Cool Season Cover Crops to Plant Now!

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Use code 60GROWFULLY to get 60% OFF + FREE SHIPPING on your Green Chef box at bit.ly/3OvkaRP

[@dawnlapuh4248]

Finally….someone in my zone. Someone who responds to their video posts. Someone who is so advanced in gardening. Someone who shared primary website support. Jenna, can we do lunch? I have a list of questions (seriously). I have been a KZbin gardener for like 8 years, smh, and still feel so inadequate. So happy to find you! Thank you, sincerely

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

I've been gardening since birth (basically) and STILL feel inadequate 😆. Every year I just learn more about what I don't know-- and how complex natural systems truly are. But I love that it's always a chance to learn (though sometimes it can be frustrating). Feel free to email me with questions! [e-mail]

[@dawnlapuh4248]

@@GrowfullywithJenna HI Jenna, sincerely appreciate your support. Will definitely be seeking your advice. Wish we were neighbors! Racing to beat the frost this day. Hoping all is well with you and yours, sincerely

[@alensley1368]

Planted crimson clover in VA. last fall and it was beautiful in the spring. Planted more about a week ago. Also tried a mixed variety last year with peas, vetch, mustard, daikon radish and winter wheat. It done well also. If I thought our garden would be as bad as this year(drought) I'd plant mostly cover crops.

[@emkn1479]

I threw tiller/forage radish out in a rough area and they’re germinating! A great resource I just found is the deer hunting section at Tractor Supply. They have bags of seed for a pretty good price (no shipping, locally available)-I was so happy to find them! They call their daikon “deer radish,” and they have other types as well. I’ve seen bulk seeds at other feed/farm stores in the area. I get overwhelmed with all the online options, I was so glad to find something nearby. This was my first attempt, but I can see that I’ll be getting into it more in the future, for sure!

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

What a great find! And a great tip for many others who are looking for seed!

[@emkn1479]

@@GrowfullywithJenna after watching your video, I’m pretty sure I sowed it too heavy, but it’s ok, I’ll know better for next year. I’ll take any small benefit I can get in this soil.

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

@@emkn1479 I've sown them too thick many times! You still get a lot of nice ground cover from the top growth!

[@emkn1479]

@@GrowfullywithJenna So excited! And better still, I found bags of mixed seeds at my local Walmart, also for hunting deer. Big bags. Very affordable. Comes up online under “food plot.” It would be super cool if, at some point, maybe over winter, you could gather info on these food plot seeds and evaluate them, based purely on the seeds they contain. Those that have one variety, like tiller/forage radish are pretty obvious, but others that are mixes formulated for deer bring up questions. I wonder if they’re the same things we should be sowing for cover crops…🤷‍♀️🙃

[@johnsix1749]

due to zero rain here in Columbus my oats and peas have no came up but Oil seed radish has!!

[@bdwon]

Still Summer here! 98 degrees Fahrenheit on Sept 22, Central Texas.

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

🥵... makes me glad it's cooling down to the 70's and 80's here in Ohio.

[@anthonymilligan8379]

Thanks Jenna and as we know that even though the end of the season of major gardening is over and sad, it makes me happy to winter over the beds and plant some cold crops. As always your tips and ideas are the best!!

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

I agree- it makes me happy to winter over the beds too, something very satisfying in 'putting the garden to bed' for the winter.

[@MGFBFC]

Thank you you do a great job. Jenna, for mustard to release the glucosinolates the leaves need to be broken up - usually it is tilled in to act as a fumigant.

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Very true! And I do cover that in detail in this video specifically on using mustard cover crop: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nH_dipx_ep52r80si=8Pxx8174sJe3Mary 😀

[@kittiew260]

Perfect! Your a mind reader I swear as I am cleaning up and testing cover crops this season in all my beds to help weeds along with building soil health. Thank you for the video

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

😄 which covers are you trying out?

[@kittiew260]

@GrowfullywithJenna testing mustard, vech, Crimson clover, field peas, and winter rye. I am mixing several as they all have different benefits, so I am learning. I can't wait to see how it benefits my gardens next year.

[@brianseybert2189]

I need to do more cover cropping. Thanks for the resources. Dr. Elaine Ingham noted the importance of living roots in the soil 365 days a year. That is what got me started. Enjoy your videos, Stay Well!!!!

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

They are definitely beneficial in so many ways!

[@dariagoetsch9132]

Great video on cover crops, we love using crimson clover in our garden just because it is so pretty.

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

It's a lovely one for sure!

[@brianczuhai8909]

I just saw your other "The Best Cool Season Cover Crop Blend!" video. Answered the questions I had. These are really, really, good.

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Oh good- I'm glad it answered your questions!

[@brianczuhai8909]

This video with the other one is a perfect companion. Explains where you get your straw like mulch. External Hay/Straw has herbicides. Can’t trust it. Also interesting to see an abundance of cover crop possibilities you could use. Sort it all out. Keep us posted. We’re counting on you Jenna! Don't let us down. 😉

[@jasonknight5045]

winter peas are nice, they're hardy, and they're tissue is soft. so its not difficult to get a bed decomposed and out of the way to plant.i find something like a rye alot of work as they root so strongly. thanks for the vid jenna!

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Very true!

[@Andrea-si2vs]

Ah! Glad you got selected for the trial! I signed up, but wasn't selected for the trial. This is a good reminder that I will need to procure my own seed this season sooner than later.

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Have you done any of their veggie trials?

[@Andrea-si2vs]

@@GrowfullywithJenna I'm doing the collards trial now. Morris heading and the yellow collards did well, but the purple just bolted here in NW Oregon. I'm trying a fall crop to see if I have better success with the purple.

[@michaelmarchione3408]

More good info! Every year I tell myself I'm going to do it...and then I don't. One of these days! Lol! Thanks for the how-to. Also thanks for the kind words about the Canada Goose! My grandfather also made whirligigs, in the 50's to early 60's. I have fond memories watching him. Take care!!!

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

I hope you do give them a try one of these days!

[@deecooper1567]

Didn’t realize it was that late in the year 🥴 Have to visit our farm store ! 👵🏻👩‍🌾❣️

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

This year has flown by!

[@deecooper1567]

@@GrowfullywithJenna that is so true. I wish I still had your energy & endurance. 😉👵🏻👩‍🌾❣️

[@SadhviJenn]

Thank you :)

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

You're welcome!

[@Jacob-qr8pl]

Absolutely fantastic video for the season! Glad I subbed!

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Thank you!

[@debrascott8775]

Thank you!! I am cover cropping for the first time this year and this is helpful!

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Glad it was helpful!

[@Maggie-Gardener-Maker]

Glad I found your channel, yes subbed and liked. I just wanted to say hi from my homestead in northwest Florida. I am in 8b so I'm busily planting seeds in flats for my fall garden, my favorite time of year down here.

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Hello! I’m glad to hear you’re getting to enjoy your favorite time of the year 💚

[@birgitelisabeth9661]

Lots of great information! We are at the end of the third week of September right now which is when this has to be planted. It would have been great if this had come out last week at the latest. Thank you for making this very comprehensive informational video.

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Yes, I wish I could have gotten it finished last week!

[@osmia]

This is a great video. Chock full of information I wanted to know

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

I’m glad it was helpful!

[@corinne7126]

I use red clover in zone 5, it seems to work great. I plant the summer crops in it, use it, white clover and crisom clover as a living mulch. (per Elliott Coleman)

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Good to know!

[@dustyflats3832]

I’m new to cover crops. Trying buckwheat and oat/pea blend in two beds. Thanks for the sites to look them up. I’m cautious about anything that can take over. Apparently buckwheat pulls phosphorus but I suppose if tilled in can release it back. The clover will keep returning as I leave a couple patches for pollinators and they die back and rebloom again. I remember mom planted crownavetch? Basically same as vetch you showed and it can be a bit invasive and a lot of vine. My dad always used winter rye to restart grass where wood pile was all winter. There is an annual and perennial rye that people should be aware of.

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

The main difference between crown & hairy vetch is that crown vetch is a perennial here and hairy vetch is an annual. As long as hairy vetch is terminated before it sets seed, there is no risk of it becoming problematic. It will readily self seed if allowed to go to seed.

[@dustyflats3832]

@@GrowfullywithJenna that explains it. Yes, mom called it crown vetch.

[@TJtheHAWK]

Thanks for this video Jenna. Always wanted to try cover crops but I have a hard time getting them in before it's too late because I always try to get the most out of all my beds. My tomatoes died off early this year however so I will definitely be trying winter rye in their place up here in New Hampshire.

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

I'd love to hear how you like the rye!

[@OhioJeremy]

80 degrees end of September in Ohio, I feel like I should be planting fall tomatoes and peppers. LOL.

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

You and me both!

[@jandevries6660]

corn and turnips... 👍

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Do you use these as cover crops?

[@mikefrench3800]

Great info, as always!

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Glad you think so!

[@colleenmorrison3581]

This is off topic. I have grown amaranth for the wonderful plants. This fall I am trying to harvest the pseudo grain and leaves. I would love a future video on these gorgeous plants. Thank you for all your hard work.

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

The are wonderful plants! We have a whole stand of beautiful volunteers at my mom & dad's place. Would like a general 'how to grow' video on amaranth or something more specific?

[@colleenmorrison3581]

Basic growing for new people. The best varieties for seed harvest and leaf harvest. How to harvest the seeds.(I am struggling a little with that). In my research this year I am surprised at what a nutrient powerhouse it is. I grow love-lies-bleeding and Rojo but I am not sure they are the best for seeds. I really enjoy your videos. They are very encouraging and your info is awesome. I appreciate your hard work.

[@cpoco]

Fantastic information as always (just as well I have the notification bell clicked). I will have to try a cover crop come autumn... we're just starting to get warm here in Victoria Australia so I'm more focused on what to plant out now... but I do love the look of crimson clover.

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

I’d love to hear if you end up giving crimson clover a try!

[@ronfontenot4534]

Bravo!

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

💚

[@kathrynfranz3277]

Lots of good information and great resources! Now, how about more on terminating those cover crops! I've been challenged by that with a number of different ones I've tried. And, I'm clueless about 'inoculating' seeds as is indicated by inoculants being sold. You don't seem to find that necessary. Is it? Many thanks.

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

For termination methods, check out my videos which are specific to individual cover crops, as each have slightly different requirements for proper termination. (All of my cover crop videos can be found here: kzbin.info/aero/PL4zzslvkscX39ZhMYn3TsqP3taiLRt9JF&si=iBlHyA9esVEDlw75 with more to come in the future). Regarding inoculation- you are correct, I don't find it necessary. The inoculants sold for most legumes can be present naturally in soils- however, if you have soil which is very depleted of microbial life & organic matter, an inoculant will likely be helpful for you.

[@Hayley-sl9lm]

I have a good amount of red clover (I didn't plant it, it was just there in the seed bank in my garden). I find it interesting that you can terminate it by cutting -- because that has not been my experience. In some areas where I have still not really established my landscape, and where my native wildflowers have not germinated, I've let it stay and just kind of tended it (with dead-heading) as a nectar source for my bumblebees. It's very persistent in my climate (8b hot dry summers wet mildish but getting less mild winters), I don't think I'd be able to kill it without herbicides, or in my case when I cull them I have to use my mechanical weeder to pull up the taproot and I chop & drop after removing any flowering parts.

[@andreagrowsthings]

Love using buckwheat and daikon radishes. :) I have crimson clover seeds but haven’t planted them yet - need to get on it! :)

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Oh do! You'll love the crimson clover!

[@andreagrowsthings]

@@GrowfullywithJenna it’s so pretty 😍

[@SimonHaestoe]

​@@andreagrowsthingsthat mf grew fast!

[@kathrynfair4072]

Hi Jenna. Can you explain how to terminate a cover crop? I planted a fall cover crop last year. I chopped and dropped like you demonstrated. But the cover crop kept growing back. I had to chop it down several times this year. Am I supposed to pull the roots up and then drop it? It's zone 7 here and my cover crop that I planted last fall is returning on its own right now.

[@dustyflats3832]

I’m also interested as I’m concerned about cover crops being invasive. I know clover returns if it is not dug up. I leave a couple patches for pollinators and it dies back and rebloom send in this drought Z5. Some actually plant in the cover crops, but with my dry location that wouldn’t help moisture levels.

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Termination methods will vary depending on which cover crop you are growing specifically. For many crops, the chop & drop method will not work unless you terminate them at a specific time (such as at pollen drop or bloom stage). Which crop are you growing?

[@paulorth5975]

This was an awesome video. Thank you so much! I may have missed something, but I can't seem to find where you buy your cover crops from. It may be getting a little late to plant, but I want to grow tiller radish since I have super heavy clay soil. I don't know what seed companies I can trust or if it really matters for something like a cover crop 🤷‍♂. Thanks

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Thank you! I've bought from a lot of different sources through the years, but lately I've really been liking Hancock Seed Company for cover crop seed.

[@paulorth5975]

Perfect, Thank you!!!@@GrowfullywithJenna

[@rebeccah11108]

Constantly learning from you. I tried a pea, oat, vetch mix this year and it just kept coming back! We would chop down by hand with shears and it would continue to grow from the cut stems. Any suggestions??

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

When did you plant & when did you cut? For the most part, termination will be the most complete if plants are cut at bloom stage/milky oat stage, as most of the plants' reserves are being diverted into bloom/seed production at this time. That being said, with this particular blend, I've cut it early and have not had trouble with it sprouting back. You could try forking into the soil to disrupt the roots if it continues to be problematic.

[@booswalia]

Is there a cover crop would you suggest planting this spring if I wanted to pause gardening for a year?

[@maryherman5291]

I used to watch these videos Jenna, but there are so many commercials they are difficult to watch.

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

I’m sorry you feel that way. I’ve tried to make them easy to skip over by using time stamps/chapters. It’s hard for me to justify the time and energy spent to create these videos without taking on some sponsors.

[@craigdreisbach5956]

Thank you Jenna. Last year was the first year I planted winter rye. (thanks to you). It germinated in the fall but this spring seemed to be killed by winter. I live in zone 4b-5. Is that unusual for rye not to survive in your experience? One benefit is that it helped control the invasive "Shaggy Soldier" weed (apparently from Mexico). I hope you never get shaggy soldier... spreads profusely. Kind Regards. Craig

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

That is odd! Most reports I've read indicate that winter rye is hardy into zones 3/4. Ryegrass is slightly more susceptible to winter kill- especially without snow cover. I was going to comment that shaggy soldier looks a LOT like what we call quickweed (which we have tons of here)-- but with a quick google search I discovered that they are in the same genus- quickweed being Galinsoga parviflora and shaggy soldier being Galinsoga quadriradiata.

[@craigdreisbach5956]

Thank you for the information. Never had Shaggy Soldier until 3-4 years ago. It needs constant uprooting and/or tilling...otherwise it takes over.@@GrowfullywithJenna

[@darlenesgardenandhome]

Can't plant Rye around here. I'm surrounded by wheat farms and they don't appreciate any rye plants mixing in with their wheat Crops. Rye is viewed as a noxious weed because it lowers the value of the wheat crop if not pulled out.

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Oh! Not too much wheat around here, so I wasn't aware that was an issue!

[@annawakefield4256]

Jenna, what brand are your work bibs? Is it carhartt? I’m shopping for another pair

[@brianseybert2189]

Off subject! Did you see any difference in the garlic you soaked last year? Just curious. Hope all is well!!!

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

I'm repeating the test again this fall, as my results were not entirely conclusive and I had some variables that could have skewed results. That being said- it did look like the soaked garlic overall produced larger bulbs.

[@brianseybert2189]

@@GrowfullywithJenna I think I will give it a try. Picked up some Northern white garlic to plant along with the garlic I saved from my neighbor last year. Because I am attempting to be self sustainable I will soak in a worm/comfrey tea instead of a organic fertilizer. Thanks for your input. Stay Well!!!

[@creel-starr]

There are a couple articles about recent cover crop tests but its not letting me paste them here

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

I'd love to see them. If you are able, send the links to [e-mail] Thanks!

[@MatthewConnorsPhoto]

Good information. Where do you typically purchase your cover crop seeds?

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

I often purchase from Hancock Seeds.

[@Chastitythompson]

Jenna is it too late to plant? I’m in Ohio- your same zone.

[@frogribbit44]

At minute 10:28 can you tell me the name/brand of the sprinkler you have going?

[@mister-action1]

Have you had much rain this summer? I think we had maybe a 1/4 this September. Not much all summer.

[@mister-action1]

I'm in Greenfield IN.

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Late summer here has been so, so very dry. We desperately need rain. I don't think it has rained for the entire month of September, and we didn't have much in August. The leaves are all changing color already (at least 2 week early) and I think it's because of the dry conditions!

[@mister-action1]

@@GrowfullywithJenna Same here. We need rain desperately!

[@shadyacrefarm1005]

Hi Jenna, question about cover crops. I’m in PA one state over. So in the spring do you cut the cover crop and then til it into the soil?

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

You can- but termination time depends on which cover crop you're growing.

[@heatheringram2976]

Jenna where do you buy your cover crop mixes? I’ve poked around online and they can be quite expensive Wondering if I can plant a big bag of pinto beans for my 500 sf garden?

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

I generally just buy them individually in bulk and mix my own. I did get my oat, pea, vetch blend from Johnny's initially (they call it a spring green manure blend)- but I'll be mixing my own of that one too, as it's more cost effective. I use cowpeas a lot as a warm season cover crop- I suspect pinto beans would be fairly similar!

[@MysticSpank]

if you have a farm and seed supply store in your area go there. At my local one there are bulk bins of cover crop seeds. radishes, beets, various clovers, buckwheat etc.

[@Majoofi]

are you adding a background sound of crickets on purpose?

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

No- they're just really noisy this time of year!

[@Majoofi]

@@GrowfullywithJenna Wow! I don't recall ever hearing them while it's that light out.

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

@@Majoofi they are noisy all day here!

[@sandche8995]

That was a long commercial I’m paying whatever it is a month for.

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Skipping over the commercial is always an option.

[@gardener5158]

Are cover crops good for raised beds too?

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Absolutely! Buckwheat (warm season) & mustard (cool season) are two of my favorites for raised bed because they provide benefits without overwhelmingly vigorous growth. I think crimson clover would be nice too!

[@julie-annepineau4022]

Got our first frost last night and another expected tonight before getting warmer again. As I clear the garden I will sow some rye to see how it does in Eastern Canada Winters.

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

I'd love to hear how the rye does for you!

[@mslorischoolsocialworker]

I'm experimenting with oats and wheat this year. Besides the cover crop benefits... free straw!

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Free straw is a huge benefit!

[@johnjude2685]

Did Buckwheat and follow up with the best season of sweet corn ever, and yes, 6a mid Ohio also started dry, and it was a drought. Thanks. Hopefully, my walkways red clover will regrow Thanks, you're the Master Gardener

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

I'm glad to hear it! And I hope your red clover walkways do wonderfully!

[@bagel3703]

I just planted a ton of oats yesterday. Never tried them before. I'm in zone 8 so i'm planting a bit early but we've had great weather.

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

I'd love to hear how they do for you!