Cover Crops

In an effort to increase the soil fertility of one of our in-ground beds, and to cut down on weeds while we are out of town, I planted a "cover crop" of barley in the open bed space.

A cover crop, also referred to as "green manure" is a method to introduce nitrogen and other great nutrients into the soil between crops. After growing the crop for a specified period of time, the young plants are tilled/plowed into the soil to improve soil fertility and quality. Typical cover crops include beans, alfalfa, and barley. These crops are also used in commercial-scale farming as an alternative or supplement to nitrogen fertilizer.

I picked up this barley in bulk for about $5 a pound. Before planting I tilled the soil and watered very well. Then I spread a thin layer of barley seed and watered over the top .  I made sure to keep it well-watered during a few hot days but haven't had to do anything else. The barley is sprouting now and should crowd out weed growth until I come back from vacation and plant these areas of the lot.

* You might note in the back of this photo that a lone pumpkin plant has come back from the dead now that I have been watering that area. We may have some jack-o-lanterns from the garden after all!