Cover Crop

Hey everyone I am really curious if it sounds like a good idea to do a cover crop?
Has anyone done it and gotten good results? it sounds like a good way to give
some fertility to the soil if your looking for a organic way to do it. let me hear what
you guys think of it.

SERIOUSLY THOUGH i want to hear about first hand accounts!

the only benefit i no for covering is to prevent mold and prevent frost damage

plant the local nitrofixing cover crop from your local nusery most of them carry it so you stay away from invasives

Yes there is nothing like the other grass to build up the soil. I wouldn't just plant something like hairy vetch though, get a mixture with winter rye. You'll have to till it under in the spring though. It's actually nice to see winter rye in the winter growing beneath the snow as if in a greenhouse. I still need to order some. I'm not too worried about the late start though because I plan on keeping a green house this winter and letting the cover crops get a good start and some early root development in the spring. Nitrogen is not the only key you need vast amounts of organic matter in the soil to help whatever you're growing do well. Hard clay soils inhibit all but the hardiest of weeds. To get back on the track of temps...winter rye is very hardy and starts to grow at 40 degrees. 40 degrees in my experience is a magical temperature number. So many of the earliest greens of spring spring to life at this temperature. MJ I doubt is much different. When the temps go below 40 it just has to take a nap.

When I hear cover crop, I think from the air. Papayas are awesome.

great info tripper thanks again!

You're welcome Green Please. Every area is different though. Check with a farm in your area too. They would definitely know which cover crops grow best in your area. Whatever you plant don't let it go to seed. Then it'll regenerate. I think before a cover crop is planted you want to work the soil and add things like peat moss, cow manure etc. Fall is the best time for soil preparation. If you can get a nice well drained soil ready in the fall that means it is easier to work in the spring. I'm not familiar with N Ca. climate. It doesn't really matter if your ground freezes like mine soil with lots of organic matter can be worked faster. If winter brings rains and soil is wet in the spring then soil with lots of organic matter can be worked sooner. You don't want to work wet soil ever. The other benefit of a cover crop is you protect the soil from soil erosion. To really till it under you might have to rent a rototiller. I use a mattock but if you're not used to that sort of work(who is in the spring)it can be quite laborious. I personally love tiling by hand. Great exercise. I recommend Warwood mattocks, the best.