Cover Crop FAQ (Building Soil Over Winter)

I got hundreds of questions on my last video, and most were centered on 3 main topics-(1) when to plant cover crops, (2) what to do when the beds still have crops in them, and (3) alternatives. Here’s my answer (and the logic) for each of those questions. Enjoy!

[@anneg8319]

Wonderful! Thank you!

[@WellGroundedGardens]

I’m glad it was helpful!

[@nancynesytofreske]

Thanks so much for your thorough response! Your prior video on cover crops, crimping, etc was so helpful.

[@WellGroundedGardens]

You’re welcome! I’m glad they’re helpful

[@iameowyn]

So glad I discovered your channel! Thank you for the thoughtful and thorough explanations. One comment about hay as a mulch material 🍀 Decent quality hay is harvested usually just before flowering and there will be no seed in the bales. It also has the added benefit of a ton more nutrients in the material than straw will have. It makes a great mulch.

[@WellGroundedGardens]

Nice! A few of my friends had bad experiences but maybe they had poor quality hay 🤷‍♀️

[@Pamalumpa]

You answered my questions - so helpful!

[@WellGroundedGardens]

I’m glad! 🙂

[@holisticheritagehomestead]

Great video! Be well.

[@WellGroundedGardens]

Thank you!

[@waynesell3681]

Viewing this video is great, really like your presentation.... Thank you.

[@WellGroundedGardens]

Thanks! I’m glad that the structure and the message worked :)

[@meghanschwanke1133]

excellent information and answered questions I had re when/what to plant and if I had waited too late. So helpful

[@WellGroundedGardens]

Great; I’m so glad!!!

[@jessie-2023]

Thank you for sharing this update. I watched the previous video as well and have missed the opportunity this year on cover crops but have added several to my list for next year. I'll leave this comment in case anyone else can relate. I'm a little nervous to plant thick cover crops ..since this year for the first time ever...during our extreme heat ...a snake found refuge in my garden. It definitely makes me think I need to be hyper aware of this potential going forward and maybe consider the spacing of the cover crop. Also if anyone knows of snake deterring plants.

[@WellGroundedGardens]

Yikes! I harvested my potato bags and found a hibernating toad, and that freaked me out badly. I can’t imagine what I’d do with a snake. 😬

[@jessie-2023]

@@WellGroundedGardens oh yes! The garden has been inviting for those this year as well. It scares me every time because they camouflage so well. 😂

[@WellGroundedGardens]

Mine was upside down and I uncovered its feet, first…I had NO idea what I was seeing, at first

[@kelleclark]

Wheat straw can contain Grazon! Caution...

[@WellGroundedGardens]

Good to know!

[@holisticheritagehomestead]

I’ve heard horrible things about grazon. That is good that you posted that for other people to consider.

[@youresoakinginit2113]

I was reading about cover crops on some University Ag Dept Farm website a few years ago, and I was horrified to find the common way farmers are instructed by the "experts" to grow this grain, and that grass and this legume "for the best, balanced soil building for future crops, yada yada. The entire White Paper seemed geared to natural soil building, supporting the invisible critters populating the living soil. "Yay, I've come to the right place!" I thought. THEN, in keeping with the video here, where she knocked down the crop, waited for it to compost in place, etc... THEY SAID TO KILL OFF THE COVER CROP WITH ROUND-UP!!! So the money crop could be planted in time to harvest at the optimal time. All the effort to build the soil for the sake of rebuilding what's been removed over the decades, and they just SPRAY POISON!!! I shudder to think what the beef I've consumed over the last 30-50 years contains in terms of carcinogens/poisons, without even mentioning murdered soil. It's very disheartening. I'll continue to build my soil at home, hope for the best. THANKS FOR THE GREAT VIDEO AND CLEAR INSTRUCTIONS👍 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🍁🍂🌱🌱🌱🍁🍂

[@SteveSerrano65]

Very good video. Great Info! I have finally finished covering my garden with grass clippings and leaves. Great exercise. Looks as if you are still having nice weather. Happy Thanksgiving!

[@WellGroundedGardens]

Happy Thanksgiving! It’s deceptively sunny, here, but cold. :)

[@forestdog]

Great video!! I'm definitely late on cover crops, but I have TONS of leaves looking for a job. Cover crops are on the list for next year. Thank you!

[@WellGroundedGardens]

Awesome! Put those leaves to work. :)

[@frankrahoi609]

A little late for me in the U.P, but great information. Next year!!

[@WellGroundedGardens]

I say that exact phrase every year 🙂

[@kathyley5661]

Great video! I just found you today. So glad i did. Where are you located? Im in Oregon.

[@WellGroundedGardens]

Thanks! I’m glad that it’s useful-I’m in southeastern Michigan, zone 6, but am originally from the Pacific Northwest (eastern Washington). :)

[@myronsliles8970]

I have been told tomato are pollinated by the wind on bees

[@WellGroundedGardens]

Tomatoes are self-pollinating but need to be vibrated for the pollen to get where it needs to go-that’s most often done by bees but in theory wind could vibrate them, as well. You get way better yields with bees in the mix. There are several true wind-pollinated crops but they’re mostly in the grass family (grains and corn) and trees-especially nuts like pecans and hazelnuts.

[@youresoakinginit2113]

Depending on your level of commitment (or need to *be* committed🤭)... I've heard of people who will take a small artist brush (dry) and just go from blossom to blossom, "tickling" each one lightly, then moving to the next. This is when it's absolutely dead calm, and no wind is happening, or bees haven't found your tomatoes yet. I guess it's worth a try if you've had a poor crop in recent years. Remember to rotate crops and not plant tomatoes in the same bed two or three years in a row. Also rotate them with peas/beans/ other legume family... to replenish the nitrogen heavy feeders like tomatoes use a lot of.

[@charlescarlson7544]

Great video! What's your name?