Re: "cover crop seeding process"?
- To: Multiple recipients of list <i*@rt66.com>
- Subject: Re: "cover crop seeding process"?
- From: R* T* D* <r*@sierratel.com>
- Date: Fri, 7 Nov 1997 11:42:13 -0700 (MST)
Virginia Lassiter wrote:
>
> Hi Rick [Rick Tasco/Roger Duncan <randrcv@sierratel.com>
> Central California--Zone 8
> Please explain what/why you are doing this:
>
> " --where today we have begun our cover crop seeding process in last
> year's beds as the weather pattern is finally changing and it appears
> that our winter rains may start next week."
Virginia--
We rotate our iris every year from one side of our field to the other.
In last year's beds we plant a cover crop about now, it grows during the
winter, matures in the next Spring. Then we cut it down, mulch it up,
and till it into the soil. Thus "re-energizing" our soil with a good
green cover crop (i.e. green manure) instead of using loads of
chemicals. And the iris seem to love it! But of course to do this, you
must have enough area to rotate your iris planting.
The cover crop consists mainly of oats (over 50%), wheat and other
grains (around 40%), and vetch (about 10%). The grains germinate during
the winter and grow a little, then take off in the early Spring when the
vetch germinates and twirls itself around the grain stalks. Amazing how
that works! Then we cut it down in late March or early April before it
seeds. The tractor then mulches it and tills it in. Presto--instant
organically-energized soil! Then we replant in it during the next
September.
If you have enough ground--try it!
Rick Tasco
Superstition Iris Gardens
Central California Sierra Nevada foothills--Zone 8--the string of 80
degree days (way above normal) appears to be ending as clouds push in
previewing next week's predicted rain or showers.
