FALL COVER CROP MIX

Sowing cover crops in the garden and on the field brings undeniable benefits to exhausted lands and positively affects the yield of all crops they are used for. Cover crops or green manure are as valuable in effectiveness as traditional organic matter (manure, bird droppings, compost, peat, humus, etc.).

Advantages of cover crops:

• Increase in soil fertility for all types of soils;

• Restoration of the balance of mineral salts;

• Structuring of heavy clay soils;

• Prevention of erosion of the fertile soil layer;

• Suppression of weed growth;

• Creation of favorable conditions for the life of earthworms and beneficial soil microflora;

• Soil disinfection, purification from pests and parasites;

• Elimination of the need for organic and mineral fertilizers;

• Increase in fertility and yield of fruit trees, berry bushes, vegetables, and berries.

Experienced gardeners immediately after harvesting potatoes, garlic, onions, early cabbage, radishes, and cucumbers collect plant residues and start sowing cover crops. To do this, it is enough to dig over the bed to the depth of a spade's bayonet, scatter the seeds of the fall cover crop mix, and rake them in. In the absence of rain, it is recommended to moisten the sowing using the sprinkling method.

Harvesting the cover crop mix:

Two months after sowing, large cover crops should be mowed. The main rule is to plow under the plants before or at the onset of flowering. It is most convenient to use a trimmer for these purposes, which simultaneously chops the vegetative mass. Then, the bed should be dug over to a depth of about 30 cm, burying the greenery in the soil.

Another option is to leave the cover crops on the bed for the winter (we recommend this method more). This is advisable if the first snow falls early or in cases of late sowing (October-November). Such a natural "carpet" helps retain snow on the beds and prevents deep freezing of the soil.

During the cold period, the cover crop greenery will partially decompose. It is advisable to till the partially decomposed biomass in spring, and after a month, you can start planting.

The results of using cover crops are noted by almost all gardeners. The need for weeding of empty beds, which tend to become overgrown with weeds in autumn, is eliminated. The fertile soil layer is protected from erosion by autumn rains and weathering.

Composition:

Phacelia 10%

Alfalfa 10%

Mustard 20%

Radish 20%

Winter rye 40%