Mid-summer is when most gardeners are harvesting the fruits of their labor and enjoying fresh seasonal produce, but it is actually a great time to be thinking ahead to caring for the soil your crops depend on.
Cover crops are plants grown to benefit the successful growth of other future crops and as a companion for plants in our vegetable gardens. They help with soil erosion, improve soil health, suppress weeds, reduce pest and disease pressure, increase biodiversity, and can bring a host of other benefits to your farm or garden.
“Cover crops are a great step toward improving your soil and reducing work pulling weeds,” said Lynsey Johnston of Hamilton County SWCD. “This initiative aims to promote sustainable growing practices and soil health among home gardeners, community gardens and local farmers.”
Free cover crop seed packets are available from the Hamilton County Soil and Water Conservation District office, 1721 Pleasant St., Noblesville, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Packets of a peas and oats mix, buckwheat, and crimson clover are available to home and community gardeners. Each packet covers 100 to 200 square feet.
Why cover crops?
- Soil Health: Cover crops improve soil structure, increase organic matter, and support beneficial soil organisms.
- Erosion Control: They protect against soil erosion by providing ground cover.
- Weed Suppression: Cover crops can outcompete weeds, reducing the need for herbicides.
- Nutrient Management: They help in fixing nitrogen and recycling other nutrients, making them available for current and future crops.
Seed packets are available on a first-come, first-served basis (limit three), so don’t miss out. Visit the Hamilton County SWCD office to pick up your free packets and start benefiting from the advantages of cover crops.
For more information, please call the Hamilton County SWCD office at (317) 773-2181 or visit hamiltonswcd.org/urbanagriculture.
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