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Brooklyn Corner, Nova Scotia

I realize this goes against conventional wisdom, but, I wonder if there is a benefit to planting a cover crop like winter rye early to mid March then till in mid May. The weather here is all over the place. Mostly moderate but today is -11 degrees, Wednesday and Thursday are supposed to be +10. I think it would grow well enough but would it be worth my while.

1/9/2017 2:46:18 PM

aurora, IL

It will help to increase the organic matter % in your soil, but if it is not warm enough like around 40 degrees the seeds will not sprout.

1/9/2017 5:11:31 PM

aurora, IL

Also, it could help to break up the subsoil with its long roots.

1/9/2017 5:13:30 PM

BC, Canada

Why not? The worst that can happen is you spend a few dollars on seeds. Can't believe you are getting +10 in Jan.
Any organic matter and growth helps improve soil. It is worth while for what it does for the microbes in the soil as much as anything. Cover crops have numerous advantages. Too many for me to try and list here. There is great info on line. Try the SARE info, Many cover crop species will germinate at just a few degrees above freezing. You may not get ideal or late spring type of growth, but you'll get something. Unless you are dealing with a large area it isn't that much work or expense. I go heavy cover crops year round when beds are not in production and do very little heavy tilling anymore. Old and lazy I guess but it sure works. And when you do make sure and do a mix of species, as many as you can get your hands on. Wheat, rye, oats, peas, clovers, brassiness (rape, mustard), allysum, calendula etc etc. They all work together. You can cover with some poly or such for a few days to increase soil temps and promote sprouting.
Good luck

1/10/2017 1:53:26 AM

BC, Canada

stupid spell check
that was supposed to be "brassicas"

1/10/2017 1:55:15 AM

Brooklyn Corner, Nova Scotia

Thanks, I'm going to give it a try.

1/10/2017 7:17:53 AM