{"id":21784,"date":"2023-04-20T09:28:53","date_gmt":"2023-04-20T13:28:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/gardening\/?p=21784"},"modified":"2023-04-20T09:29:46","modified_gmt":"2023-04-20T13:29:46","slug":"rye-grass-and-cover-crops","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/gardening\/2023\/04\/20\/rye-grass-and-cover-crops\/","title":{"rendered":"Should you turn rye grass into the soil in the fall or spring? What other cover crops are recommended?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Question:<\/h3>\n

I use annual rye grass as a green manure in my vegetable garden. Should I turn it into the soil in the fall or in the spring?\u00a0 What other cover crops are recommended for vegetable gardens?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Answer:<\/h3>\n
Pamela Hargest, Horticulture Professional<\/em><\/div>\n

If annual ryegrass is sown in the fall, then it can be incorporated in the Spring. If it is sown in the spring, then it can be incorporated in the fall. Generally speaking, it’s wise to incorporate your cover crop before it goes to seed so it doesn’t reseed in your garden (unless you want it too!). For cover crops that winterkill (killed with the frost), you can leave the organic matter in place and use it as a mulch for your next planting. The organic matter can simply be raked off the beds while planting, then put back in place afterwards. My favorite cover crops for vegetable gardens are peas and oats for the spring and fall and buckwheat for the summer since these crops are easy to manage on a small scale. I’ve included a couple of resources below:<\/p>\n