Re: cover crop
- To: pumpkins@mallorn.com
- Subject: Re: cover crop
- From: S*@aol.com
- Date: Wed, 7 Oct 1998 23:38:25 EDT
In a message dated 98-10-07 17:08:03 EDT, you write:
> Hi Everyone,
>
> What is the purpose of having a cover crop? I live on the central coast in
> California. Should I be worried about doing this? Also, while I am at it,
> What should I do with my old vines from this years crop? Thank you.
>
> Karri
Hmm, well a cover crop can take in nitrogen from the air and fix it into the
soil. (Yep, free fertilizer). Also, it adds a lot of humus to the soil when
worked in, and allows microorganisms and other creatures to feed on it and
break it down to nutrietnts that plants can use.
As for the vines from your old pumpkins, if yopu plan on planting pumpkins
near the same spot next year, clean up ALL of the vines and debris and compost
it somewhere else to be used on some other crop next year. But if your
pumpkins had ANY viral or other diseases this year, it is best to burn the old
vines, etc. It is probably a good idea to destroy the old debris anyway, just
in case. But clean it up so none of the pest will overwinter in it!
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