosion Control: crops are ready to be planted in
Alfalfa has an aggressive root sys- spring or until their purple flow-
tem and, when grown in rotation ers appear. Mow it down or till,
over several years, lessens soil or simply leave it to overwinter as
compaction. Improves soil infiltra- the alfalfa shoots will break down.
tion and permeability. The organic biomass will then fer-
tilize the soil as well as stimulate
Methods of Use: microbial activity.
Tillage, Forage Crop, Interseeded
with corn and smaller summer Seeding Rate: ~.5 lbs/1000 sq ft
grains.
Barley
Hordeum vulgare -
Annual Cereal Grain
Overview:
Barley is an upright annual cereal grain and is one of the fastest growing
members of the cereal grain family. Barley prefers cooler temperatures
and thrives in early spring. Depending on which season barley is sown,
its root system differs in size. These plants were among the first grains
to be cultivated around 10,000 years ago. Barley is still a popular grain
used to make breads, soups, malts, and animal fodder.
Beneficial Nutrients: enough alkaline levels and isn’t

As a cover crop, barley plants too moist.
grow quickly and act as an ex-
ceptional weed suppressant. As a Erosion Control:
winter cover crop, barley provides As a spring crop, barley does well
just as many nutritional values at controlling wind and water
when grown in spring, but also erosion.
is an ideal soil protectant as the
plants decompose over the span Methods of Use:
of several months. Once it’s time Barley is an excellent weed
to winterkill, barley releases more suppressant and can fix large
nitrogen as it’s tilled back into the amounts of nitrogen which re-
soil. plenishes the soil. Even though
barley is less hardy than winter
Pest Management: rye, it can still withstand colder
These plants can help reduce the temperatures as low as 20°F.
invasion of aphids and leafhop- However, these plants can be
pers, but are also susceptible to tricky to consistently overwinter
cutworms. In order to reduce the and are recommended to be sown
likelihood of disease or harm- as early as January for spring
ful pests, it’s recommended to gardens.
sow barley in soil that provides
Growing Tips:
Sow barley seeds when the tem-
peratures are still fairly cold, but
have reached at least 36 degrees
fahrenheit. Barley can overwinter
in regions with more mild winters.
As a winter cover crop, sow seeds
in October and harvest 60 days
after they’ve matured in spring.
These plants prefer well-drained
soil with a pH level of 6.0-8.5,
as barley grows better in higher
alkaline than other small grains.
Germination for these plants will
occur in 3-5 days and don’t need
frequent watering. These plants
prefer a cool and dry environment
to grow in, but can tolerate some
moisture. Barley can grow up to
2 to 4 feet tall. These plants are
grown and terminated similar-
ly to wheat, by cutting or using
a scythe once the stalks have
turned yellow. Be sure to wear a
long-sleeved shirt to avoid skin
irritation. Termination for barley
is typically through a smothering
process where a tarp is laid down
for a few weeks as the plants
decompose. You can overturn the
soil through a low-mow method
or use a grass herbicide before
the plants go to seed.
Seeding Rate: ~.5 lbs/1000 sq ft
Fava Bean
Vicia faba -
Perennial Legume
Overview:
Fava beans is an upright annual variety cover crop that can be sown
in almost any month, other than the peak of winter. Fava bean thrives
when grown in cold to moderate temperatures. Quick to germinate, slow-
er to grow. Adapt to cold climates and shade. Does not need much water.
Grow to harvest, or trim near base and allow to compost.

Organic biomass, natural fertil- Fava bean does not grow well in
izer. Releases nitrogen into soil, wet environments. Do not allow
roots continue to do so even after leaves to remain moist to avoid
the plant has been cut, feeding mold and diseases.
bacteria into the soil. Fava bean can be grown at almost
any time of the year, but func-
Pest Management: tions as a cover crop best in very
Fava plant roots help suppress early spring or late fall.
weeds. Beware of fungal diseases. Plants can be grown until they
Keep leaves dry. have flowered or until beans are
ready for harvest, or prematurely,
Erosion Control: three weeks prior to sowing new
Fava bean roots are strong and seeds. Till or mow them down
grow vigorously, leading to more to 6 to 10” keeping roots in the
structured, stronger soil over garden to decompose and act as a
time. Prevents erosion and im- natural fertilizer that will rejuve-
proves soil infiltration. nate soil with nitrogen and other
nutrients.
Methods of Use:
Tillage, Harvest Crop, Filler in Seeding Rate: ~ 3 lbs/1000 sq ft
unused patches of soil.
Buckwheat
Fagopyrum esculentum
Perennial Subshrub
Overview:
Buckwheat is an upright perennial subshrub. It is a cool season vari-
ety that is ideal as a winter cover crop. It forms flowers quickly and is a
well-known weed-killer. Can be sown in as a summer buckwheat, but is
susceptible to blasting during the heat. Buckwheat thrives in colder, wet
conditions, but can’t withstand the frost. The grain can be planted in late
spring to early summer and blooms in late summer to early fall.
Beneficial Nutrients: mer to early fall then dies back

Blossoms attract pollinating with a low-mow method. The
insects and extracts soil phospho- decaying biomass acts as a cover
rus from soil, making it a unique protectant for the soil through-
powerhouse type of grain that out winter and decomposes until
helps feed your soil. Buckwheat spring.
also has nitrogen-fixing bacteria,
but may need some more fixed Methods of Use:
nitrogen added to boost fertility. You can use buckwheat as an
annual summer cover crop. Plant
Pest Management: in June for flowers to bloom in 2
Buckwheat is known for being es- to 10 weeks. They can last until
pecially hardy against thrips and September and often leave the
other insects summer ground bare after termi-
nation.
Erosion Control:
If you choose to till, don’t over-till Growing Tips:
the soil so the buckwheat has a Once the soil is warm enough to
chance to overpower the weeds. plant, germination can begin as
Buckwheat is not winter hardy, soon as a couple weeks and last
which makes it easier to termi- up to 4 weeks until it starts to
nate. If you’re going for a winter flower.
cover crop, buckwheat is able to
grow and thrive until late sum- Seeding Rate: ~ 1.2–2.5 lb per
1000 sq. ft
Crimson Clover
Trifolium incarnatum
Winter or Summer Annual Legume
Overview:
Crimson clover, an upright winter or summer annual legume, provides
speedy growth in both spring and fall and is a great attractor for pollina-
tors. Crimson clover does well in shade and decomposes quickly.
Beneficial Nutrients: As a winter annual, plant by Sep-

Crimson clover is a great nitrogen tember and it will grow throughout
source and also attracts honey autumn, sometimes winter, but
bees. This plant is often called a should grow back in the spring.
“winter-killed annual” because of If you decide to keep the Crimson
how its rapid growth helps start a clover after flowering, it’s often
late summer ground protectant. used in conjunction with other
This starts an early decomposi- warm season crops, as a way to
tion, so you can maintain your reseed the garden after harvest.
crop throughout winter. Once
spring comes, the leftovers should Growing Tips:
be easier to handle because of As a winter annual, sow by Sep-
how well it decomposes. tember or before the frost. As
a summer annual, sow in ear-
Pest Management: ly spring, or once the frost has
Crimson clover is often said to not passed. Vibrant berry reds add
attract honey bees, which simply color and scenery to your garden.
is not true. This plant appeals to If used as a winter annual cover
many pollinators, including honey crop, don’t plant too early in the
bees, with its shorter flowers. fall, or else it might seed before
the ideal period which allows early
Erosion Control: regrowth in spring. Mid-August
Crimson clover is a preferred to September is best for northern
cover crop for farmers because it gardens, while in southern regions,
helps prevent water runoff. you can plant in mid-July
.
Methods of Use: Seeding Rate: ~ 1.2–2.5 lb per
1000 sq.ft
White Clover
Trifolium repens
Perennial Legume
Overview:
White clover is an upright perennial legume and one of the strongest
within the clover family. White clover plant has a reliable, thick, and
interwoven root system that can be sown in early spring through late
summer. This plant has often provided medicinal benefits and its flowers
can be used in tea.
Beneficial Nutrients: mulches to fortify your garden.

Traditionally, white clover has White clover is often sown in
been used for blood purification between other irrigated crops.
and can be made into an oint- Ideal as a companion crop, white
ment used to treat gout. This clover can supplement nitrogen to
plant is nitrogen-fixing, rich in grasses and nutrients to neigh-
minerals, protein, and provides boring plants.
sweet edible flowers.
Growing Tips:
Pest Management: Sow about 40 days before the
White clover can attract pollina- fall frost to give enough time for
tors for nectar but, during the fall growth. White clover can sprout
if growth isn’t managed, it can as soon as 3 days in the summer
also create a hotbed for pygmy and about a week in the spring-
crickets. To avoid this issue, con- time with ideal soil conditions.
sider including an insecticide that White clover grows to be up to a
won’t harm bees, or sow in seeds foot tall and, after the first year,
after the first fall freeze. can reseed and sustain regrowth
for the following seasons. White
Erosion Control: clover requires minimal mowing,
White clover can provide effective but some use a low-mow method
erosion control in more moist soil in midsummer to help control
and can help with weed control. growth.
Methods of Use: Seeding Rate: ~ 2–4 lb per 1000

This plant is one of the best living sq. ft
Garbanzo Bean
Cicer arietinum
Annual Legume
Overview:
Garbanzo bean is an annual legume that is drought tolerant and prefers
warmer temperatures. These plants are among the oldest domesticated
vegetables roughly 7,500 years ago in the Middle East. Garbanzo bean
grows as a bush and has a deep taproot system that produces violet
self-pollinating flowers. Also commonly known as “chickpea”, garbanzo is
a popular substitution for meat in vegetarian diets.
Beneficial Nutrients: and eat them fresh like snap beans.

These plants are unique because of If you live in a region with mild
how they don’t host many benefi- winters, garbanzo planted as a fall
cial pollinators because they are cover crop can help reduce weeds
able to self-pollinate. Garbanzo for the spring season. Hummus
bean cover crop is a robust nitro- is popularly made from chickpea
gen-fixer and a great source of en- and is best made with other garden
ergy, boosting overall heart health. veggies such as peppers.
Pest Management: Growing Tips:

If the cover crop isn’t maintained Garbanzo bean cover crops are a
properly, the most common type nice medium in terms of tempera-
of insect that can invade garbanzo ture conditions, tolerating a light
beans are either corn earworms or spring frost, and also doing well in
native budworms. the heat during its blooming phase.
Germination will take 10 to 14
Erosion Control: days while thriving in full sun. You
Even though garbanzo bean isn’t can terminate by cutting back the
ideal for reducing wind and erosion stems, leaving the base of the plant
due to its lighter residue, this cover to till back into the soil. These
crop helps replenish the soil and plants are known to have an inde-
works well as a rotational crop with terminable growth habit and will
wheat or flax. continue to bloom until the frost.
Methods of Use: Seeding Rate: ~ 80-95 lbs per

You can harvest the green pods 1000 sq. ft
Hairy Vetch
Vicia villosa
Biennial
Overview:
Hairy vetch is a cool season biennial legume native to western Asia and
much of Europe. These gorgeous trailing plants have been commonly
cultivated as forage with long-reaching stems that can grow up to 5-feet
long, yet growing at a slower rate during the fall.
Beneficial Nutrients: Erosion Control:

Hairy vetch is often grown as The long vines produced by the
a cover crop in the fall to be flowering hairy vetch help keep
mulched back into the soil in the soil healthy, free of weeds,
the spring as an organic green and always rich in nitrogen. Hairy
manure. Not only can hairy vetch vetch can cover the ground with
be tilled into an organic biomass its broad, trailing growth and
dense in phosphorus and potas- long vines preventing weeds from
sium, but it is known to convert taking over and protecting the soil
more nitrogen back into the soil from seasonal water run-off and
than other legumes and cover erosion.
crop grains.
Methods of Use:
Pest Management: Plant common vetch alongside
The most common pests to feed hairy vetch plants as a rotational
on hairy vetch are insects in the crop, especially when working
alfalfa family such as cutworms, with untilled soil. Harvest hairy
pea aphids, and corn earworms. vetch once it has flowered, but
It is recommended to plant nem- before gone to seed.
atode-resistant crops such as
painted daisy, French marigold, Growing Tips:
or castor bean nearby in the gar- Hairy vetch seeds can be sown
den to ward off disease-carrying 30-45 days before final frost in
pests and leafhoppers. either early spring for a summer
harvest or in early autumn for a
winter mulching. As a cover crop,
hairy vetch is intended to grow in
poor, depleted soils and can grow
in a wide range of climates and
conditions. Broadcast hairy vetch
directly and lightly tamp.
Seeding Rate: ~ 1-2 pounds of

seeds for every 1,000 square ft.
Lentils
Lens culinaris
Annual
Overview:
Lentils make for a terrific cover crop because of its nitrogen fixing ability
and it’s spreading habit. Usually, lentils are a companion cover crop,
planted in front of grains. The lentil plant leaf structure makes a great
ground cover while letting light through to allow grains to grow strong
and healthy. Heat resistant and frost tolerant also make it an ideal fall
cover crop.

Along with nitrogen-fixing, lentil Lentils ideal germination tem-
cover crops produce loads of perature is 68°F, so if planting as
biomass that also return nitrogen a fall or a spring cover crop along
and other nutrients back to the with grains, timing is crucial. Af-
soil. ter the seed has been inoculated,
broadcast a couple weeks a head
Pest Management: of grains. Mow down grain and
Susceptible to cutworms and lentils altogether when the time
powdery mildew. is right.
Erosion Control: Seeding Rate: ~ 2 lbs per 1000

Because of the lentil’s spreading sq. ft.
habit and deep roots, it protects
soil from getting blown or washed
away by wind or water erosion.
Keeps grain seeds protected while
they germinate.
Methods of Use:
Plant a few weeks ahead of grain
seed cover crop.
Mustard
Brassica juncea
Perennial Brassica
Overview:
Mustard is an upright perennial in the brassica family. It is an ideal cov-
er crop to break down contents and return organic matter back into the
soil. This spicy plant provides biofumigation and its seeds can be ground
up to make homemade mustard. This plant is ideally sown in late sum-
mer to early fall. Mustard is generally cold-hardy for the first light frost in
late fall but will die back in the winter unless in warmer winter zones.
Beneficial Nutrients: up soil compaction and reduces

The mustard plant is a strong bio- water runoff.
mass producer, returning plentiful
amounts of nitrogen to the top Methods of Use:
layer of the soil. Mustards, in gen- Mustard is often incorporated into
eral, have a thick taproot growing vegetable rotations because of a
between 2 to 6 feet deep. A terrific natural insect-repelling chemical
weed suppressor, due to such a called glucosinolate. The natural
complex root system. pesticide only works when the cov-
er crop is mowed down, rupturing
Pest Management: and releasing the chemical.
Mustard cover crops attract helpful
pollinators such as honey bees Growing Tips:
and butterflies. As far as pests go, Mustard can be planted in ear-
mustard is a natural insect repel- ly spring, if your region has mild
lent and is especially tolerant in its winters. Generally, late summer
ability to kill off unwanted pests to fall is the ideal season to start
that may try to lay eggs. sowing mustard and will produce
more as a cover crop. Sow in early
Erosion Control: August for fall harvest. Mustard
Mustard suppresses weeds and is fairly quick to germinate with
provides protection against erosion. warm enough soil and can sprout
Mustard also suppresses soil borne in 4 to 5 days. Termination should
diseases and gives nitrogen back be 40 to 45 days after seeding by
to the soil acting as an ideal green low-mowing the crop and incorpo-
manure. The long taproot breaks rating the leafy biomass into the
soil. If mustard is in a zone that
has colder winters, it won’t overwin-
ter. Termination is ideally 6 weeks
before the first frost, or after the
mustard flowers, but before it goes
to seed.
Seeding Rate: ~ 15 -20 lbs/Acre

or 8 oz per 1000 sq f
Oat
Avena sativa
Annual Cereal Grain
Overview:
Oat is a cool weather crop that can withstand light frost but will die back
in the winter or at temperatures below 5 to 10°F. This plant is an upright
annual cereal grass that thrives in moderate to cooler temperatures with
moist soil. Oats have fibrous roots and can be sown earlier in the spring
than many other annuals, allowing this plant to collect and reuse an
abundance of soil nitrates in a short amount of time.
Beneficial Nutrients: of is a crown rust. A way to avoid

Oats grown as cover crops are ideal this issue, is to sow a variety of
for controlling weeds, and soften- oat seeds that are resilient and
ing your soil as it also draws in fresh. You can also allow them to
substantial amounts of nitrogen establish earlier in the season in
through its fibrous root system. order to manage and protect the
These plants are also generous plants from their more vulnerable
crops in that they provide the ex- stage.
cess nitrogen to other companion
legumes that may need the extra Erosion Control:
boost. Oat cover crops are effective soil
protectants that also minimize
Pest Management: erosion.
As oat cover crops help suppress
pests, the most common type of Methods of Use:
disease that you want to be aware Oat seeds are sown in the spring
of is a crown rust. A way to avoid as a companion cover crop that
this issue, is to sow a variety of oat benefits legumes and boosts
seeds that are resilient and fresh. their nutrients, such as winter
You can also allow them to estab- peas. Oat cover crops have been
lish earlier in the season in order planted as winterlong covers
to manage and protect the plants that you could let stand and die
from their more vulnerable stage. off without termination. These
As oat cover crops help suppress plants also make an ideal cov-
pests, the most common type of er crop for suppressing weeds.
disease that you want to be aware When it comes time to harvest,
some gardeners let their oat stand and
die back themselves. This way, the
plants can become a low-maintenance
soil cover that will continue to decom-
pose throughout winter and provide
fertile ground for your spring planting.
However, be aware of how some viable
seeds could be left to germinate next
season. To avoid this, you can harvest
the mature crops through a low-mow
method, or by using a no-till roller
crimper.
Growing Tips:
Sow oat seeds in either fall for an early
autumn harvest, or in the spring for a
late summer harvest. It is recommend-
ed to sow 6 to 10 weeks before your re-
gion’s final frost, as oats are frost hardy
and can withstand cold temperatures
as low as 5-10°F. Germination will take
3 weeks as oat plants are quicker to
sprout. These plants prefer moist, well-
drained soil and require more watering
than other grains, growing up to 4 feet
tall and maturing around 60 days. If
you decide to terminate as your har-
vesting method, you can use a non-till-
ing method such as adding an herbi-
cide that’s compatible with the type of
crop you want to plant next.
Seeding Rate: ~ 30-100lbs/Acre or

0.0007-0.0023 sq. ft
Austrian Field Pea
Pisum sativum
Annual Legume
Overview:
Austrian field pea is an annual vine winter legume often referred to as
“winter or black pea.” As one of the oldest domesticated crops, this plant
has a hollow, shallow stem, prefers temperate climates and is frost tol-
erant down to 10°F. These plants are in the bean and pea family and are
sensitive to the heat. These types of pea plants are known to be an ideal
crop for fixing high amounts of nitrogen. To gain the most health benefits
from Austrian field pea crops, plant in winter so you can add an abun-
dance of nitrogen and organic matter back into the soil.
Austrian field pea has been used traditionally for human consumption,
livestock forage, and is popular as a protein supplement in vegetarian
diets.

It’s often grown to specifically Austrian field pea has a root sys-
replenish nitrogen, as Austrian tem that contains the protective
field peas are noted for their strong bacteria, nodules. This field pea
ability to draw large amounts from also acts as a ground cover pro-
the air. The blossoms of these viding erosion control throughout
plants will also provide an extended winter.
source of nectar for honeybees.
Methods of Use:
Pest Management: Austrian field pea isn’t ideal for
These plants help reduce crop controlling weeds long term, but
diseases such as leaf fungus. can boost nitrogen back into
However, Austrian field pea as a your soil and prepare a healthy
cover crop is susceptible to some environment quickly for your
diseases such as hosting nema- next crop. The nitrogen will be at
todes. It’s recommended to rotate its peak once Austrian field pea
crops and not to grow these same is in full bloom. Once this has
plants in concurrent years in order occurred in 80 to 90 days from
to avoid certain pathogens. Instead, sowing date, harvest and termi-
Austrian field pea can be sown with nate by using a low-mow method
cereal rye plants as a companion. to control the vines, while the in-
tegrated plants will provide a green ma-
nure for your soil. You can also harvest
for forage such as hay. This will help in-
crease the fertility of your vegetables for
the next crop due to the high levels of
nitrogen that these plants put back into
the soil. Austrian field peas also make
a good winter crop companion to sweet
corn and should be planted before.
Growing Tips:
Sow Austrian field pea in late summer
from August to September for a fall
harvest, or in early spring as a summer
annual. However, it’s recommended
to plant as a winter crop because of
its susceptibility to matting, becoming
slimy, and not easily terminating in the
springtime. The growth of Austrian field
pea seeds will decrease and plants will
blast if left in temperatures higher than
85°F. Germination will occur in 10 to
14 days. Austrian field pea requires full
sun with regular light watering, as these
plants don’t like being left in soil that’s
too wet. It’s also recommended to termi-
nate through a low-mow or plow meth-
od, rather than let them stand through-
out winter. These vine-like legumes
thrive in cold temperatures, but will die
back in the winter.
Seeding Rate: ~ 7-8 lb per 1000 sq. ft
Dun Pea
Pisum sativum subsp. arvense
Annual Legume
Overview:
Dun Peas are the most common type of field pea grown in Western
Austria and the most hearty among the pea plants. They are a trailing
annual vegetable and cool season crop that have a stronger ability to
provide weed control in the pea plant family. In North America, Dun peas
are grown in the Pacific Northwest and more recently in the Great Plains.
These plants contain high amounts of protein and have fundamental
amino acids such as lysine. The different field pea types are often distin-
guished by their differing seed coats, colors and sizes. Dun pea seeds are
greenish brown with yellow cotyledons and are sometimes dimpled.
Beneficial Nutrients: control than others. To help avoid

This plant is rich in amino acids insects from invading, keep the
and carbohydrates. Historically, soil for Dun pea plants moist, but
the original growth of Dun pea not too wet. Water consistently as
crop was substandard for human the plants’ vines start to flower
consumption, but the plants made and pods form.
suitable forage for livestock. Now,
Dun pea plants as cover crops are Erosion Control:
better able to succeed because of Dun pea cover crops defend the
various conditions and harvesting soil from erosion and replenishes
methods. Dun peas also make a with nitrogen fixation.
great protein substitute and can be
added to salads as a fresh garnish. Methods of Use:
Dun pea plants make a great
Pest Management: green manure crop and are often
Dun pea cover crops are known to rotated and grown alongside
help break up or resist certain soil- cereal crops, as pea plants help
borne pathogens that cause plants increase the concentration of pro-
to suffer from disease. While pea tein overall. Dun pea plants grow
plants in general aren’t the stron- best in mid-to-cooler tempera-
gest of cover crops to resist weeds, tures ranging from 50 to 70°F.
depending on your location, Dun Water regularly during the plants’
pea plants can provide better weed growth and slightly more during
its blooming phase. In the summer-
time, it’s recommended to water
early before the temperatures rise.
These plants grow best in full sun
but can stand partial shade. If it
gets too hot, the buds will drop and
seeds will reduce.
Growing Tips:
Sow Dun pea in early spring or once
the soil is at least 40°F. In zones 6
and above, you can sow seeds in the
spring. In zones 5 and below, sow
Dun pea in late summer to early fall.
In cooler regions, germination can
take 20 to 30 days, but in warm-
er environments, these plants can
sprout in 7 to 14 days. These plants
flower later on, which makes Dun
peas an ideal cover crop for sowing
early. Dun Pea plants can reach 2 to
4 feet tall, but grow more as a trail-
ing vine. These plants can grow in
a variety of soils, but won’t do well
with acidic soil. Dun pea also won’t
thrive if the plants are grown under
irrigation, as the excessive water
will make the crop more suscepti-
ble to disease. For termination, 60
days from the sowing date is when
you can use a low-mow method or
by using a herbicide. Terminate in
order to better incorporate the pea
plants into the soil for nitrogen and
carbon crop benefits.
Seeding Rate: ~ 4 lbs per sq. ft
Yellow Pea
Lathyrus aphaca
Annual Legume
Overview:
Yellow pea is a cold hardy annual legume and often thought of as a “de-
fense crop”. Yellow pea provides substantial plant health for the following
crops that are sown after and are easy to grow. Yellow pea plants have a
shallow root system and replenish an average of 100 lbs of nitrogen per
cover crop.
Beneficial Nutrients: crops are known to make a ben-

Yellow pea plants not only fix high eficial rotational crop during the
amounts of nitrogen, but they also fall sowing season in replacement
accelerate the amount of microor- of wheat plants. These plants also
ganisms in the soil. Yellow peas are contain high amounts of protein
particularly rich in iron and mag- and a balanced diet for livestock.
nesium while also being attractive
to important pollinators. Growing Tips:
Sow yellow pea in early spring
Pest Management: from mid-March to April for a
Younger pea plants are susceptible July-August harvest, or 3 weeks
to being eaten by birds. To avoid after the last frost. In regions
this issue, lay down netting after with less harsh winters, you can
pea seeds are sown to keep birds sow yellow peas in late summer
and mice from invading the crop. to early fall for a winter harvest.
Germination will take up to 30
Erosion Control: days in cooler regions and 14
The extensive root systems of days in warmer. It’s recommend-
yellow pea perform very well at ed to trellis to help support the
protecting soil. trailing growth of yellow peas and
to decrease weed growth. Yellow
Methods of Use: pea plants prefer moist soil that
Pea is relatively quick to grow and isn’t too wet and don’t do well
harvest, especially in comparison with fertilizer. Harvest yellow peas
to other legumes that take longer for fresh use once the crop is in
such as soybeans. Yellow pea cover full bloom around 60 to 70 days
from sowing. It’s also suggested when
growing yellow peas to include an
inoculant in the soil before planting.
When it comes time to terminate,
herbicides such as Gramaxone are
often used.
Seeding Rate: ~ 3 - 4 lbs per 1000

sq. ft
Daikon Radish
Raphanus sativus var. longipinnatus
Annual Legume
Overview:
Daikon radish is an upright annual root legume and cool season crop.
These root crops have become more popular as a cover crop within the
last decade because of their ability to protect the soil from weeds, while
adding nutrients back to the soil. Recent studies show how daikon’s
hardy and solid roots are able to provide deep channels in the soil that
enrich neighboring and subsequent crops. Daikon radish is considered
a winter radish and should be sown in the late summer to allow leafy
crowns to fully grow.
Beneficial Nutrients: cross pollination.

Daikon radish plants have high
levels of vitamin C and enzymes. Erosion Control:
In general, radish plants’ roots act Daikon radish cover crops are
as water channels that freeze over known to suppress weeds during
winter, which is how they earned the growing seasons because of
the nickname “tillage radish”. Dai- their large leaves which protect
kon radish roots can grow a little the ground. These plants also are
over 1 foot long. These secure roots able to help control erosion, as
dig deep and soften the soil, while their long root systems are able to
increasing the quality of water for oxygenate the soil.
companion crops. Daikon radish
are over-wintering plants that ter- Methods of Use:
minate easily. Daikon radish is particularly
nutrient-rich when it comes to a
Pest Management: highly effective living mulch that
As radish plants are known to be protects the ground. This is due
vulnerable to certain pests such as to their lengthy roots acting as
aphids, cutworms or flea beetles, recycling systems that can reuse
it’s recommended to use fabric nitrogen from the previous year
rows and rotate your radish crops and also create ideal soil drain-
so you can avoid these pest issues. age. Daikon radish is also a very
Daikon radish plants are also popular microgreens cultivar.
insect pollinated and are ripe for
Growing Tips:
Sow daikon radish seeds 6 weeks
before your region’s first frost in either
August or September. It’s recommend-
ed to plant daikon radish a little ear-
lier than your typical over-wintering
crop, so you can allow its large leaves
to establish and the roots to grow.
Germination can happen as early as 3
to 6 days in warmer temperatures that
are at least 60°F and up to 1 month in
cooler regions. Daikon radish plants
can grow up to 2 feet tall and should
be terminated by either a low-mow
method or herbicide before the plants
fully bloom in order to prevent seed
regrowth. You can terminate the crop
or harvest the daikon radish to eat
around 60 to 70 days from the sowing
date.
Seeding Rate: ~ 2 - 4 lb per 1000

sq. ft
Winter Rye
Secale cereale
Perennial Cereal Grain
Overview:
Winter rye is an upright perennial and robust cereal grain that prefers
cooler seasons with deep roots. It’s different from other ryegrass, as win-
ter rye is a type of grain. This plant is a variety of grain that has similar
growing requirements as winter wheat, but grows well in substandard
soil conditions and is more cold-tolerant than wheat.
Beneficial Nutrients: Methods of Use:

Winter rye as a cover crop is also Winter rye is more drought-tol-
an excellent provider of nitrogen erant than other cereals and can
through organic matter to boost act as a mulch by providing the
soil health. These plants are also option of leaving biomass on top
known to break up soils heavy with of the soil when it comes time for
clay to prevent compaction. termination. However, because
winter rye is a hardy perennial, it
Pest Management: has the potential to grow back if
Winter rye grows quickly and tall the crop isn’t terminated during
enough to act as a wind protectant the proper time. To avoid this, be
for surrounding plants, while sure to look for flowering on the
minimizing pest infestation. When plants and terminate once this
winter rye is grown in the fall as a occurs.
cover crop, they help reduce soil-
borne diseases. Growing Tips:
Plant winter rye seed in either
Erosion Control: early fall before winter tempera-
Due to winter rye’s ability to slow tures set in or in spring once the
down the germination process of soil is workable. As a cold-hardy
surrounding plants, also known cover crop, winter rye does well
as “allelopathy”, it provides strong in substandard soil conditions.
defense against weed growth. Win- These plants can germinate as
ter rye plants also grow a deep root early as 10 days. In general,
system that helps loosen up the grains grow best in a sunny area.
soil and control erosion. As winter rye is more drought
tolerant, you can lightly water as
the seedlings sprout and mature. All
grains are typically harvested with a
scythe. You can use larger shears to
cut and trim back the stalks. You can
also terminate by using a herbicide
or through a mowing method. It’s
recommended that specifically with
winter rye cover crops, you use a low-
mow method and proceed by using a
garden tiller to efficiently turn over the
soil.
Seeding Rate: ~ 2–4 lb per 1000 sq.

ft
Soybean
Glycine max L. Merr
Annual Legume
Overview:
Soybean is a warm season annual legume in the pea family. Out of all
the legumes, soybean plants contain the highest amount of protein.
These bushy plants originate in East Asia and serve many uses in culi-
nary traditions such as tofu and soy sauce. Soybean is also an ingredient
in several non-consumable items, like crayons or ink.
Beneficial Nutrients: ion crops. Soybean also makes

Soybean is one of the most popular healthy forage for livestock.
meat replacements as it contains
68 grams of protein per cup. These Growing Tips:
plants also have essential minerals Sow soybean 2 to 3 weeks after
such as phosphorus and manga- final spring frost or once the soil
nese. has reached warmer conditions
of 60°. Plant soybean seeds in
Pest Management: narrow rows and in full sun.
Since soybean has a low risk for Germination will occur in 2
soil-borne pathogens or pest inva- days, but may emerge in a week.
sion, it’s not recommended to use These plants prefer loamy soil
any pesticides. and, growing fast in the heat,
will require 2½” of water per
Erosion Control: week throughout the season.
Soybean is a strong soil-protectant These plants can tolerate poor
plant that reduces water and wind soil and partial shade. Soybean
erosion. cover crops will be ready for fresh
harvest in 40 to 60 days from the
Methods of Use: sown date or once the pods are
Soybean cover crops are best used plump are bright-green. For ter-
to suppress weed growth, improve mination, you can use a low-till
soil health, and nitrogen replen- or mowing method to incorporate
ishment. These plants are known the soybean residue back into the
to be a conservation cover crop in soil.
regards to how soybean assists in
nitrogen-fixation for other compan- Seeding Rate: ~ 2–4 lb per 1000
sq. ft
Triticale
×Triticosecale
Perennial & Annual Cereal Grass
Overview:
Triticale is a perfect hybrid of wheat (triticum) and rye (secale), a cool
season cover crop that acts similarly to cereal rye plants that are often
grown alongside other annual rye grass crops to increase shared nutri-
ents and forage benefits.
Beneficial Nutrients: Triticale contains a high amount

Triticale planted as a cover crop of lysine and therefore can be
provides ideal soil tilth, controls used as a protein replacement
soil erosion, and helps with weed often for livestock.
suppression. As triticale is mixed
with wheat, these plants contain Growing Tips:
sufficient amounts of protein and Plant triticale seeds in either
types of vitamin B. These plants late summer or early fall before
provide 50% more fiber content freezing conditions or a couple
than wheat and are suggested to of weeks before your region’s
help balance blood sugar levels. recommended wheat sowing date.
Germination can take 2 weeks.
Pest Management: These plants prefer well-drained
Triticale is heavily resistant to soil with a pH around 5.5-6.0.
pests. Triticale is also similar to It’s common to harvest triticale
other grains in breaking up clay for forage before termination, as
soil and suppressing weeds. these plants can die back during
winter and regrow in the spring.
Erosion Control: Triticale plants can grow up to
With triticale’s fibrous root system, 3 to 5 feet tall. Once you see the
this hybrid cultivar is able to lend seeds of plants’ heads begin to
effective protection against soil ero- emerge, terminate the triticale
sion. The deep roots of these plants cover crop by cutting them back
also increase nitrogen scavenging or through a low-mow method.
and provide nutrients for the next
crop. Seeding Rate: ~ 2–4 lb per 1000
sq. ft
Methods of Use:
Hard Red Spring Wheat
Triticum aestivum
Annual Cereal Grain
Overview:
Hard red spring wheat is an upright annual cereal grain that has the po-
tential with the right climate to overwinter as a cool season winter annu-
al. As a member of the wheat family, these plants also have a fibrous and
deep root system which helps with soil erosion. Hard red spring wheat
and winter wheat cover crops have both been noted to be beneficial espe-
cially in the Pacific Northwest region, because of their low-mow to no-till
termination methods as environmental options.
Beneficial Nutrients: wheat cover crops as a spring or

Hard red spring wheat cover crops summer annual, but in the right
are noted for their ability to mini- conditions, hard red wheat as a
mize weed invasion, boost organic spring cover crop is particularly
matter in the soil and break up beneficial when it comes to weed
compaction. suppression and when they’re
sown in with a legume crop. Al-
Pest Management: though, spring wheat cover crops
When hard red spring wheat is will provide slightly less nutrition
grown as a cover crop, pests and overall. These plants are often
disease aren’t likely to become a grown in the spring if the crop
problem. was less successful in overwin-
tering or to help control weeds
Erosion Control: alongside a companion crop.
Hard red spring wheat as a cover
crop helps control soil erosion, as Growing Tips:
its vast root systems sustain the Plant spring wheat in early spring
soil. to keep the plants from growing
in too warm of conditions and
Methods of Use: to allow the root system to fully
Both winter and spring wheat va- establish. The germination period
rieties that are “hard red” are used for wheat can sprout in 30 days,
most for baking and can be sown but typically will take 4 weeks
as either a cool or warm season and will need to be watered 1”
crop. It’s less common to plant per week. Spring wheat is simple
when it comes to termination of
the crop with a compatible herbicide
as an ideal option. You can also use
a low-mow method in late summer,
but it’s recommended to use no-till
methods, as spring wheat leaves
little residue behind and puts nutri-
ents back into the soil.
Seeding Rate: ~ 2–4 lb per 1000

sq. ft
Hard Red Winter Wheat
Triticum aestivum
Annual Cereal Grain
Overview:
Hard red winter wheat is an upright annual cereal grain. Winter wheat
should be planted in August to September in order to allow the plants’
longer germination period to occur while the soil is still workable. This
plant is strong when it comes to weed suppression and grows ideally as
an early fall cover crop that overwinters.

Hard red winter wheat is a suffi- With winter wheat’s fibrous root
cient nitrogen-fixing cover crop that system, these grains do well at
provides straw and fertile soil tilth. controlling soil erosion.
This plant also helps balance and
boost the cycling of phosphorus Methods of Use:
and potassium. Hard red winter wheat is able to
control weed growth by protect-
Pest Management: ing the soil. Before sowing winter
Hard red winter wheat plants are wheat seeds, consider placing
unique in that they are able to go a thin layer of straw over soil to
dormant during the winter. This help retain moisture and defend
allows for winter wheat cover crops against birds. These plants are
to not be too susceptible to pests, also known to be a strong crop
as well as being noted for their companion to other legumes,
weed-suppressing abilities and such as potatoes by helping
disease resistance. However, it’s suppress the weeds that can take
recommended to check the Hessian over vegetable crops.
fly-free date for your region before
planting winter wheat, as sowing Growing Tips:
the crop too early in the summer- The majority of grains are a
to-fall season could make the cover cool-season crop, such as hard
crop vulnerable to catching crown red winter wheat plants. Plant
disease due to fly invasion. Always hard red winter wheat seeds
check your region’s dates to know in early fall and harvest in late
when it should be safer to plant spring to early summer the fol-
your crop. lowing year. Winter wheat is able
to overwinter in zones 3 to 7. Winter
wheat should be sown early enough
in either August or September to
allow its longer germination period
which can take up to 4 weeks. In
zones 8 and warmer, sow seeds in
late fall. It’s recommended to use a
seed-spreader in order to evenly dis-
tribute for ideal growth. Keep these
plants moist until the seeds sprout.
Winter wheat will require less water
than warm-season grain crops and
is noted to yield more wheat. You
can use a scythe to harvest for grain
or terminate the crop by using a
plowing, or disking method before
the seeds mature.
Seeding Rate: ~ 2–4 lb per 1000

sq. ft
Cover Crop
Mixes
Garden Cover Crop Mix
Overview:
All of these elements of soil health were considered in compiling this
carefully chosen cover crop seed blend. This cover crop seed blend is
great for either fall or spring. Recommended to till the plants in before
they bear seeds.

There are four legumes to set Use a broadcaster to sow seeds
nitrogen in the soil, three hardy after the ground has been diced.
grains for rapid cover and biomass, Water heavily on the sow date
a deep-rooted radish to help break and pay close attention to soil
up and aerate the soil, and a great moisture. Cut down or till under
collard for forage and additional a minimum or 3 to 4 weeks before
biomass. planting your garden, so the bio-
mass can begin to decompose and
Pest Management: provide its benefits to the soil.
One yellow mustard variety and
one radish variety provide the natu- Seeding Rate: ~ 2–4 lb per
ral biofumigation properties notable 1000 sq. ft
to that species.
Erosion Control:
The grains in the mix provide excel-
lent weed suppression along with
the ability to break-up clay soils.
The daikon radish variety also
helps to ward of harmful insects
Methods of Use:
Grown in garden beds, raised beds,
and even large containers. Intended
for small-scale to large-scale use.
Inoculation Instructions
Legume cover crops have a tight relationship with rhizobia
bacteria, a common soil bacterium that aids in converting nitrogen from
the air into a consumable form. Rhizobia forms nodules on the roots of
the legume plant that expedite the transfer of nitrogen from the air to
the soil. Although rhizobia are present in soils, the low numbers make it
insufficient for nitrogen fixing.
To get the most nitrogen-fixing out of your legume crop, you will
need to pre inoculate your seeds. We prefer to inoculate seeds using a
powder inoculant. The process is super easy and should be planted with-
in 12 hours of the inoculation process.
Below is a chart laying out the amount of inoculant and water
needed for a certain amount of seed:
Inoculate Your Legume Seeds

in 4 Easy Steps
Pour the desired amount of legume seed as shown in the chart

above in a large mixer, bucket, or container
Pour the said amount of water into the mixer and mix to moisten
seeds so inoculate can stick to seeds.
Pour the amount of inoculate needed into the container and mix
thoroughly.
Plant seeds within 12 hours before the inoculation wears off.
WE BELIEVE EVERYONE
SHOULD EXPERIENCE
THE
JOY OF GROWING
At TRUELEAFMARKET.COM,
it is easy to find everything you
are looking for to start growing
today. With an easy-to-use web-
site, discover thousands of vari-
eties of garden seeds and growing
supplies to grow this season and
seasons to come!
Notes
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Notes

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TRUELEAFMARKET.

Cover crops are seeds that are planted en

Evidence of cover crop use can be found in

These examples throughout history and

In traditional agriculture, the practice of grow-

Legumes: Alfalfa, Clover, Chickpea (Garban-

Plants in the Fabaceae family, legumes are the

Grains and Grasses: Wheat, Rye, Barley, and

Grain cover crops are great protectors of soil

Brassicas: Radish, Mustard

Includes both legumes and brassicas. Broad-

Cover Crop Mixes

Often, different varieties of seed are combined

None of the varieties above are specific to

Spring vs. Fall:

Spring Cover Crops are often planted in the

Fall Cover Crops are planted when summer

You don’t need to have a huge plot to benefit

Provides Nitrogen and Other Nutrients to

Plant Diversity and Adaptability

Keeps Soil Active in Off-Seasons

Attracts Beneficial Pollinators

2. Before determining what seeds you’ll plant,

3. Now comes the time to dig into the individ-

4. Now comes time to sow and grow the seeds.

Many opt for a no-till method, while others

When tilling, the idea is to get the organic

We hope that now you have the confidence and

Beneficial Nutrients: Growing Tips:

Beneficial Nutrients: enough alkaline levels and isn’t

Seeding Rate: ~.5 lbs/1000 sq ft

Beneficial Nutrients: Growing Tips:

Beneficial Nutrients: mer to early fall then dies back

Beneficial Nutrients: As a winter annual, plant by Sep-

Beneficial Nutrients: mulches to fortify your garden.

Methods of Use: Seeding Rate: ~ 2–4 lb per 1000

Beneficial Nutrients: and eat them fresh like snap beans.

Pest Management: Growing Tips:

Methods of Use: Seeding Rate: ~ 80-95 lbs per

Beneficial Nutrients: Erosion Control:

Seeding Rate: ~ 1-2 pounds of

Beneficial Nutrients: Growing Tips:

Erosion Control: Seeding Rate: ~ 2 lbs per 1000

Beneficial Nutrients: up soil compaction and reduces

Seeding Rate: ~ 15 -20 lbs/Acre

Beneficial Nutrients: of is a crown rust. A way to avoid

Seeding Rate: ~ 30-100lbs/Acre or

Beneficial Nutrients: Erosion Control:

Seeding Rate: ~ 7-8 lb per 1000 sq. ft

Beneficial Nutrients: control than others. To help avoid

Seeding Rate: ~ 4 lbs per sq. ft

Beneficial Nutrients: crops are known to make a ben-

Seeding Rate: ~ 3 - 4 lbs per 1000

Beneficial Nutrients: cross pollination.

Seeding Rate: ~ 2 - 4 lb per 1000

Beneficial Nutrients: Methods of Use:

Seeding Rate: ~ 2–4 lb per 1000 sq.

Beneficial Nutrients: ion crops. Soybean also makes