Cover Crops for Vegetable Growers
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Early summer
Mid and
late summer
Late summer
legumes
Early fall
Fall
Early spring
Cover crop information
Buckwheat
Annual
ryegrass
Oats
Wheat (includes
spelt, triticale)
Rye
Sudangrass
Reed Canarygrass
Arugula
Mustard,
spring
Mustard, fall
Forage
Radish
Forage Turnips
Red
clover
Hairy Vetch
Field Peas
White
Clover
Spring
mustard Click to
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In the Northeast yellow mustard is used as a
spring-planted cover crop before regular season vegetables,
particularly for reducing root rot. It also adds organic
matter, breaks up hardpan and suppress weeds in the following
crop. Land preparation
Firm seed bed free of weeds to ensure a good stand. Available nitrogen levels at 120 lb N/ac. May require sulfur application at 6:1 N:S. Vegetable land often has sufficient nutrients.
Seeding rate
Drill 10-12 lb/ac with grass seeder.
Broadcast 10-15 lb/ac. Cover 1/2 in. After seeding roll the ground to improve seed to soil contact but not to break up soil aggregates.
Seeding date
April. Can also be frost seeded in March or early April.
Seed sources
Rupp Seeds (Caliente), MinnDak Growers (Tilney)
Maintenance
None
Control
Do not let mustards go to seed.
Incorporate at flowering (mid-late May).
For better disease suppression, flail mow into fine pieces and incorporate immediately. Press lightly to contain biofumigant. Works
Tips
Do not use in rotations with other Brassicas.
If used as a biofumigant, allow it to work for 1-2 weeks before preparing to plant.
