Cover Crops-Green Manures & Soil Restoration

[Heather K]

Link to blog post- http://transitionwhatcom.ning.com/profiles/blogs/cover-cropsgreen-m...     Draft copy below:

With Pleasure I Walk Through our Small Garden, tossing cover crops seeds under the still standing fall plants, knowing the seeds when sprouted will protect the soil from erosion, increase soil tilth, increase bio-mass, and result in some food for both the birds & our family.
My Favorite Autumn Cover Crops for Sowing are Crimson Clover, Fava Beans, & Tyfon Greens.

I often spread a thin layer of straw (not seedy hay), onto any bare soil. Be careful not to bring in hay that can contain seeds from thistles & grasses that can sprout where you don't want them....as even straw can have a few unwanted seeds! I have friends who use the hay to protect & overwinter their tender plants too.

Nature's system protects the soil & does not leave it bare to the rains...either weeds sprout to protect bare soil, or in the forest & meadow, there is always something either growing above the soil, or mulch laying on top protecting from the rains effects of compaction & erosion..

More Info with Recommended Books on my transition-ning blog post at: http://transitionwhatcom.ning.com/profiles/blogs/cover-cropsgreen-m...