Re: nurse crops

**E*@aol.com**

JoEllen,
         A nurse crop  is used to allow the main crop to grow and take 
hold. Annual rye grass is mixed  with Kentucky blue to allow it to get 
established and minimize weed seeds from  taking over the Kentucky blue. For legumes, 
the oats would provide the same  benefit plus it really isn't winter hardy 
and would be tilled under in the  spring adding additional nitrogen.
Hope that helps.
denise

Mrs. Know It All of "The Organic Gardeners"
Author "Eat Your  Roses" Pansies, Lavender and 49 other Delicious Flowers
GWA Region 2  Director

"There's a few things I've learned in life: always throw  salt over your 
left shoulder, keep rosemary by your garden gate, plant lavender  for good 
luck, and fall in love whenever you can" 
Practical  Magic  

In a message dated 7/4/2013 9:04:38 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time,  
thehoosiergardener@gmail.com writes:

Can  anyone please explain to me about a nurse crop...such as oat as a 
nurse crop  for legumes...the purpose of a nurse crop is what? and what does 
planting oat  have to do with planting legumes?

Thank  you.

jems

_____________________
Jo Ellen Meyers  Sharp
Director, Garden Writers  Association
thehoosiergardener@gmail.com
www.hoosiergardener.com
Co-author,  The Indiana Gardener's Guide
Author, The Visitor's Guide to American  Gardens
Great Garden  Speakers

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