Cover Crops

Planted thickly, this tall summer annual has broad leaves that smother weeds. Bees love the flowers but turn Buckwheat under about 10 days after flowering to avoid the seeds dropping. Buckwheat is perfect for quick plantings in spring and summer. Use 40 kg/acre. 500g sows about 40sq.m (400sq.ft). (open pollinated seeds)

This hardy annual is a great nitrogen fixer. Crimson clover needs fairly well-drained soil that is not too acid and has good phosphorous levels. If overwintered, it will be 45cm (18") tall, with crimson flowers the next June. Use 25lbs per acre; 500g covers 185sq m (2000sq ft). (open pollinated seeds)

Fall Rye is a soil builder. This cereal grain grows quickly in the fall and survives winter weather even in zone 3. It bursts into growth in the spring so try to turn under or cut back before it reaches 30cm (12"). It is harder to turn under when it is 1m (3') tall. Extensive roots loosen topsoil and improve drainage. Seed no deeper than 5cm (2"). Use 30-60kg/acre. 500g covers about 30sq m (300sq ft). (open pollinated seeds)

This fine black powder contains beneficial micro-rganisms that attach to roots of legumes such as peas and beans. They create swellings on the roots that make atmospheric nitrogen available to plants for their growth instead of from the soil or purchased nitrogen fertiliser. Wet the seeds in a bowl outside, with 1/4 teaspoon water to 56 grams of seed (3 Tablespoons to 500 grams, 1 cup water to 55lbs seed) and add the inoculant powder. Use the moistened seed within 24 hours. Please keep the inoculant package cool, since it contains a living organism.

This fine black powder contains beneficial micro-rganisms that attach to roots of legumes such as peas and beans. They create swellings on the roots that make atmospheric nitrogen available to plants for their growth instead of from the soil or purchased nitrogen fertiliser. Wet the seeds in a bowl outside, with 1/4 teaspoon water to 56 grams of seed (3 Tablespoons to 500 grams, 1 cup water to 55lbs seed) and add the inoculant powder. Use the moistened seed within 24 hours. Please keep the inoculant package cool, since it contains a living organism.

This nitrogen fixer is a lanky and sprawling but versatile legume that is fairly tolerant of acid soils. Apply garden inoculant to seeds before planting. It can be mown in spring to supply good mulch and is shade tolerant. Use 7-18kg/acre. 500g covers about 9sq m (100sq ft). (open pollinated seeds)

The fast growth of this soil builder makes oats ideal for sowing in the spring for erosion control or quick tilling. Planted in August, oats will put on a lot of growth and, in most winters, will be killed by frost. The dead plants will protect your soil for the winter. Per acre approx. 30-60kg. 500g covers about 30sq.m (300sq.ft). (open pollinated seeds)

This fine black powder contains beneficial micro-rganisms that attach to roots of legumes such as peas and beans. They create swellings on the roots that make atmospheric nitrogen available to plants for their growth instead of from the soil or purchased nitrogen fertiliser. Wet the seeds in a bowl outside, with 1/4 teaspoon water to 56 grams of seed (3 Tablespoons to 500 grams, 1 cup water to 55lbs seed) and add the inoculant powder. Use the moistened seed within 24 hours. Please keep the inoculant package cool, since it contains a living organism.

This hardy annual soil builder has tall flowers that grow vigorously to provide lots of material for weed suppression and compost. Bees simply adore the fragrant purple flowers. They're easy to pull and will self-sow but do not re-grow after tillage. 500g covers about 93sq m. (1000sq ft). (open pollinated seeds)

Sweet Lorane is a hardy annual. This small-seeded broad bean is a popular nitrogen fixer. The large brittle plants work in easily with front end tillers, or can be cut and composted. Turn plants in before the seeds start forming, 2-3 weeks before you want to plant in that spot. Apply Garden inoculant to seeds before planting. Seed 5cm (2") deep, 5cm (2") apart, in rows 30cm (12") apart or broadcast and till in.
We suggest using 50-100kg/acre; 500g covers about 10sq m (100sq ft). (open pollinated seeds)

This low-growing perennial clover is for paths and will also add diversity to lawns. Flowers attract and nourish beneficial insects. 6kg/acre. 500g covers 300sq m (3000sq ft). (open pollinated seeds)

This nitrogen fixer tolerates somewhat heavier soils and can be planted slightly later in the fall than crimson clover. Be sure to cover seeds 4-7cm (11/2-3") when planting. Use a garden inoculant on seed before planting for maximum nitrogen fixation. Seed 1-3" deep. 45kg/acre. 500g covers about 30sq m (300sq ft). (open pollinated seeds)