A healthy soil is the foundation to a thriving garden. Understanding what to plant in the off season can strengthen that foundation. Different plants cater to various soil needs. Here's a comprehensive guide on when to plant enrich your soil.
1. Boosting Nitrogen Content
A simple soil test can let you know if your adequate nitrogen levels. If your soil requires an increase in nitrogen levels, cover crops are an excellent option. Plants such as crimson clover, fava beans, and hairy vetch are ideal for boosting nitrogen. Additionally, legumes play a pivotal role. Fava beans, peas, clover, and hairy vetch can directly enhance soil by fixing nitrogen at their roots.
Fava Beans
Fava beans can be grown in the spring and fall as they like cooler weather. By choosing a heartier type like Aquadolce Claudia you can be less concerned about frost as they can survive soil temperatures as low as 20 degrees Fahrenheit. Planting in October / November will result in a May / June harvest. Once harvested remove plants fully and start your spring planting with the benefits of nitrogen in your soil.
2. Enhancing Phosphorous and Potassium Levels
Most soil test will also tell you about the phosphorous and potassium levels. When the soil is low on phosphorous or potassium, consider planting common buckwheat. This crop will help replenish these essential minerals and enhance the fertility of your soil.
Winter Wheat
Winter Wheat can be grown in the spring and fall as this plant also likes cooler weather. The plant will go dormant over the winter so it can withstand the cold temperatures of winter. Planting in October / November will result in a May / June harvest. Once harvested till the garden and start your spring planting with the benefits of the phosphorus and potassium levels restored.
3. Breaking Up Compacted Soil
For soils that have become too hard and compacted, crops with extensive root systems are the solution. Annual grasses, wheat, oats, and rye not only help in breaking up the soil but also contribute to biomass building. Delving deeper, oil seed radish and cereal rye are excellent for combatting compaction further down the soil profile. On the other hand, plants like oats and buckwheat address crusting near the soil's surface.
Oilseed Radish
Oilseed Radishes prefer the cooler weather of the fall. They can survive soil temperatures as low as 20 degrees Fahrenheit. Planting is best done four to six weeks before the first frost. Harvest once mature or lift them in November. Leaving them in too long will result in them being woody and will cause a loss in flavor. Once harvested remove plants fully you will find it easier to work with your previously compacted soil in the spring.
4. Aerating Soil and Improving Water Penetration
If soil compaction has led to poor aeration, tillage radish or daikon radish is the remedy. These crops excel in enhancing soil aeration and water infiltration. Moreover, Clover Seeds, Hairy Vetch Seeds, Rye Gras Seeds, and mustards all support a healthy soil structure.
Hairy Vetch
Hairy Vetch should be planted just after yoursummer harvest, in late summer and early fall. Plant before hard frost as the seeds will not germinate if it is too cold. This plant is not recommended in areas where cattle or horses graze as it can be toxic to them. In the spring till up your garden and enjoy planting in the aerated soil.
5. Improving Clay Soils
Clay soils can be challenging to manage. To improve them, opt for buckwheat, clover, and wheat. Clover, being a nitrogen-fixing legume, holds a dual advantage. It forms a symbiotic relationship with bacteria, enabling it to capture nitrogen from the atmosphere and infuse it into the soil.
Clover
When planting Clover in the fall aim for August to mid-September. Clover does best in the cooler temperatures. In the spring till up your garden bed to preparing for planting. The clay soil will mix with the clover material and become more conducive for healthy plants in the spring.
By understanding and choosing the right plants you can promote soil fertility to ensure gardens flourish for seasons to come. Our dedication and discipline in the off seasons will lead to beautiful and bountiful gardens.