The Best Cool Season Cover Crop Blend!

Cover crops offer enormous benefits for the home gardener, and those benefits are compounded when using a blend of multiple species. This video focuses on one of the best cool season cover crop blends, a mix which harnesses the power of legumes & cereal grain.
My favorite cool season cover crop blend contains oats, peas and vetch. I share how to plant, how to terminate and how I use this mix in my own garden, as well as the benefits offered by each of the components.
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00:00 Intro
00:53 Planting- timing and how to plant
03:02 How to terminate and use in the garden
07:16 Benefits
#covercrops #zone6gardening

[@brianseybert2189]

A couple years ago I did a winter cover crop mix, used some for a hot compost and the rest I used to mulch my potatoes. The next year did not do a winter cover crop, just mulched my potato bed with shredded leaves, bingo! got a bumper crop of jumping worms. Fortunately, in my pepper, tomato and celery beds I established perennial cover crops (creeping thyme and oregano) to have living roots for the soil microbes all year. Because I did not have to mulch those other beds the jumping worms were not drawn to them, did not come across one jumping worm. Completely redoing the infested bed this spring, because of this video, will incorporate winter and spring cover crops. Enjoy your videos! Stay Well!!!

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Ooh- that is good to know, Brian! Thank you for sharing this. And I love the idea of your perennial cover crops as well.

[@janetmunday1100]

Just spoke to Ann from Johnny’s Selected Seeds and the mix is called Spring Green Manure Mix.

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Yes- that's the one I'm using.

[@lanettelawrence6308]

I’m so happy to see garden life.

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Me too! I'm ready for green!

[@AnteaterRae]

Omg, I'm so excited! I JUST bought this exact mix and have already spread it on to one of my gardens before it snowed again last week. This is so cool, because I originally found your channel when researching buckwheat cover cropping. You have THE BEST video on that, and I have watched it at least 10x. It just goes to show how everything comes back around. Knowledge truly is power, and I'm about to power up this garden. Ty for your great content Jenna, it really is so helpful!!

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

That's awesome, Susan!!

[@Javaman92]

Excellent as always. Looking out at all the snow here I'm a little extra jealous of you. My raspberries will be here next week. I think I am ready! Ah that flashback to summer.... SO nice. Soon winter will be over. I can't wait!!!

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

I'll try you snow for mud 😁. Have fun planting those raspberries!!

[@dustyflats3832]

Same here and more on the way Thursday to Friday-Sigh! My bare root plants won’t arrive until beginning of April and was just informed a crop failure on a climbing rose 😕 I hope that won’t be a future trend.

[@adamdavis785]

That leaf mulch looks great!!

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

It makes my soil happy too!

[@dustyflats3832]

@@GrowfullywithJenna I used chopped oak leaves in some topsoil that was delivered because it was primarily clay and rocks😏and it Really turned it around Big time. It was friable in one season and grew the best brassicas. Now to use a net over Brussels and they will be state fair worthy! So horrible to clean with those cabbage worms 🐛

[@jpage1331]

I need to come spend some time with you Mrs. Jenna so I can learn. 🤦🏻‍♀️💯❤️

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

😊

[@mommadiane7312]

Thanks Jenna. It was great to see how you applied these cover crops to your vegetable garden.

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Thank you!

[@salpine]

So cool to see your channel growing. You’re a great source of information and inspiration. Keep up the great work, Jenna. You’re one of my favorites on YT.

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Thank you so much!

[@GirlScoutC00kiezZzMmhhmm]

I watch for the knowledge and beauty. 😃

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

😊

[@steverobinson5492]

Another great vid Jenna........thanks!!!

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Thanks for watching!

[@JoyoftheGardenandHome]

Thanks for the reminder. I've got to get spreading!

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

You're welcome!!

[@MechanicMark613]

I found the birds love the seed

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Yes- unfortunately they do.

[@deanneidholt1635]

Here in east texas..I planted crimson clover and winter rye last October and have a pretty good cover now..I should have sown a bit heavier but I am pleased with my first winter cover..I used buckwheat during the growing season as we get hot quickly..thanks for your nice videos

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Glad to hear it, Dean! I am a big fan of buckwheat here too!

[@JulesGardening]

Good advice on rain and sprinkler Jenna. Good advice all around. :) Very inspirational! I planted some crimson clover in the shed bed area back in January just to see if it would germinate, zone 7b. It did. I like your chop, drop and make room to plant. And the second example, too. 👍 Fantastic demonstration!

[@JulesGardening]

Excellent scientific explanation, too, on nitrogen fixation. 👍

[@JulesGardening]

Boy, I cannot wait to use this mix come fall. Thanks Jenna!

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Thanks, Jules! Glad to hear your crimson clover germinated- I love that stuff!

[@davidaleshire4292]

I may have to try this in one of my raised beds, and maybe a garden I maintain for a friend. That one needs a TON of work. 😜

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

I hope you do!

[@mikefrench3800]

You are such a hard worker!!!

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Thanks, Mike!

[@SomeRoomtoGrow]

I’m just about to do this for our hügel beds!

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Nice!! And you reminded me-- I need to sow my hügel beds too!

[@SomeRoomtoGrow]

@@GrowfullywithJenna Happy to help and congrats on 100K!

[@wblack751]

Great video. Jenna you are really keeping me busy!!!!! I have winter rye growing from last fall and I'm anxious to see the results from that but maybe I'll try this mix nest year. I really like the green manure aspect of this and it's much easier and cheaper than running around trying to get horse manure or other things to add. Thanks again, your videos are a huge help. I also got pro mix bx (had to get a 60 lb bag but I can share it with my friends) and I have a led light on its way. They didn't have the one you reviewed but recommended the Slim 100 Dimmable LED . It's a lot less money and should do fine for what I do. Last year it was weed control, this year heathier plants. Your videos have made a huge improvement to my (and friends I share your info with) gardens. People are stating to think that I know what I'm doing LOL. Have a great day !!!! 🥕🌽🍅

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

I'm glad to hear it!! I hope this year goes great for you!

[@fredrickvoncold]

Your plants look amazing, im trying cover crops first time.

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Glad you're giving cover crops a try!

[@CurlyQsgarden]

Excellent video!!

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Glad you liked it!

[@brianczuhai8909]

That's another nice one!

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Thanks!

[@kittiew260]

Excellent video Jenna. I just got my spring cover crops in as well. Appreciate input on termination & using as a living mulch

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Thanks! Glad to hear you've got your spring cover crops in!

[@GardenerGray]

Very educational as always. Thank you 👍

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Thank you!

[@tonik9724]

Thanks for the great explanation on how to utilize and work with the cover crops among other food vegetables. .

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

You are very welcome- thanks for watching!

[@michaelmarchione3408]

Great info! Thank you! Take care!

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Thanks, Michael!

[@MatthewConnorsPhoto]

Purchased as similar mix and dispersed it in my beds last week. You've inspired me to give a quick spring cover crop a go. Always assumed that there wasn't really time here in NE Ohio for a spring cover crop before I began filling my beds. I also purchased some red clover and plan to spread it around in between some of my plants and continue to crop-and-drop through the summer - such as tomatoes as you explain. thanks for the content.

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Great to hear!

[@samvimes1482]

Thank you so much, I really enjoyed all the great information that you managed to put in. Last year my peas withered and died, again. I really should try another type, more suitable for cooler climates. Really enjoy peas as they taste great as they are and on top of that, produce flowers! Yay peas 🙂

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Yay peas, indeed!!

[@RealBradMiller]

I think you told me to let you know how the Black Knowlian morning glory did... Well... They have been sitting in my kitchen... And have about ten buds overall, looks like it will bloom tomorrow. They aren't pot bound, but they are in a four inch terracotta pot and only about twelve inches tall. I'm going to wait to see the flower then cut it all back, then pot it up sometime next week. Thanks for the video, I have tons of crimson clover seed I use as a cover crop, but I'll look for a mix next time I'm at the supply store! Looks like we will be quite cold here in Ohio for the rest of March, I hope April holds no frosts!

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Thanks for the update, Brad! When they fully open, I'd love to know what you think of the color.

[@RealBradMiller]

@@GrowfullywithJenna I love it, my expectations were low for having a dark MG, but I am pleasantly surprised; I am sure it will change slightly once planted outside, for better or worse. I made it my profile picture, since we can't share pictures here( should update soon) Here's to a bountiful harvest for all of us! Cheers. ✌️😎

[@wingrider1004]

I'm going to try this mix...I'm growing buckwheat right now. It really does improve the soil. Carry on, good elf 👍

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

I hope you like this mix as much as I do!

[@dustyflats3832]

I love seeing the wider row in ground planting for those of us that can still bend, it is Soo much more cheaper And easier to irrigate. I’m working on new and old areas this year and I think I will try a cover crop. I have sand. It erodes like sand in an hourglass-These Are The Days Of Our Lives🤣🤣. Last year I piled high any leaves, horse and rabbit manure that I could find. I dug the narrow walk paths and threw that dirt on top of first layer and filled the paths with bark. My thinking is that I could shift the rows in a few years and that deep bark path will be a great base. We need to hold onto water here. My concern is will I have enough dirt to plant into? I’m not keen on buying hordes of compost. I think the cover crop could give me a good base and bind those layers. I love my sandy soil, but need to beef it up. Great info, thanks! And what the heck is with the train crashes-3 in less than a month?! Hmmmm Z5a, WI and we are get 4-8” +? Thursday night to Friday. I’m getting my hat out like Clinger and declaring “It’s SPRING Sr.!😂😂

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Haha- got a kick out of the days of our lives reference. I've never gardened in sand but I think you've got the right idea with beefing up your sandy soil.

[@franksinatra1070]

I'm still a novice at cover crops but did put down vetch and red clover in the fall that has overwintered. I also have some buckwheat coming to me that I was planning on growing around my peppers eggplants and tomatoes. Is it true if you cut them back just as they're ready to bloom you get max nitrogen from the vetch and legumes? I think I read or say that someplace. I try and practice no dig as much as possible so I'll probably just take the sheers to them rather than turn them in.

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Yes- according to the Penn State Ext: "If it [the cover crop] is terminated when it is still young and lush, before it has produced flowers and seed, carbon-to-nitrogen ratios are lower than if terminating when the cover crop is mature."

[@jimmason1072]

I like my winter rye also....summer rye is good also...😉...well you must have done this video before that March 3 Texas Low...or you got rain....while we (north of you) got snow and ice....I did see 3 Robins...the first if the season tonight...so that is a great sign for spring....I thought maybe you would have planted some peas today....?

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

It was rain here.... so much rain!!

[@suzdawg]

I sowed some cover crop for the first time ever, back in the fall. And I was literally just wondering if I could add some more and how to terminate it. I was also wondering if it would grow back after chopping at the base. Doesn’t look like it. Thanks for the informative video!

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Did you plant this same cover crop mix? Some cover crops can come back (rye is notorious), but some of them will not.

[@christophergetchell6490]

I'm in 6a and right now, I'm debating on putting in some cover crops for an area that I plan on growing corn sometime in either late May or June.

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

I definitely would!

[@gratefulMOMent]

Excellent video. You answered a lot of questions I have. Always a big fan!! I bought a pea & oat blend but it has no vetch. So is that still a good blend? Or should I add the vetch? Also…What would happen if I never cut the pea & oat blend? For e ample, what if I used this in my parking strip (I live in town) & leave it to flower? Thank you!!

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Yes- just the peas & oats as a blend will give you plenty of benefit. If you never cut, it will eventually die back on its own. And it's most likely that it will reseed itself.

[@joanies6778]

Excellent demo and explanation. So, you don't pull up the roots and they don't grow back?

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Correct- they do not grow back- and leaving the roots intact is beneficial for the soil. The only time I have an issue with grow back with this particular mix is if I don't get it cut soon enough and the plants go to seed.

[@ube4856]

I'm still trying to get my head around cover crops in the garden. Since it's spring now, I'd like to do it, especially as a mulch (last year my soil was so dry because I only had a thin layer of wood chips from previous years and I don't want to do wood chips again). Do I still have time to do this spring cover crop? I'm in zone 7a, Wilmington Delaware. Does this last as a mulch through the summer? How does this seed mix compare to buckwheat for growth rate (now from your other video that that's fast)? I loved the footage of your mature tomatoes and basil; the mulch layer looked so thick. That's what I need! I'm loving the content of your videos, very how to friendly!

[@ube4856]

I was also thinking of doing rye in my walkways and then harvesting that as mulch for my garden beds. Could I still lightly walk on it?

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Hello! Given that you're further south than me, I would not recommend planting this mix now. You're going to want to look at warm-season cover crops at this point in the season. Buckwheat is a warm season, and much faster maturity than this mix. You could also consider things like cowpeas, oats, or sorghum- sudangrass (the latter will give you the most biomass). Rye will handle a very small amount of foot traffic.

[@helenaddington1672]

How about using battery powered hedge clipper to cut down the mulch?

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

I think that would work well!

[@janetbryan6717]

Jeanna, would I plant and terminator red clover the same way?? Is it ok to let it flower because it is so beautiful?

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Hi Janet - are you using red clover (Trifolium pratense) or crimson clover (Trifolium incarnatum)? I'd recommend allowing both to flower prior to termination, but your termination methods are going to be a bit different. Check out SARE's website for more info: www.sare.org/publications/managing-cover-crops-profitably/legume-cover-crops/red-clover/?highlight=red%20clover www.sare.org/publications/managing-cover-crops-profitably/legume-cover-crops/crimson-clover/?highlight=crimson%20clover

[@esthersdaughterlong8149]

Great information. What do you use for your 🍅 plant's instead of a 🍅 cage?

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

The tomato supports you see at about 05:28 are these tomato cages: www.gurneys.com/product/tomato-cage I only use these for determinate tomatoes. I use cattle panel trellises for my indeterminates.

[@dustyflats3832]

@@GrowfullywithJenna I have to say that pruning doesn’t seem to benefit my tomatoes. I had some I threw in another area and just caged them and they were much more prolific and very late if any fungus issues. I think the other thing is air flow and not planting too close. I grew others tied to cattle fence and nipped suckers. Not as much production so I think cages are in order and let them be. Hotter summers the tomatoes need the vegetation.

[@marilyndaley1766]

I noticed your tomato cages. Where are they from? Thank you for all your videos. I too live in Zone 6 or 6a.

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

I got them here: www.gurneys.com/product/tomato-cage

[@marilyndaley1766]

@Growfully with Jenna Thank you! Really enjoy the knowledge that you share.

[@GibClark]

👍👍👍👍

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

💚

[@azfarsyed7082]

We love to visit, stay where have , B& B Facilities, Paying guests facilities.We believe that Overheated Earth & 7 Continents.Need Awareness Need, Sincere Citizens not selfish ? Friendly with Natures not Frauds ' s natures? Thanks your efforts .More Orga Seeds Soils not sick 😷 with toxicology, toxic.

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

We definitely need more awareness 💚

[@Lynismael]

Fantastic information Jenna! This will be my first time trying cover crops thanks to you. For the formula of this mix (Peas 60%, Oats 25%, Vetch 15%) is it by weight or number of seeds? Thanks so much!

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Yay! I'm glad to hear you're trying cover crops this year, Lyn! The mix is by weight.

[@Lynismael]

@@GrowfullywithJenna thank you!

[@kathrynfranz3277]

I love cover crops, too, but usually have great difficulty with the "termination" stage. I planted this mix last year, and although I cut it back, it did not completely terminate. The buckwheat that I planted another year also did not fully terminate, but continued to reseed and regrow. Any solutions? Great video! I'll check out the others that you ID'd.

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Not sure if this was the case with yours, but I find that if I miss that window of cutting the plants when they're mature but before they set seed, I have plants that will drop seed and then they regrow. Especially with buckwheat because it's so fast to maturity.

[@marymccormick7806]

I have tried (experimented) using cover crops - late fall seeding. Cereal rye once & mixed seed another. Don’t think I got the terminating timing down either. (Partly because plants were beautiful!😮) You have inspired me to try again. Termination may be a video topic

[@kathrynfranz3277]

@@marymccormick7806 I know that will annual rye, the termination is turning it all over in early spring which is very labor intensive for this 72 year old! It did break down quickly, though. A recent soil test shows that my 'organic matter' level is quite high, so the main reason I'd use cover crops would be for weed management and soil protection. I agree that termination maneuvers would be a great video topic! 😊

[@johnjude2685]

Having problems with birdhouse gourge in clay base mid Ohio would hairy Veatch be a good choice and I'll break ground and broadfork also this week is my plan. My cousin a 2nd grade teacher and hopes she can get 22 for her class. Thanks

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Vetch could certainly help!

[@jacobflaschenriem6504]

Just a idea. Instead of using a weed Wacker use a hedge trimmer. Less mess

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Great idea! We don't have a hedge trimmer, but it certainly seems like it would be a better tool for this!

[@kathrynfair4072]

I use chopped leaves as a mulch in my Veggie garden. Would it benefit me to also use spring cover crops planted in my leaf mulch, or is the leaf mulch enough to help fix nitrogen in my soil? I'm intrigued how you use the cover crops.

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

This mix- especially the legumes that fix nitrogen, could work well in combination with the leaf mulch. You just have to be sure your mulch is not so thick that the plants have a hard time rooting down into it.

[@marymccormick7806]

When I did a fall seeding- I did cover with too much leaves and only the edges germinated. So- be mindful.

[@jessicaproulx7228]

Could i do this in my high tunnel or would it cause rotting?

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

The cover crop itself shouldn't be an issue in a high tunnel.

[@elaineallen1935]

do you recommend using a cover crop to be somewhat left for chickens?

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Yes you can definitely do that!

[@bojinovm]

what you need is a scythe and not a weed wacker

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Yes, you're probably right. Unfortunately I don't have a scythe, so just using what I've got 😄.

[@sammyboyde6489]

Wonder if this mix will summer kill if planted late?

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

It very well may!

[@julie-annepineau4022]

We often go from snow cover to 15c within 2 weeks and frost free less than a month after that. Would this have time to be of benefit before I would need to terminate it for summer crops?

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

It would be cutting it pretty close. You could underplant your tomatoes and use it as a fall cover crop though.

[@julie-annepineau4022]

@@GrowfullywithJenna Thank you! Our falls are much nicer than our spring here. Will try this year!

[@henrystyle4879]

To much dead plant matter for me. This is why I just use white clover. Stays lows and easy to cut down.

[@Mugsmaster]

Why would I plant a cover crop in the spring when I want to plant vegetables?

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

If you're planting early, cool season crops, I would not plant now. But I like to use this to fill the couple of months gap between now and when I'm ready to plant summer crops or fall crops, such as I showed with the tomatoes and basil.

[@dustyflats3832]

@@GrowfullywithJenna good to know. I’m not planting anything too early this year as I despise covering everything from frost and the anxiety. So I may be able to get a cover crop in even for spring crops?

[@chiefredbird7315]

Trap crops

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Do you use peas, oats and/or vetch as a trap crop? I've not used these specifically for this purpose- though I find that some of my other covers can work as trap crops- such as collards.

[@gratefultedd969]

You are so on top of all this. But please stop disturbing the soil. The mycos are never going to provide any benifit. But you arent thinking about the benifit of fungal. Chop, drop, compost and more mulch from local green manure. Stip stirring the soil. Just add on top like a forest would do.... Please.

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

I understand where you are coming from. My tactic is minimal soil disruption. I absolutely realize how important it is to allow fungal networks and other microorganisms to populate the soil without being disturbed. However, I've found that when starting with problematic soil, sometimes a minimal amount of tillage/forking/digging helps- by allowing me to aerate and incorporate organic matter deeper into the heavy clay. After this initial disruption I try to avoid additional mixing. If I were starting with soil such as in a forest, I would not need to mix-- unfortunately I'm often dealing with soil that has been stripped through years of conventional agriculture and is rich in clay with hardpan underneath. I've tried starting beds entirely via the no-dig/no-disruption method and have found that unless I address the issues with heavy soil and poor drainage underneath, the results are less than optimal.

[@dustyflats3832]

@@GrowfullywithJenna I have to agree about getting air to the soil. It is a must with clay as I’ve learned. Same reason I don’t farm worms-they belong in my garden to aerate the soil while they fertilize. I have enough to do and they can do their job in the garden. I will try a perforated feeding station in the garden row this year and see if that helps. Hopefully the cover crop will hold more moisture so I see more worms.

[@gratefultedd969]

@@GrowfullywithJenna great answer. Thanks for taking the time. Very viable reasoning.