Yes! It’s a thing! At Art’s Nursery, we are currently carrying 2 cover crops for your garden that can be planted NOW for maximum benefit for your soil in your garden.
Green Manures are new ways of adding no chemicals to your garden soil to add benefits of nitrogen, and more for soil benefit! We have a mix (in short supply) of Field Rye and something special called a Rejuvenation Mix, both in 2 kg weights.
But what’s the difference? Fall Rye does many things for our soil. It over time (worked into the soil) acts as compost, but due to its soil and root structure, it helps in preventing soil erosion, and overtime assists in the growth of beneficial fungi, and absorption of excess nitrates. Prefect for the diligent home gardener who composts, or adds great compost to your soil. Fall Rye offers Nitrogen, which is important in the building of plant proteins, important in the growth and development of vital plant tissues and cells like the cell membranes and chlorophyll.
Our Rejuvenation Mix is slightly different, because it has more added benefits inside! While it has Fall Rye included, it also has the benefit of Winter Wheat and Fall Peas. The Winter Wheat suppresses weeds, whereas, Field peas still fixes nitrogen into the soil. But the awesome thing about winter wheat as it takes up excess nitrogen when planted in an area of concern, so it’s the perfect balance for a new home gardener!