Protect & Fertilize Green Cover Crop Scatter Can - Renee's Garden

NOTE

Seed is packed with a larger quantity of organic rice hulls to help space seeds. Before opening, shake can thoroughly to mix together.

FORMULA MIX

Winter Rye, Hairy Vetch, Fava Bean, Rapeseed and Austrian Winter Peas.

Inert material: organic rice hulls.

WHEN TO PLANT

In Mild Winter Climates, where ground does not freeze hard, sow in late fall to over-winter for spring growth.

In Cold Winter Climates, where ground freezes hard, plant in fall for winter die back and then incorporate in spring, OR sow as early as possible in spring..

HOW TO PLANT AND GROW

Remove all weeds, grass and large stones from the planting area and break up soil clumps. Evenly loosen the top 2 inches of soil with a rake. Shake the can thoroughly before opening, then scatter contents evenly over the prepared ground, aiming for scattering the seeds 1 to 2 inches apart. Use a rake to cover the seed mixture with fine soil 1/4 to 1/2 inch deep. Lightly firm soil with the back of the rake and water thoroughly. Keep soil bed evenly moist while awaiting germination and while seedlings are small. Plants will grow and thrive best if watered regularly.

INCORPORATING YOUR COVER CROP

Method 1: When 5 to 6 inches tall, use a garden fork, shovel or rototiller to turn the cover crop into the ground to break down and enrich soil for planting. The breakdown process takes about a month.

Method 2: When cover crop is 1 foot tall, pull out the plants, shake off soil and then compost the plant material to incorporate it into the soil later, when it has turned into rich, finished compost. Timing depends how long your composting process takes.

Method 3: When cover crop reaches 1 to 1-1/2 feet tall, weed whack to chop it down. Cover the chopped material with black plastic to hasten decomposition, then turn the nutritious residue into the soil 2 to 3 weeks before sowing your garden crops.