Cover Crop Scatter Can

Renee's Garden Scatter Can This vigorous cover crop chokes out weeds, holds and protects soil structure and builds soil fertility. Balanced mix of nitrogen-fixing legumes, annual grasses, soil penetrating roots and cleansing brassicas. Cover crops are a beneficial and often necessary part of the seasonal garden to both protect and enhance garden soil. Cover cropping solves the problem of leaving garden soil bare during the winter when wind and rain and frost heaving erode top soil and leach out nutrients. The use of cover crops creates garden soil that is fertile with the best structure to grow healthy plants. Ample 3 oz. of seed protects 500 sq.ft. Seed is packed with a larger quantity of organic rice hulls to help space seeds. Before opening, shake the can thoroughly, mixing it together. FORMULA MIX Winter Rye, Hairy Vetch, Fava Bean, Rapeseed, and Austrian Winter Peas. Inert material: organic rice hulls.  WHEN TO PLANT In Mild Winter Climates, where the ground does not freeze hard, sow in late fall to over-winter for spring growth. In Cold Winter Climates, where the ground freezes hard, plant in fall for winter die back and then incorporate in spring, OR sow as early as possible in spring..  HOW TO PLANT AND GROW Remove all weeds, grass, and large stones from the planting area and break up soil clumps. Evenly loosen the top 2 inches of soil with a rake. Shake the can thoroughly before opening, then scatter contents evenly over the prepared ground, aiming to scatter the seeds 1 to 2 inches apart. Use a rake to cover the seed mixture with fine soil 1/4 to 1/2 inch deep. Lightly firm soil with the back of the rake and water thoroughly. Keep soil bed evenly moist while awaiting germination and while seedlings are small. Plants will grow and thrive best if watered regularly. INCORPORATING YOUR COVER CROP Method 1: When 5 to 6 inches tall, use a garden fork, shovel, or rototiller to turn the cover crop into the ground to break down and enrich the soil for planting. The breakdown process takes about a month. Method 2: When cover crop is 1 foot tall, pull out the plants, shake off the soil and then compost the plant material to incorporate it into the soil later, when it has turned into rich, finished compost. Timing depends on how long your composting process takes. Method 3: When cover crop reaches 1 to 1-1/2 feet tall, weed whack to chop it down. Cover the chopped material with black plastic to hasten decomposition, then turn the nutritious residue into the soil 2 to 3 weeks before sowing your garden crops.