Cover Crops

The Sunn Hemp is a legume that makes an excellent cover crop as it is great for nitrogen fixation and nematode resistance in the soil. This legume is a fast-growing legume that produces significant quantities of biomass and fixes nitrogen into the soil with a short rotation of 60 days under optimum conditions. Plant the Sunn Hemp at least 8 weeks before first frost. For maximum benefit terminate crop at first flowering, prior to developing fibrous, hard-to-manage stalks. This legume is tolerant of dry conditions. Avg. 15,000 seeds/lb. Uses: Compaction Control, Erosion Control, Green Manure, Nitrogen Fixation, Organic Matter (Biomass), Weed Suppression

The Elbon Rye is a grain that is the best choice for fast, cool-season germination that prevents erosion and builds organic matter in the soil! Plant this variety early to late fall; in mild climates fall through early spring. This grain captures soil nutrients in the fall to release in spring when worked into the soil. The Elbon Rye can reach up to 5 feet! Cereal Rye (Secale cereale L.): Cool season, grass, Annual or perennial, Upright plant growth, Crude protein: straw 4%, grain 14%, C:N ratio: 40-48, Self pollinator (wind) Uses: Erosion Control, Green Manure, Nitrogen Scavenger, No Till, Organic Matter (Biomass), Weed suppression

The Common Flax is a cool season annual broadleaf with small taproots and very small, narrow leaves that are less than an inch long. This variety's stems are branched near the base of the plant, with plants reaching 30 to 36 inches in height. The multiple stems or branches of a flax plant are slender and flexible, bearing attractive blue flowers. Flax has the same performance benefits of other grasses and grains, of quick germination and a highly fibrous root mass. Flax will take up excess N and other minerals, will winter kill and provide moderate to high amounts of organic matter back to the soil. Flax provides excellent mulch for protection of erosion and improving water permeation during the winter and spring. Flax (Linum usitatissimum): Cool season, broadleaf, Annual, Upright plant habit Uses: Bees & Beneficial Insects, Chicken Forage, Erosion Control, Green Manure, Nitrogen Savenger, No Till, Organic Matter (Biomass)

How to Plant:Till ground before planting. Then firm ground to make flat. Use a seed broadcaster to spread seed evenly over the ground. Next flatten ground again to secure seeds into soil.How to Plant:Till ground before planting. Then firm ground to make flat. Use a seed broadcaster to spread seed evenly over the ground. Next flatten ground again to secure seeds into soil.Seeding Rates:Sowing SeasonSeeding DepthSeeding Rate (1,000 Sq. Ft.)Seeding Rate (1 Acre)AmaranthSpring & Summer1/4 - 1/2"1 lb.15-25 lbs.BarleySpring & Summer3/4 - 2"2 lbs.75-125  lbs.BuckwheatSpring & Summer1/2 - 1 1/2"2-3  lbs.50-100 lbs.MilletSummer1/2 - 1"1/4 lb.6-10 lbs.OatsSpring & Summer1/2 - 1 1/2"4 lbs.100-150 lbs.Rye, WinterAnytime3/4 - 2"4 lbs.75-125 lbs.RyegrassAnytime0 - 1/2"1 lb.25-50 lbs.SudangrassSpring & Summer1/4 - 1/2"1-2 lbs.35-65 lbs.WheatSpring1/2 - 1 1/2"4 lbs75-150 lbs.Sowing SeasonSeeding DepthSeeding Rate (1,000 Sq. Ft.)Seeding Rate (1 Acre)AmaranthSpring & Summer1/4 - 1/2"1 lb.15-25 lbs.BarleySpring & Summer3/4 - 2"2 lbs.75-125  lbs.BuckwheatSpring & Summer1/2 - 1 1/2"2-3  lbs.50-100 lbs.MilletSummer1/2 - 1"1/4 lb.6-10 lbs.OatsSpring & Summer1/2 - 1 1/2"4 lbs.100-150 lbs.Rye, WinterAnytime3/4 - 2"4 lbs.75-125 lbs.RyegrassAnytime0 - 1/2"1 lb.25-50 lbs.SudangrassSpring & Summer1/4 - 1/2"1-2 lbs.35-65 lbs.WheatSpring1/2 - 1 1/2"4 lbs75-150 lbs.Cover Crop Calculator:Calculate the amount of cover crop neededCover Crop Calculator:Calculate the amount of cover crop needed1 Acre = 43,560 square feet, or 435'x100'Weight Conversion:1 Pound = 16 Ounces

The Winter Rye is a tall grain cover crop that can reach up to be 5 feet tall and prevents erosion and builds organic matter in the soil. This grain can be planted early to late fall and in mild climates, fall through early spring. This grain is the best choice for fast, cool-season germination. The Winter Rye captures soil nutrients in the fall to release in spring when worked into the soil. Uses: Erosion Control, Green Manure, Nitrogen Scavenger, No Till, Organic Matter (Biomass), Weed suppression

Great way to fix nitrogen and add organic matter to the soil! A great mix of grass and legume cover crops. Hairy Vetch works well for nitrogen fixation while Rye adds organic matter and protects the less hardy vetch from winter damage. If planted in fall it comes back early spring with heavy growth. Cut right after it flowers and spring and till into soil. (75% Winter Rye / 25% Hairy Vetch) Seed Coverage: - 5 lbs covers 2,000-4,000 sqaure feet - 100 lbs covers 1-2 acres Uses: Deer Attractant, Green Manure, Nitrogen Fixation, No Till, Organic Matter (Biomass), Weed Suppression

The Mammoth Red Clover is a large, fast growing clover that is an ideal grazing crop and can be sowed in spring, summer or fall! Mammoth Red is a popular biennial clover used for Nitrogen addition and hay crops. This red clover may be the best choice for frost seeding; it is extremely cold hardy and does well in most soils and growing conditions. The Mammoth Red Clover will fix up to 70-110 lbs. nitrogen per acre. This variety's long tap roots loosen soils and mine phosphorus and other nutrients from deep in the soil. Uses: Bees & Beneficial Insects, Chicken Forage, Compaction Control, Deer Attractant, Erosion Control, Forage, Green Manure, Nitrogen Fixation, No Till, Weed Suppression

Mississippi Purple (Brown Crowder) produces good yields and attractive pods. Produces less vine than other brown crowder varieties. The brown seeds are delicious and creamy. Also resistant to Fusarium, nematodes and many viruses. 24"H semi-erect with semi-compact foliage.

A multipurpose cover crop blend that is sowed in spring! A cover crop blend is great for nitrogen fixation, adding organic matter and weed suppression. This mix will quickly improve soil to maximize the benefits of cover crops for your garden. Should be inoculated for best results. (60% Field Pea, 25% Oats, 15% Hairy Vetch) Seed Coverage: - 5 lbs covers 2,000-4,000 sqaure feet - 100 lbs covers 1-2 acres Uses: Green Manure, Nitrogen Fixation, No Till, Organic Matter (Biomass), Weed Suppression

Dwarf Essex Rape (Brassica napus) is a fast-growing, cold-hardy forage crop commonly used for livestock grazing, wildlife food plots, and soil improvement. This leafy brassica produces high-protein, highly digestible forage that remains palatable even in colder temperatures, making it an excellent choice for fall and winter grazing. It is drought-resistant and can thrive in various soil types, providing a nutritious food source for deer, cattle, and other grazing animals. Additionally, its deep root system helps improve soil structure and reduce erosion. Due to its rapid regrowth, Dwarf Essex Rape is a valuable option for sustainable pasture management.

The Thoroughbred Barley is a widely adapted variety of barley that is high yielding, with a great straw strength and a high test weight. This grain is a good standing six-rowed barley. This variety is resistant to powdery mildew and barley yellow dwarf virus. Uses: Bees & Beneficial Insects, Erosion Control, Green Manure, Nitrogen Scavenger, No Till, Organic Matter (Biomass), Weed Suppression

The Pearl Millet is a very tall grass that can reach to be 15 feet tall that is used as a multiple cut forage grass and green manure. This grass is high in protein, digestible and free of prussic acid. The Pearl Millet is perfect used for hay, pasture and silage for feeding cattle, horses, goats and other livestock. The Pearl Millet is also a very good green manure that is well adapted to low soil moisture, low fertility and high temperatures. Uses: Erosion Control, Green Manure, Nitrogen Scavenger, No Till, Organic Matter (Biomass), Weed Suppression