Cover Crops Grow Guide

Cover crops are relatively quick to grow and provide an economical solution to replace lost nutrients in the soil in a completely natural way.

Cover crops are fundamental, sustainable tools used to manage soil fertility, soil quality, water, weeds and soil/plant diseases.  They are often referred to as 'green manures' due to the recycling of organic matter and enhancement of microbial activity in soils.

Popular cover crop varieties are Mustard Seed and Lupin. The product benefits are similar – they both add organic matter and nitrogen to the soil and have a cleansing effect on soil by reducing insects, like wireworm that attacks root crops.

Cover crops also act as a weed suppressant while they are growing and are a perfect way to improve soil structure.

Plant cover crops in autumn to grow through the winter season and mulch into the soil before the crops start to flower in late winter/early spring. Rain and wind can cause soil nutrients to be leached and lost over time so cover crops are an ideal way to prepare the soil for spring planting as soil nutrients and health is revitalised.  

It can be tempting to let lupin and mustard seed flower as it is a colourful sight, but to get the best of a green cover crop you need to dig it back into the soil when the stems are still green and soft, but before the cover crop reaches approximately 50 cm.  It is recommended this is done 4-6 weeks prior to planting your vegetable garden.

After the cover crop has been incorporated in to the soil leave it to breath and absorb nutrients before planting your next crop.  Add other organic soil conditioners like Tui Super Sheep Pellets, Tui Blood & Bone or Gypsum for extra nutrition.