Territorial Seed Company Spring Cover Crop Mix

This blend combines three distinct plants to tackle multiple soil issues at once. The Austrian Field Peas and Hairy Vetch fix nitrogen, while the Oats provide quick biomass to suppress weeds and improve soil structure, creating a more comprehensive soil-building effect than any single variety could offer alone.

The recommended seeding rate is 2 to 4 pounds per 1,000 square feet. For a smaller raised bed or plot, you can scale this down proportionally; just ensure you get good, even coverage across the soil surface.

As the name suggests, this mix is designed for spring planting. It thrives in cool weather, so sow it as soon as the soil can be worked in early spring to give it enough time to establish before you need the space for your summer vegetable crops.

The easiest method is to mow or weed-whack the crop down before it goes to seed, usually when the peas and vetch start flowering. You can then either till the residue into the top few inches of soil or leave it on the surface as a mulch to decompose.

Actually, it does the opposite. This mix provides a habitat for beneficial insects, such as pollinators and predatory wasps, which can help manage pest populations in your garden. It is a proactive way to build a balanced ecosystem.