Cornell University InsigniaCornell University New York State Agricultural Experiment Station

Cover Crops for Vegetable Growers

Why cover crops?
Soil Health

Decision Tool

Newsletter articles

Early summer
Mid and late summer
Late summer legumes
Early fall
Fall
Early spring

Cover crop information

Annual ryegrass
Buckwheat
Sudangrass
Mustard, spring
Mustard, fall (includes radish, rape, kale)
Red clover
Hairy vetch

Oats
Wheat (includes spelt, triticale)
Rye

Photos

Seed sources



Research

Buckwheat planting date
Buckwheat field preparation

Fertility

Cover crops for early spring

After late-harvested vegetables, fields may be left open over winter with only the decomposing crop residue protecting the ground. There is an opportunity in the early spring to sow a cover crop.

The options are:
Medium red clover. Spring is the common time to sow clover, often overseeded into small grain. If mowed at early flowering, it can provide nitrogen and cover through the summer, even until the following spring.

White mustard. A new option for a short turnaround, white or yellow mustard sown in March or April puts on biomass in May for incorporation at flowering in late May or early June. It is a good weed suppressor and can reduce soil disease pressure.