I'm transitioning my 3000 square feet of garden space from traditional rows to permanent beds. We typically use vetch as a cover crop in the fall and then till it into the soil each spring using a tractor. However, I've decided to stop using machinery and still want to incorporate cover crops. I'm looking for advice on how to handle the cover crops in the spring when I plant my beds. Any tips?
3 Answers
I just rake my beds or use a bed former, especially if I’m not using wood frames. Framing your beds might complicate things without adding much benefit, especially in clay soil like mine. A great approach is to flail mow your cover crop into a mulch, planting directly into that without any tilling, which is better for soil health. If you do need to crimp grass, just remember it can be managed without too much machinery intervention.
Congrats on the shift! It's a big step for your soil health. One method I recommend is crimping the cover crops to turn them into a sort of mulch in place. When you transplant, the residue will help retain moisture. If you're direct seeding, you might need to clear some of the mulch by hand which is doable with some planning. There are also handy techniques like using a board to step and press down the cover crop—definitely check for tutorial videos on that!
If you're planning to handle cover crops without machinery, consider using oats and field peas that naturally die in winter, which could work well in cooler areas. It saves you the hassle of dealing with them in spring! In warmer climates, you might need a different strategy, so think about what fits your growing zone best.
I hear you on the permanent beds! I'm cautious too since I want to prevent soil compaction, but a bed former could be really useful.