A good fall cover crop just might be the hardest working
plants you will ever grow. Cover crops also known as (green manure) help to
build productive soil in several different ways
.
Help control weeds…
Some cover crops are good weed blockers. Some varieties
smother weeds with their thick growth and others can release chemicals that
keep weed seeds from germinating come spring.
Help to balance nutrients
Legume cover crops, such as crimson clover convert nitrogen
taken in from the air and convert it into a form plants can use to grow. When the
cover crop is tilled under, the nitrogen is released into the soil. They also
attract beneficial insects when left to flower they attract bees and insects
that help with pollination and insect control in the garden.
Easy to plant
Cover crops are very simple to plant and require minimal
work after they are in the ground. Work up the soil nice and loose. Gently
level with a rake and broadcast seed over the worked soil; then rake over it
again to set the seed into the soil; not too deep, just deep enough to keep the
birds from being able to reach it.
Prevent soil erosion and improve Quality
A lot of times you are left with bare fresh plowed soil
through the winter months which allows the precious top soil to erode. Planting
a good fall cover crop can prevent this and allows increase the tilth (The condition of tilled soil, esp. in respect to suitability for sowing seeds) of your
soil once plowed back into the soil. The organic matter being turned into the
soil loosens the soil and adds nutrients. 
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